Captain Kelly J. Gordon, or just “Kelly” as most know her, is an accomplished motor yacht captain whose start was far from the water as she grew up on a farm in small town Indiana. It was her drive to succeed, learn, and thirst for adventure that led her to a career in yachting.
Her path into yachting was a unique one that started in Beaufort, North Carolina, where she now claims as home base, and has since allowed her to navigate many different seas.
Kelly most certainly takes pride in her ability as a motor yacht captain, but also has a soft spot for the young adult and especially those that come with questions.
As a former chemistry professor, Kelly loves to teach and it is certain that she will always find a moment, or many, to share what she knows with others and looks to encourage and inspire those that dream of a career in the yachting industry.
Recent Press
I quit my job as a professor to captain…
Business Insider – Sep 2021
This is how I did it and what it’s like to be in charge of a boat sailing the Caribbean. *requires subscription to read full article
Women In Yachting: Captain Kelly Gordon
Ocean Independence – 2021
Captain Kelly Gordon took some time to reflect on her journey into the maritime world and aspects of life as a female captain.
Superyachts | Ep. 5 | Captain Kelly Gordon
Clyde & Co | Superyachts – Jul 2021
John Leonida interviews Captain Kelly about her experiences as one of only 2% of female yacht captains.
Ask The Crew
Dockwalk – Jul 2021
Join us for a Dockwalk interview with Captain Kelly Gordon on M/Y Freddy.
PYA WEBINAR | Women In Yachting
Yachting International Radio – May 2021
Guests answer questions about how each achieved their own goals in the industry and how women the world over can do the same.
Powering the Rise of Female Captains
Onboard Online – May 2021
Gender imbalance has long been a hot potato in yachting. It might be disappointing but it’s no great surprise to see…
#humansofyachting – Kelly Gordon
Superyacht Life – Apr 2021
The chemistry professor-turned superyacht captain on pursuing her passion for the water.
Personal Growth with Kelly Gordon
Power of Purpose – Mar 2021
Kelly has an amazing approach to life and a truly unique story into yachting. From growing up in…
She’s known as Captain Kelly…
Chicago Sun Times – Nov 2020
Kelly Gordon and her first mate, Gianna Mesi, want to take the scare factor out of boating for young women in Chicago.
Kelly Gordon Yacht Captain & Former…
Yacht Femme – Nov 2020
Meet Kelly Gordon, a superyacht captain and former chemistry professor Kelly works for two seasonal boats based in Chicago.
How Curiosity Can Gives Us Confidence…
The Badass Women’s Council – Oct 2020
Listen to Kelly Gordon as she tells us the story of how she followed her curiosity and had the sheer confidence to just “figure it out.”
Yacht Crew Vlogs with Captain Kelly…
Yachting International Radio – Sep 2020
Kelly speaks about her journey to becoming captain. How being raised on a farm was about the farthest away…
Girl power: Back-to-back river trips…
The Triton – Sep 2020
Capt. Kelly Gordon and her crew aboard the 75-Sunseeker M/Y Corporate Retreat had just come the long way around…
Captains of our Industry! The path less…
SuperYacht Radio – Jan 2020
Kelly Gordon, Superyacht Captain, began in Indiana, and after becoming a Chemistry professor, accidently discovered the world of yachting!