Welcome To
Established 1937
NEWPORT SEA BASE LEADERSHIP
James began working at Newport Sea Base in 2014. He rowed at UC Berkeley, and has medals ranging from winning SD Crew Classic, Pac-10 Championships, and the National Championships. James also picked up both Oarsman of the Year and Pac-10 Newcomer of the Year award along the way. In 2009, James rowed for the U23 National Team. After coaching for Marin Crew, James took over as Head Coach at USC. James left collegiate coaching to focus on NSBR and each year, under his direction, the team doubled in size and was representing on the national stage by year two.
Lacey began coaching at Newport Sea Base in 2018. Lacey coached at UC Irvine before and concurrently until 2020. She rowed at UC Irvine where she won the ACRA National Championship in the Women's 4+. Lacey double majored at UC Irvine in History and Educational Sciences and then completed a M.S. in Educational Counseling with a concentration in school and family counseling from the University of La Verne.
Jack has been a leader in the youth development sector for over 16 years, serving as Senior Program Director at the Newport Sea Base and at the Boys & Girls Clubs in San Diego as Area Director overseeing operations of 7 sites. Specializing in recreation and outdoor education operations, curriculum development, hiring and training, Jack has been recognized by the Orange County Department of Education for marine science program excellence. With the Boys & Girls Clubs of San Marcos, Jack was recognized by the San Diego Department of Education with the award of Best Overall Youth Program for San Diego County. He is a proud member of the Newport Beach Sunrise Rotary and also enjoys volunteering as a youth teacher for Harvest Children's Ministry. Jack is a graduate of University of California, San Diego. He and his wife reside in Orange County and love being out on the water with their two children.
Derek Taylor hails from central Oklahoma, and he attests that the “wind comes sweepin’ down the plain…right behind the rain.” That wind propelled him into a passion for sailing and being outdoors. He raced collegiately at the University of Central Oklahoma, and was the head coach at the Oklahoma City Boat Club, on Lake Hefner. After moving to California, Derek became involved at the Sea Base in 2014 as a sailing instructor and volunteer with the Offshore Sailing Team. He enjoys sharing his passion for sailing and the outdoors through the development of fun and insightful curriculum. Derek graduated from the University of Central Oklahoma with a degree in Psychology.
Joshua Burns previous experience has led him to multiple countries, mountain tops, oceans, and deserts in a variety of careers. Some of these include Wilderness Guide, Forest Ranger, Park Ranger, and Outdoor Education Specialist. He has held certifications in Counseling, Therapeutic Crisis Intervention, Lifeguarding, as an ACA Sea Kayaking Instructor, Wilderness First Responder, and Search and Rescue Technician. His hobbies include surfing and spearfishing.
Laura has been drawn to the sea since she was a kid. Her curiosity and enthusiasm for the water led her to pursue Marine Science at Orange Coast College and Cal State Monterey Bay. Laura has vast field experience that range from leading intertidal surveys along the coast of Southern California and monitoring coastal bottlenose dolphins at sea, to international scuba diving experience as well as aquarium management, life support operations, and husbandry. She can often be found looking at birds. Laura has been apart of the Newport Sea Base team since joining as an instructor in 2019 and loves every opportunity to teach students about our beautiful outdoors.
