Whilst cruising back from Nassau after a busy ten-day charter, Captain Kelly Gordon took some time to reflect on her journey into the maritime world and aspects of life as a female Captain.
One of the only Sanlorenzo 106 motor yachts available for charter in Florida and the Bahamas, FREDDY is a firm favourite amongst those looking for the perfect yachting getaway. Available for charter through Ocean Independence, the yacht’s outstanding crew operate under the watchful eye of highly accomplished Captain Kelly Gordon. Cruising back from Nassau after a busy ten-day charter, Kelly took some time to reflect on her journey into the maritime world and aspects of life as a female boat captain.
Growing up in a small farm town in Indiana, a fair distance from the sea, Kelly didn’t know that yachting would become such a big part of her life. Yet a thirst for adventure has been a driving force in her career, with a mix of motivation, ambition, and a little bit of luck all contributing to her exciting ride so far. Kelly’s story is most definitely an inspiration to all budding yachties out there.
“I had no idea that this was a career for me!” Kelly remarks, “If you had asked me 15 years ago if I wanted to be a yacht captain, to be honest I would’ve asked what a yacht was. I grew up in the middle of the country, the furthest from anything yachting. I have always been a bit of a water baby though, so it doesn’t surprise me completely that I am where I am today.”
It seems it was purely by chance that Kelly found her way into the yachting industry. Having finished a Master of Science degree in Chemistry on the east coast of the US, she took a teaching job at a local college. Her next move was a defining moment, “There was a student there that I got along with really well. She knew I was new to the community and wanted to show me around. So, after grades were turned in for the semester, she invited me to a party on a yacht. I had no clue what I would be getting myself into.”
Kelly smiles as she describes how events took an unexpected turn and something amazing evolved when she least anticipated it, “After I stood at the end of the dock in awe, we boarded. I met the captain and asked to see the engine room straight away before I had even shaken his hand!” Kelly laughs at the memory. “Growing up on a farm it was natural for me to be interested in the mechanics. I looked at the engines and remarked how these were tractor engines and electronics, so I could drive this thing, it’s just like a tractor. I don’t think that was my best call, comparing his motor yacht to a farm tractor!” Luckily the captain took this in good humour and told her that if she was so sure about driving the yacht, to come back the next day. Of course, she did, and the rest is history. From that date on, the captain acted as Kelly’s instructor, taking her under his wing, making time to broaden her knowledge and experience as much as he could.
With a desire for knowledge and an eagerness for success, Kelly moved up the ranks quickly, with guidance and mentoring from the captain who initially inspired her. “We made a good team and I owe a lot of my success to him, but he has always graciously said he offered me the tools to get where I am and I did the rest,” Kelly states with clear gratitude.
As one of only two female superyacht captains currently operating in the Ocean Independence charter fleet and one of a handful in the industry, Kelly is keen to see this number grow. “It is awesome, but kind of sad too and I am proud to initiate a change. I would absolutely love to see more female boat captains in the industry. Actually, my goal or initiative, is to share my story with as many people I can in the hopes that I encourage or inspire women to chase their dreams of becoming a member of the deck department.” She continues with genuine passion, “Really, though, I just love seeing anyone chase their dreams, so it isn’t just women that I hope to encourage.”
The skills and qualities needed for a career in yachting are varied, and Kelly clearly possesses many. Wanting to offer any valuable tips for yacht crew of the future she reels off some sage advice, “One of the most important things is to love travelling and not mind being away from home, friends, and family for extended periods of time. You will need to be a team player, in the biggest sense that you can imagine, because you are working with, living with, eating with, and playing with the same people day in and day out.” She continues with some realistic and practical insight.
