In a world traditionally dominated by men, a changing of the tides highlights the increase of women who are reshaping the boating industry. The boating world has persistently been a home field for men, but as the industry evolves, women are contributing new viewpoints and perspectives that are leaving a positive impact on the prospering industry.
The boating industry includes yachting, manufacturing, sales, maintenance and the promoting of vessels. The broad area presents many opportunities based on an array of skills for a woman to get involved and grow. Because of this, there has been an exponential increase in women working in this specific industry.
According to Superyacht Times, a study was conducted in 2021 by She and The Sea showing that roughly 28% of the yachting industry was female. And from that 28% only 2.1% were in a captain role.
The boating industry has been rooted in traditions. For this reason, men have always outweighed women when it comes to being in control. This makes it harder for women to break the norms that have been practiced for centuries.
Among the small percentage of female captains is Capt. Kelly Gordon. Gordan was introduced to the industry through a desire to continue to learn. The yachting industry presents an opportunity that is constantly changing. Gordan states, “There was such an intrinsic reward within the industry because I was going to be able to learn.” Along with learning, Capt. Gordon has a strong passion for teaching.
Shawn Riera, one of Capt. Gordon’s crew members, who have worked with Kelly for three years, said, “As a captain, she is an amazing teacher.” Riera explains how working with Capt. Gordon has allowed him to up his game as a mate because “she takes the time to teach her crew,” which is preparing him to fulfill a captain role in the future.
Entering a male-dominated industry can be intimidating for a female. However, Capt. Gordan stresses the importance of having a mindset of respect and appreciation for the men who are currently in the industry. “Reaching out to the men for help showed that I am here to do the work and that I am willing to put in the same time, effort, and energy as they do, then I’ll gain the respect.” By having this mindset, Capt. Gordan explains how the men in the yachting industry have been supportive and her “biggest cheerleaders.”
Along with Capt. Gordon, Capt. Heather Koulos has achieved the captain position on a 141-foot vessel. She explains how starting out in the industry, she was one of the only female members on deck. “Things are definitely changing, every time I have a deck position open, I have multiple females apply.” Deck positions are largely male, and it is the starting position for a crew member to work their way up to captain.
Capt. Koulos explains how people are excited to see a female captain. A female offers more compassion and a little bit of an unfamiliar perspective amongst traditional strategies benefiting crews and the overall mentality of the vessel.
Climbing the ranks from a deck/stew to a captain takes time and hard work. Capt. Koulos says, “I had a mentor that gave me the confidence I needed.” Having confidence and a “fake it till you make it” attitude allowed Capt. Koulos to push down hurdles that stood in front of her. Capt. Koulos mentions the importance of keeping a smile on your face, and knowing the ball is in her court allowed her to combat gender-driven pushbacks.
There are always going to be critiques about what she does for a living, but she remains confident knowing she is there to stay in her role, and she will not let anyone tell her she is incapable of her job. Capt. Koulos uses the phrase “If you do not think I can do this, watch me.”
The boating industry, as explained above, consists of maintenance and vessel sales. Kim Sweers, a managing partner with FB Marine has taken the open seat at a table at the helm of the boating field. Sweers says, “Take the extra time to study and learn all sides of the industry.” Sweers started her career as an investor in the business in 1999. She left corporate America in 2001 and ran the service department, human resources and office management. She learned and grew her knowledge of the industry, which allowed her to secure a position where she is a leader. “Women are held to a higher standard in this industry, so when you secure a seat at the table, you must be bringing up other women,” Sweers explains. As a female, Sweers says that women must know the industry inside and out and know it more than the men. It is important to know multiple subjects within the industry to benefit the field of work being pursued.
The industry has taken strides to be a more inclusive environment. Women are finding themselves entering the industry by accident and loving it, as well as generationally being brought up in it. Sweers gives the example of how daughters of anglers or boat mechanics are following their fathers’ footsteps and pursuing a career in the industry.
An example of generational boating is Katie Gaskin. As a child, Gaskin’s family always had boats, and when she was 4 years old her parents sent her to sail school, “and that was where it all began,” said Gaskin. She moved to St. Thomas as a divemaster and realized her calling was to work on a boat.
Being in the industry for 20 years now, Gaskin has seen tremendous growth due to an increase in people buying or upgrading their vessels. Due to the immense growth, more positions were created in the industry to keep up with the demand. These positions also present new opportunities for a younger generation and more women to enter the industry.
Women inspire women. As women see other women pursue top rolls in an industry, it bestows the confidence and encouragement for others to follow. Because more women are gaining the confidence to work hard, learn, and grow, success will follow. The industry is quickly changing as women are contributing valuable strategies, knowledge, and compassion.
Capt. Gordan has developed and grown a social media presence that encourages and educates young yachties. Capt. Gordan explains how “being on social media as a female captain shows women that there is another female captain out there doing well.” The presence on social media shows that it is possible to achieve. For the women, young and old, who are interested in joining the boating industry, Capt. Gordon’s advice is to “just do it!”
The industry continues to reshape due to the diversification of leadership. Capt. Koulos said, “I am just excited to be a part of it and contribute to the change.” Both Capt. Koulos and Kim Sweers emphasize having a mentor or a group of women to look up to. Doing this allows for learning by example to take place. When admiring a successful woman’s work, it is easy to adapt and practice a similar mindset that led head women to the success they have found.
Lastly, Sweers advice to a young woman who may be interested in pursuing a career in the boating industry is to “dream big, work hard, stay humble, and pull a seat out for fellow women at the table.” The women who already occupy a seat at the table must encourage and mentor those who follow.
Shaping tomorrow’s leaders is done by those in teaching and hierarchical positions, says Capt. Gordon. Doing this will continue to diversify and encourage the industry to bring up women to lead positions.