On the water with you
Meet your instructors
Every course at Island Bound is taught by a USCG-licensed captain who holds an American Sailing Association instructor certification. No rotating staff, no interns.
Owner and founder
Captain Brian Latas
Known on the water as Captain Buck
ASA Affiliate #541 · ASA Certified Instructor since 1999 · USCG Merchant Mariner Credential with sail and towing endorsements
Captain Latas is the proud owner of Island Bound Adventures, an American Sailing Association (ASA) affiliate, holding the distinguished ASA Affiliate #541. Since 1999, he has been an ASA Certified Instructor, offering instruction across a comprehensive range of courses, including ASA 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 114, 201, 202, 203, 204, 205, 214, and 216. His U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential is enhanced by sail and towing endorsements, confirming his capabilities as a professional mariner.
Captain Latas is widely recognized as an accomplished mariner, educator, and leader. Whether navigating the seas or mentoring others on their nautical journeys, he exemplifies integrity, mastery, and a lifelong dedication to excellence.
Instructor
Captain Marcia Baker
Teaching and cruising out of Lake Whitney and Lake Grapevine
USCG Master Captain since 2016 with auxiliary sail endorsement · ASA 101, 103, 104 · ASA 201 Basic Keelboat Instructor
Marcia is an experienced sailor on inland lakes, with coastal cruising in the Caribbean, the Bahamas, San Diego Bay and the San Juan Islands, on monohulls and multihulls from 12 to 52 feet. She completed her ASA 101, 103 and 104 certifications in Texas, then earned her ASA Basic Keelboat 201 Instructor certification from Tradewinds Sailing School in Richmond, California in 2009. After a Sunfish, a Laser and a Precision 15, she bought her fourth boat twenty years ago, a Catalina 22 keelboat named Two-Part Harmony, and still teaches and cruises aboard her on Lake Whitney.
She has held a U.S. Coast Guard Master Captain’s license with auxiliary sail endorsement since 2016. She coaches sailing for both youth and adults, races year-round with a J-30 crew at Lake Grapevine, and is an active volunteer with the Grapevine Sailing Club across its series racing, educational programs and regattas. She recently retired from a long career as an educational program director with heart-health patient advocacy organizations, which means a good deal more time on the water.
Ready when you are
Learn from a captain, not a curriculum
ASA-certified instruction on Lake Grapevine, from your first time at the helm through your own bareboat charter.
