Coaching Staff

The Michigan Sailing Team is proud to announce that we have hired a full-time coaching staff! As you may know, our team did not have a head coach last season, so the 2023-2024 executive board worked hard this past summer to recruit and select a coach for this year. We are incredibly excited to see how this massive development will transform our team for the better.

The achievement of hiring a coaching staff would not be possible without the generous support of our donors. We could not thank you all enough for everything that you do!

Get to know our staff below!

James cooper — head coach

James Cooper has 55 years of competitive sailing experience, racing snipes with his family in his youth to owning and racing keel boats as an adult. An alumni of the University of Michigan in 1986, Jim commenced a 34 year career as an educator and sailing coach. He is a certified US Sail Level One Instructor and USCG-Licensed Captain, and has spent much of his adult life on the water. Cooper coached multiple high school state sailing championships and nationally ranked teams. He pens and races the competitive J111 earning years of flags and accolades including BYC/MAC overalls. Jim is married to Margaret and the proud father of Lauren and Bobby. 

Trish savage - assistant coach

Trish Savage has 4 years of competitive sailing experience and is a card-carrying member of the Foredeck Union. She has competed in several BYC Mackinac Races and enjoys competing in as many Tuesday and Wednesday races as possible. It all started with the question, “Do you want to be a racer or a cruiser?” and she has been racing ever since. As an alumni of the University of Michigan, Trish works in sustainable energy, collaborating and working on innovative projects that help combat climate change and create a sustainable future.

Joe serpa — assistant coach

Joe Serpa is one of the assistant coaches for the Michigan Sailing Team. He is a graduate student at the University of Michigan studying Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering. Prior to coaching, he sailed for the team throughout his undergraduate tenure and served as Captain in 2022. He is a Level 1 certified sailing instructor and has experience coaching for his local yacht club on Martha’s Vineyard.