Episode #111: Dr. James Bender on Teaching on Boats

This week’s host, John Arndt, is joined by Dr. James Bender to chat his love for being on boats and giving back to the next generation of sailors. He’s spent most of his career as a captain and educator on sailing ships and in outdoor environmental education programs both in the U.S. and internationally.

Hear how he got interested in life on the water, what he learned working on barges, his most memorable deliveries, the magic of education on boats, and why Croatia is the best place in the world to sail.

This episode covers everything from British barges to island hopping. Here’s a small sample of what you will hear in this episode:

• How did James get into wooden boats?
• Where did he grow up?
• How did he end up in Croatia?
• What kind of racing does he do in the Bay Area?
• How did he start teaching on boats?
• What stories does he have from Mystic, CT?
• When did he start delivering boats?
• Short Tacks: What’s his longest voyage?

Learn more about James at Adriatic-Maritime.org and WylieCharters.com.

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and your other favorite podcast spots – follow and leave a 5-star review if you’re feeling the Good Jibes!

Check out the episode and show notes below for much more detail.

Show Notes

• Dr. James Bender on Teaching on Boats
  • [0:22] Welcome to Good Jibes with Latitude 38
  • [0:29] John Arndt
  • [0:46] Subscribe to Latitude 38 at Latitude38.com
  • [0:55] Learn more about James at Adriatic-Maritime.org and WylieCharters.com
  • [2:08] What’s a story that shaped him as a sailor?
  • [2:49] Trinidad
  • [3:08] Mystic, CT
  • [5:37] New London, CT
  • [7:57] Podcast
  • [8:24] How did James get into wooden boats?
  • [12:12] Tortola
  • [13:19] How did James start doing deliveries?
  • [15:26] You can find your closest Latitude 38 distributor at Latitude38.com/Distribution. Did you know every month you can get your copy of Latitude 38 delivered directly to your mailbox? Subscribe at Latitude38.com/Subscriptions
  • Teaching on Boats
  • [16:18] How did James start teaching?
  • [18:38] How did he start teaching on boats?
  • [20:51] Where did he grow up?
  • [21:19] Micronesia
  • [26:12] How did James end up in Croatia?
  • [34:49] Ottoman Empire
  • [38:38] Redwood City, CA
  • [39:34] What kind of racing does James do in the Bay Area? 
  • [41:17] Check out the Latitude 38 Classy Classifieds at Latitude38.com/Adverts
  • Short Tacks
  • [42:54] What’s James’s longest voyage?
  • [43:29] Where hasn’t he sailed but wants to?
  • [46:31] Fjaka
  • [48:16] World Cruising Routes by Jimmy Cornell
  • [48:24] Check out the Latitude 38 Bookstore here for books recommended by Good Jibes guests
  • [48:58] What final thoughts does James have?
  • [50:24] Farallones
  • [50:30] Learn more about James at Adriatic-Maritime.org and WylieCharters.com
  • [50:29] Make sure to follow Good Jibes with Latitude 38 on your favorite podcast spot and leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts
  • [50:35] Got a great sailing story to submit? Do so at [email protected]
  • [50:42] Subscribe to Latitude 38 at Latitude38.com
  • [51:14] Email [email protected] to advertise on this podcast or in Latitude 38 sailing magazine
  • [51:17] Check out the October 2023 issue of Latitude 38
  • Theme Song: Pineapple Dream by SOLXIS

What is Good Jibes with Latitude 38?

Welcome to the world of sailing through the eyes of the West Coast Sailor. Each week, hear stories and tips from West Coast sailors on the topics of community, cruising, and racing. Cast off, laugh and learn, and become a better sailor. Hosted by John Arndt, Nicki Bennett, Ryan Foland, and the team at Latitude 38 – the sailing magazine for West Coast sailors since 1977!

How do I subscribe to Latitude 38?

Thanks for listening to Dr. James Bender & John Arndt on Good Jibes with Latitude 38. Subscribe here to receive Latitude 38 to your home each month.