Captain Kelly J. Gordon is an accomplished motor yacht captain, public speaker, social media influencer, and the 2022 recipient of A Crew Yachting’s Master 500-GT award. The former chemistry professor grew up on a farm in a small town in Indiana, where she developed the work ethic and drive that have made her successful. Her thirst for adventure has led her to become one of the busiest and most respected captains.
Captain Kelly enjoys sharing her story, teaching through her own experiences, and providing personal insight to her 29K+ social media fans. She also frequently hosts seminars and speaking engagements. Captain Kelly recognizes that many of the lessons she has learned at sea are just as applicable on land, which is why she has expanded her reach to people who want to learn about leadership, empowerment, motivation, entrepreneurship, and more.
Can you share with us your background and your career?
I am a superyacht captain! Sounds weird to me every time I say it as I grew up a farmer in a small town in Indiana and didn’t see the ocean until I was 23 years of age. Now, there isn’t a body of water that I can’t navigate through and have a career that takes me all over the world. In the simplest form, I work for an amazing family that likes to explore and loves their boats. It’s my job to safely get them, my crew and the boat and yachts from A to B while providing them with the best and safest experience possible. If you had asked me 20 years ago what a yacht was I wouldn’t have had a clue. It’s funny how life works. From dropping out of high school at 15 to run the farm to becoming a welder to a chemistry professor and to a superyacht captain, never in my wildest dreams would I have envisioned this, but at 42 years of age after a lot of work, personally and professionally, I am living my best life.
What are your top summer essentials that you don’t leave home without?
Sunscreen, sunglasses, and my Olukai flip flops!
Sunscreen for the reasons that we are all aware of, but especially in my case as I rarely get a break from the sun, so it is super important for me to be extra diligent about it. Sunglasses are something that I cannot go without! I have blue eyes and they are extra sun sensitive and I am also continuously in very sunny environments, so I have to be cautious with the eyeballs! And I always, always wear polarized sunglasses. Polarization allows for me to see the transitions from shallow to deeper waters, which is vital as a captain. And my Olukai flip flops because I despise shoes and I can walk for days in these flops! They never let me down!
Outside of summer essentials what other items are a must have for any trip or when you’re on a yacht?
I always have to make sure that I have my bathing suit, water bottle, and hair scrunchie. My bathing suit is because I am frequently in the water as my job requires it, but I love to swim every chance that I get even when I’m not swimming for work. A water bottle is super essential so that I can stay hydrated throughout the day. The sun really wears on you and you can become dehydrated quicker than you might think, so I don’t leave home (or the yacht) without it! And my scrunchie goes everywhere with me as I have long hair and it lives the majority of its time in a ponytail, especially in the summertime heat! And one more thing, a cover up. You must keep your skin protected from the sun as best and as much as possible!
What are your top 3 summer skincare and/or hair care tips?
For my hair, I like to put a leave-in conditioner in and braid it before swimming. Your hair can only absorb so much so I would rather have it absorb a conditioner than salt water. Braiding it helps minimize tangling so when I am done swimming it is much easier to comb out. I also like to use a scrunchie for my ponytail and messy buns so that I minimize breakage. The elastic hair ties are a bit tougher on your hair than a scrunchie. For my skin, an intense moisturizer or hydrating serum is a must. I find that a cream causes breakouts and even more so since I am sweating the majority of the day. So, a good serum or gel hydrator is a must. And in the event that I do get a bit of a sunburn I like to have aloe around just in case. And a body lotion for my arms and legs as they tend to dry out from the saltwater and hot environments. And don’t forget a good lip balm with SPF in it!
Do you have any new projects you are working on?
Oh yes! I always do! I am launching a nonprofit that will provide access to mental health resources for those that need the funding for counseling when they need it but can’t afford it. It may seem that yachties are rolling in the dough, so to speak, and some are, but you never know what someone’s personal and family life demands of them. Some are on yachts that don’t pay well or only provide a set number of counseling sessions. Some crew members have entire families that they are supporting back in their home country, too. So, if these folks need the support, I want to be able to give that to them.
How can people connect with you and follow you?
Thanks for asking! Please see my website at captainkellyjgordon.com. You will find links to all of my socials there. But, if you want to go direct to my socials my handle is @captain_kellyjgordon
