All Blackjack Sailing staff hold American Sailing Association Certifications and/or US Sailing Instructor Certifications.
Joe Sabatier: Executive Director
Joe comes to Blackjack Sailing with over 10 years experience as a summer camp counselor and camp session director. Joe specializes in camper engagement and learning and has consulted in summer camps in Mississippi and Louisiana. Joe also serves as an instructor. When not at Blackjack, Joe teaches Government and Civics at Oxford High School.
Charley Sabatier: Director of Sailing Instruction
Charley is a certified keelboat instructor through American Sailing Association and was a crew member on the award winning Pachanga in the HHSA racing club. Charley learned by volunteering with a sailing camp for inner city DC kids on the Chesapeake bay called Planet Hope. Charley teaches Physics and is the head coach for the boys soccer team at the Oxford High School.
Jim Sabatier: Board President
Jim is a US Sailing certified small boat instructor. Jim grew up in a boating family and has been a lifelong boater/sailor. After retiring from Ole Miss as a Professor of Physics, Jim sought a way to connect his love of sailing to the development of young people in North Mississippi and established Blackjack Sailing in 2014.