Women’s History Month Feature
PaSH Magazine is celebrating Women’s History Month with a Q&A style mini-series highlighting women from many different industries making an impact in the world, their communities and for themselves. In this Q&A we will spend time with Captain Kelly Gordon. This article was updated on March 23, 2026.
Meet Captain Kelly Gordon
Captain Kelly J. Gordon is an accomplished superyacht Captain, social media influencer, and public speaker. Her thirst for adventure has propelled her to become one of the busiest and most respected captains. She takes pleasure in sharing her knowledge and experience with her 60K+ social media fans.
Kelly started her career far from the water as she grew up on a farm in small town Indiana. Her career path spanned various industries, from welding to academia before she stepped aboard her first yacht and knew that was where she was meant to be.
Her passion and advocacy for crew wellbeing have led Kelly to speak globally on impactful topics ranging from women in yachting to mental health. This also led to the launch of her non profit organization, Yachtie Minds Matter, which funds therapy for anyone in the yachting industry in need.
Through every mile at sea and every story she shares, Captain Kelly continues to redefine what leadership in yachting looks like, proving that strength isn’t just measured by the vessels she commands, but by the lives she uplifts along the way.
For readers who may be meeting you for the first time, can you tell us about your journey to becoming one of the most respected captains on the water today?
My journey started nowhere near a yacht, not even a body of water. I grew up on a farm in a small town in Indiana. I dropped out of high school, worked on the farm, became a welder, then went back to school, graduated, got a degree in chemistry and taught chemistry before starting my career in yachting. It has taken much time and determination as a female in a male dominated industry to get where I am today, but I wouldn’t change it for anything!
What first sparked your passion for the water and inspired you to pursue a career as a captain?
I have always had a thirst for adventure. When I first stepped foot on a yacht I knew that was where I was meant to be. I also love learning and being in yachting means you are ALWAYS learning, and I love to teach so I enjoy mentoring green yachties who are just entering the industry as well.
The maritime industry has historically been male-dominated. What has your experience been like navigating that space as a woman?
Entering a male-dominated industry was intimidating as a female! I knew it was important to go the extra mile and do the work. I reached out to men for help and advice. This showed that I wasn’t afraid, but rather here and willing to put in the same time, effort and energy as they do. This gained their respect and support, and now the men are some of my biggest cheerleaders and supporters. Of course, there will be some pushback, there always will be barriers when you are pursuing a career where you may be the minority, but the best way to get me to do anything is to tell me I can’t.
What skills or qualities do you believe are essential for someone who wants to succeed as a captain?
I think one of the biggest qualities is to be able to let yourself fail and learn from your mistakes. Yes, the industry values perfection and five star service, but mistakes will happen, it is just how life goes. To be successful, is to learn from your mistakes. When you take the opportunity to learn, you will improve and succeed. I work hard to create a culture on board that is centered around learning and always improving. I also believe that being able to be authentic with your crew is key. They need to see that the captain is strong, but human, and it lets them know they can be authentic and vulnerable as well, making communication stronger among the team.
Another skill someone must possess, especially as a female, is the “no one will stand in my way” mentality. Set your mind to your goals and go get them. If you want to get your next ton certification, do it. When you have your goals and determination behind them, nothing will stop you from achieving them.
Is there a moment on the water that truly shaped you as a leader or reaffirmed that this was the career you were meant to pursue?
I have had several sea rescues under my belt and those moments showed me that I CAN do this, and that this is where I am needed. Also, being able to launch Yachtie Minds Matter and help yacht crew across the world with their mental health reaffirms that this is the career for me.
What has been one of the most rewarding moments of your career so far?
The most rewarding part of this career is seeing my crew succeed. I cannot give my crew enough praise. When they achieve a new certification, earn another stripe, or grow into leadership positions is when I feel the most rewarded.
What are some of the biggest challenges captains face today, and how do you prepare yourself and your crew to handle them?
Something I am very passionate about is mental health in the yachting industry. From an outsider looking in, all you see are the opportunities to travel, living on the water, meeting people from all over the world, and getting to work in the most luxurious industry. But in reality, captains and crew face long hours, months away from loved ones at home, burnout, and an immense amount of pressure to perform, which takes a toll on mental health. As a captain, you set the tone onboard and build the culture of your crew, so if you do not prioritize yours or their mental health, it will show. I prepare myself and my crew for ALL challenges by ensuring that they are mentally prepared. That they know that they can come to me or their fellow crew members to discuss anything that comes up, that we can work through issues or mistakes together, and that they know the signs to check in on their own mental health and each other.
As someone highly respected in your field, how important is mentorship and representation for the next generation of women interested in maritime careers?
Mentorship is HUGE for the next generation! It is important for women to lift one another up, open doors in the industry for one another, and support new women entering the industry.Through social media I am able to connect with so many women (and men) who are green to the industry and are just looking for a foot in the door, some advice or just a word of encouragement, and I try my best to reply when I can because I really do believe that having a strong mentor can change everything.
What advice would you give to young women who may dream of working on the water but don’t yet see a clear path into the industry?
Just do it! Don’t wait, don’t come up with reasons why not, do it. Walk the docks, network, meet other women in the industry and don’t be afraid to take the chance. It is worth it!
When you look at your career and the impact you’ve had, what legacy do you hope to leave both on the water and for the women who come after you?
I hope that my legacy is that I not only talked the talk, but I walked the walk. I advocate every day for women in the industry, crew wellbeing, better mental health at sea, and my only goal is to have those messages (and the actions behind them) positively impact the industry long after I am gone.
Thank you for reading this installment of the Women’s History Month Features. Come back each day to read a new inspiring story, centering women.
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