11 Badass Facts About Girls Who Work On Boats

by Capt Liz | Mar 29, 2015 | Fun Sailing | 95 comments

For the last four six years of my life I have been working on sailboats professionally. Most of that time has been spent working in the day charter industry in both the Virgin Islands and Hawaii. In that same time frame, Bravo came out with a TV Show called Below Deck.

Now, just as The Real World didn’t actually portray what it’s like to have roommates, this “reality” TV show does not come close to summing up my life. Unlike the catty, bratty and pathetic girls on that show (which I’ve only watched twice), I have been surrounded by nothing but badass women on all the boats I’ve worked. If you’d like a small glimpse into what life is REALLY like for us girls who work on day charter boats, here are some facts that seem totally unique to this profession.

The toughest girls I know in Ranifly Bikinis

1. We are mechanically inclined.

Girls who work on boats know a thing or two about mechanical issues and engines – we are not the typical “damsel in distress” that you find on the side of the road broken down. We have become attuned to the way engines should sound, we know how to check our own oil, we can troubleshoot basic issues and we make sure to do regular maintenance and oil changes.

2. We have horrible tan lines.

Whether it’s because we’re required to wear shorts all day for uniform or simply because we always opt to wear X-back bikinis (hello comfort), we’re constantly walking around with funky tan lines. If you spot a girl with a mean watch tan, she may be one of us.

3. We never know where our day will take us.

Going out on a sailboat all day for work ensures that no two days will be alike. Even if we have a set schedule and itinerary, the weather has the ultimate say. We’ve learn to adapt and adjust. When people ask us about our destination for the day we’re able to say profound things like, “wherever the wind will take us!”

4. We’re not afraid of puke.

Just like new mothers, we see it on the regular. Unlike dealing with infants, this vomit comes from grownups. Bigger beast = bigger mess.

5. We are problem solvers.

If you think you work with a lot of moving parts, try working on a boat. Not only are we trying to care for and serve our guests, we also have to worry about their safety and the boat. A girl who works on a boat has a plan B, C and D thought up before plan A even comes close to failing.

6. WE DON’T LIKE SAND.

Sand is the enemy. We have spent days with sand caked into open wounds, in our drinks, and in our bathing suits. We spend all day on the boat attempting to get rid of sand, so when we see people sitting on the beach without a towel – it’s our own version of a nightmare.

You GO Alana Blanchard, but THIS IS MY NIGHTMARE!

7. We unwittingly use nautical terms or signals in our daily lives.

No, we don’t call the bathroom the head just to sound cool. The trick here is that we don’t do it on purpose – it just slips out at odd times. We may flash an “ARE YOU OK” hand signal at our friend across the bar to see if she needs to be saved from a guy. Let’s be honest though, when it comes to identifying a part on a car, referring to the forward starboard corner is much more concise than saying the front passenger side.

8. We use salacious innuendos by accident.

This happens all day long and most men we work with don’t even flinch. We’re always talking about spreaders, seacocks, spankers, breast lines, the cockpit or head. Whether it’s a remark on how firm the dinghy is or how hard we are getting thrusted on to the dock, the “that’s what she said” moments are endless. Guests often look at us like we’re crazy, but this dialogue is unavoidable.

9. We support other women.

There are many tough girls in the world who don’t like other girls. Female sailors are not these women. We see the value in other females and we want to share our knowledge to help one another, ultimately elevating our status in a male dominated industry. Sailor girls are usually secure with themselves and aren’t trying to prove anything. If you share a love for the ocean, you’ve already got one thing in common!

10. We can let go.

Literally and figuratively. Yes, we hate littering and we do our very best to protect our oceans but if something goes overboard while we’re sailing and it’s unsafe to turn around, it now belongs to Davy Jones. We often tell guests, “we won’t turn around for a hat unless you’re still in it!” At the end of the day, we can also drop all the bad things that went on. Sometimes we’ll have extremely unpleasant guests. Sometimes our crew is having an off day. Even if we’re surrounded by mean people all day, we’re also surrounded by unimaginable beauty. The good will always outweigh the bad.

11. We can work absurdly long hours for absurdly small amounts of money.

Sure, a 4:30 call time for a 6am trip followed by a dinner sail, no worries! Oh, and you’re going to pay me a fixed rate instead of hourly? No overtime, no problem! We are your tour guides, your lifeguards, your naturalists, your snorkel instructors, your photographers, your waitresses, your bartenders, your historians – we raise the sails, we haul the anchors, we save people from drowning, and we carry 5 drinks at a time in 6 foot seas…and at the end of the day people forget to tip us! This is NOT a job that will get us rich – passion has to play a role or we all would’ve walked away a long time ago.

No matter how you cut it, sailor girls are tough, independent and awesome. They are passionate about life, they are adventurous and they love being outdoors. If you’re lucky enough to have one of these women in your life, don’t let her go!

>> Want to Learn How to Get a Job on a Yacht? Click Here!<<

Please comment with anything I may have missed!

95 Comments

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Adrianne on April 3, 2015 at 00:42
I am sadly a former sailor girl,..but you did a great job laying out the unusual but awesome skill
set we all had! especially the last one!
Sail on Ladies, Sail on!
- Capt Liz on April 3, 2015 at 19:11
  Adrianne – So glad you enjoyed it! Once a sailor girl, ALWAYS a sailor girl.
- Alene Keenan The Yacht Stew Guru on April 17, 2016 at 15:43
  
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  Love this! I started my career on day sail catamarans in St. Thomas. Loved our all-day sails around the islands. Sailors are top athletes!
  - Capt Liz on April 19, 2016 at 06:26
    
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    Aww so glad to hear from another person who got their big start in the VI! <3
Drew on April 3, 2015 at 03:14
about time someone wrote about how awesome we are! Well said. I am going to have to share.
- Capt Liz on April 3, 2015 at 19:12
  Thanks Drew – we ARE awesome! 😉
Jill on April 3, 2015 at 13:52

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I loved reading this! So well written and kinda makes me want to work on a boat!
- Capt Liz on April 3, 2015 at 19:12
  Jill – Do it! It’s definitely one of the most empowering things I’ve ever done! If you’d like to know more about how to get started, contact me via the contact link.
Claus Andersen on April 3, 2015 at 18:27

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Very true and very funny comments about girls who sail 🙂
- Capt Liz on April 3, 2015 at 19:17
  🙂 So glad you enjoyed it, Claus.
Linda Gunn on April 3, 2015 at 18:40
not only all of what you said….but I am a captain, and have to put up with (usually belligerent) guests who question my ability!
- Capt Liz on April 3, 2015 at 19:10
  Linda, I saw this all the time when I worked with the all female crew in St John. Even other charter captains seemed to wish ill upon us – “They’ll never be able to handle a serious situation – What if someone is drowning? What if there’s bad weather?”
  I have my captain’s license but have not yet begun to use it on the day charter boats. I am sure I will encounter plenty of this personally when I do start driving. Perhaps I should’ve included in the list, “We have thick skin” – otherwise we couldn’t handle all the critics.
Glynda on April 3, 2015 at 18:59
Awesome ..well said.
- Capt Liz on April 3, 2015 at 19:18
  Thanks Glynda!
Joakim on April 3, 2015 at 20:42
Hey captain.
It seems only the girls comment on this. About the scepticism you girls meet: I am a man and I think you are awesome too! Some of the best sailors I know are women and I will trust them with my life! Don’t let anybody knock you down.
Love from Denmark
- Capt Liz on April 4, 2015 at 09:58
  Joakim! Thank you for the support. There are many amazing men who understand how awesome we are – the ones who don’t just haven’t worked enough with us yet! 😉
linda on April 3, 2015 at 20:54
I am proud to be a mom of such a woman!
- Capt Liz on April 4, 2015 at 10:15
  Linda, thanks for sharing. My mom is my biggest fan too!
Marcia Fox on April 3, 2015 at 21:08
Capt Liz, Don’t forget us salty old sea cooks.
Tall Ship Bounty cook and ship’s mom.
- Capt Liz on April 4, 2015 at 10:20
  Wow – I’m actually from Bounty’s homeport! I’ll bet you have some amazing stories!!!
Mere on April 3, 2015 at 23:52
Thank you! This is a great summary of life on deck. I did it for seven years and do miss it.
- Capt Liz on April 4, 2015 at 10:21
  Mere, it’s a part of you forever! 😉
Melissa on April 4, 2015 at 00:16
Great article ! I’m a female captain who’s first job on a boat was with an all female crew led by two amazing female captains. Actually most of my sea time was on a whale watch boat under two different female captains. I now work FL and its like female captains are a rare thing. So sad!
- Capt Liz on April 4, 2015 at 10:33
  I have worked for some of the most amazing female captains out there. I had a conversation tonight with a male captain about how he feels female captains tend to be even more capable than the men, mostly because they have to prove themselves over and over again. Interesting take – and of course, I agree. 🙂
Stephen Contos on April 4, 2015 at 03:38
I worked as a Scuba Instructor, Divemaster and as a DM on a sailboat and let me tell you that everyone of these things are true! For over a decade I worked in the Turks & Caicos Islands and Key West and Boat Chicks ROCK! The industry looks glamorous but you work your butt off all day and most nights too. The money does suck but the people are amazing and the ladies are no joke and fellas if you think you are so smooth and suave, forget it they have heard it all…many times! But the ladies of the sea are the greatest friends and allies any man could ever have.
- Capt Liz on April 4, 2015 at 10:37
  The best friends you’ll ever have. Work hard, play hard. It’s the best job in the world.
Francie on April 4, 2015 at 04:17
I’m living on the hard far from the sea but have many fond memories of my days in and offshore. Women are fully able bodied seamen. We plan ahead to stay out of trouble.
Not only is sand the enemy but so is being wet unless your swimming!
- Capt Liz on April 4, 2015 at 10:40
  Francie, so nice to hear from you. Yes – being wet all day is right up there with sand! Glad to hear your positive memories and cheers to your next adventure!
Alli on April 4, 2015 at 04:28
Omg, who wrote this?! Thank you! I worked on boats in the V.I. And Key West for near ten years from 2000 to 2009 and now live in Oregon and still miss my old life every day. This pretty much sums it up. And I love that you give a shout out to Rani Keohane!
- Capt Liz on April 4, 2015 at 10:41
  Alli, Hi! I’m Liz! I am so glad to hear that you enjoyed my post! Rani is the best – and you cannot claim to be a mermaid unless you own a Ranifly Bikini! 😀
S/V Alchemy on April 4, 2015 at 06:04

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Well said. I particularly liked nos. 7 and 8. One time I was discussing something with a fellow sailor and his non-nautical wife who was looking a tad glazed. From below, on our never-ending refitting steel pilothouse cutter, I heard my wife shouting and cursing “THIS COCK IS JAMMED! WAS IT NOT SERVICED? WHERE IS THE LUBE? DAMMIT, I’M WORKING IT HARD AND IT’S BARELY MOVING THE BALL!”
This deglazed the sailor’s wife.
The sailor didn’t help. He shouted back “DO YOU WANT ME TO DIVE ON IT? I’VE GOT ONE OF THOSE SOFT BUNGS!”
Lubbers don’t get how innocent we are.
- Capt Liz on April 4, 2015 at 10:43
  HA!!! That’s hilarious. Thank you for sharing!
Tim on April 4, 2015 at 11:29
I live far from the sea but damn. You ladies sound like exactly the kind of woman I need/want. Strong, capable and innocently naughty. Fair winds to you all.
Claudia on April 4, 2015 at 12:06

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Beautiful article and beautiful job. I’ll leave next june for my first sailor experience. It was my dream and I hope it will become my reality! Women power!
- Capt Liz on April 6, 2015 at 11:19
  Claudia, so exciting to hear that you will be following your dream! Anything is possible! Please feel free to reach out if you need any advice or assistance. We are all here to help – female sailors stick together!
Pat Stoeken on April 4, 2015 at 13:32

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I’ve been chartering in the VI for almost 50 years, too old to sport one of those bikinis but love the list. Red Hook has a great bunch of day sail boats and a LOT of really great female captains, the guys don’t give us any more grief then they give each other!
Shelli on April 4, 2015 at 14:37
Thank you so much for writing this!! Having lived and worked on boats all of my life, this completely resonates for me! Now I get to work as a scuba instructor (when I’m not at my landlubbing day job), and boat chicks do indeed ROCK!
Cpt. Jay on April 4, 2015 at 14:46
I loved reading this and could not agree more with everything and what everyone said. I volunteer crewed on and off, on Bounty for 19 years. I strongly agree that of the few women captains I know, they are the very best. I have been landlocked for far too long. And being landlocked and single, it is extremely hard to meet sailor girls I am retiring this year and plan to start wintering in the Virgin Islands. I am also a dive master. I would appreciate your email address. I need to make some contacts down there.
- Capt Liz on April 4, 2015 at 18:21
  Cpt. Jay – feel free to reach out at moxieandepoxy@gmail.com. I will give you as much info as possible!
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Claudia on April 4, 2015 at 14:48

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Beautiful article and beautiful job. I’ll leave next june for my first sailor experience. It was my dream and I hope it will become my reality. Women power!
Capt. Sooz on April 4, 2015 at 14:50

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While crewing on a boat in the South Pacific I was fortunate enough to meet Laura Dekker; her maturity at 16 stays with me to this day. This season I will begin acting as captain on the largest fresh water lake, Lake Superioir. Looking forward to all of the challenges and rewards that come along with life and work on the water once again. Not looking forward to guests who will question my ability due to my XX chromosomes!
- Capt Liz on April 6, 2015 at 11:21
  Capt Sooz. That must have been too cool to meet Laura! I’m so jealous! Congrats on the new job – and don’t worry, the ones who question you are the ones you ignore! 😉
Shauna on April 4, 2015 at 16:13
I would love nothing more then to be a sailor girl! Two weeks sailing on a Tall Ship didn’t curb my appetite, made me hungrier for it. Just don’t know how to get in the industry 🙁
- Capt Liz on April 4, 2015 at 18:19
  Shauna, please send me a message at moxieandepoxy@gmail.com – I would love to give you some pointers on how to get started in this industry. It is one of the most empowering things I’ve ever done!
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Susan on April 4, 2015 at 16:33
My daughter is a sailor captain in South Carolina. When she was sailing up in Maine, she went to a party after sailing that day without much time to get ready. At the party, the guys swarmed around her. Her explanation: “I think the guys liked the smell of diesel fuel.”
- Capt Liz on April 6, 2015 at 11:23
  Hahaha! That’s amazing. And probably true. Or it could be the super cool vibe she has just from being a badass captain!
Susan on April 4, 2015 at 16:56
YUP…..I work on a boat to……Mostly run airboat in the marshes of Taylor County Florida……You hit it right about the tan lines…..mine are everywhere…….I always joke about being sunburned in Dec and Jan
- Capt Liz on April 6, 2015 at 11:25
  Susan – I’ve got flip flop tans that make it look like I’m wearing them even when I’m barefoot! I’ll take it any day over hunching over a computer screen all day!
Paula Sparks on April 4, 2015 at 19:57
Oh, to be young again. I wish I had known the love of wind and sea when I was, but unfortunately, living in the Midwest, I did not have that opportunity. However, quite by accident, I was introduced to sailing five years ago. Now, even though I still live in the Midwedt, I have a relationship that takes me to the Florida Keys and a 38′ all electric catamaran many times a year. Good luck to all you sailor girls, especially those who have made captain, then when you get to be my age (70+), enjoy letting someone else do the work and you just lean back and enjoy the wind and the water. I still enjoy being at the helm, but do not hoist sails or clean up after others. Thanks for a great article. Keep dreaming the dream – I will!!
- Capt Liz on April 6, 2015 at 11:27
  Paula. It sounds like you are young again with this new experience in your life. It’s amazing how a day out on the water can refresh your senses and transport you to a different time! Enjoy every minute, and thank you for the well wishes!
Elaine on April 4, 2015 at 22:49
I became a sailor girl at the age of 44. I volunteer on a tall ship whenever I have time away from my day job. It’s what I look forward to! LOVE IT!
- Capt Liz on April 6, 2015 at 11:30
  Elaine, I would LOVE to work on a tall ship. What an amazing experience that must be! So cool to imagine the original explorers setting out to sea with no idea what they’d find. I’m glad that you enjoy it so much! Keep rocking!
Delia Torrez R on April 4, 2015 at 23:31
Land Locked Pirate for LifE…..<3
- Capt Liz on April 6, 2015 at 11:31
  A pirate’s a pirate, no matter where she be…
Lisa on April 4, 2015 at 23:48
Okay, give you props for crewing on a sailboat, however, have you ever worked in a tugboat in the military…working round the clock many days mostly female deck and engine room crew pulling in carriers, subs and going out on bomb threats? Now we were badass!!! Bikini’s weren’t allowed but we had the best fan club…our fellow sailors coming in from a six month West Pac tour seeing the first female American girls! :). Hardest physical work I have ever done and wouldn’t change a thing!
- Capt Liz on April 6, 2015 at 11:35
  Lisa, this is unreal – you guys can now revoke every single badass card I’ve ever tried to pull! Mostly female deck and engine room crew – awesome! I am super impressed. Glad to hear that you had a faithful fan club – I would like to be the president of this club!
Chris Anderson on April 5, 2015 at 01:57
Hit the nail on the head.. I was lucky enough to get one to marry me…
- Capt Liz on April 6, 2015 at 11:36
  Chris, so glad to hear from a guy who knows just how badass these women are! Hard ones to tame, so good on ya! 😉
Jess on April 5, 2015 at 02:27

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I may not be a “sailor” but a “yachtie” by the way of the motor. In every way I can relate to this post! Small crew means getting your hands dirty, pulling those lines, cleaning those bilges, and always having a Leatherman handy! I wish more women, on board, and off would embrace what it truly takes to grab the “boat by the balls”! Of course, with a smile on their face, rockin’ boat, and a cocktail tray in hand 😉
Epic post.
- Capt Liz on April 6, 2015 at 11:40
  Jess, I’m so glad that this translates over to the yachting world! I can’t believe I didn’t include anything in the post about having a leatherman handy – I used mine twice today! I don’t know if I could call you a “yachtie” – you sound way too tough for that term. 😉
Annemarie Gatchell on April 5, 2015 at 05:13
Those of us that live on sailboats don’t shave.
- Capt Liz on April 6, 2015 at 11:41
  more power to ya! I wish I could cut this out of my routine – salt water and shaving are not good combinations!
Miriam on April 5, 2015 at 22:42
I’ve been a Tall Ship Sailor these past two years, and have just decided I need to stop for many reasons. I really appreciate all the supportive messages you’ve sent others in similar situations. I think we truly will always be sailors.
This is sooo sooo amazing and true, I love this piece!!!! We sailor women are way freekin’ badass and awesome.
- Capt Liz on April 6, 2015 at 11:43
  Miriam, it’s absolutely true. Once a sailor, always a sailor. Those life changing experiences will be with you forever! Best of luck in your next adventure and stay tuned here if you ever need a little reminder!
Theresa Wisner on April 6, 2015 at 00:16

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Well said! I worked in colder places on fishing and research vessels. But no matter where we work, we women of the sea have much in common. I’m glad I never had to deal with a bikini though! Just Carharts and Grundens.
- Capt Liz on April 6, 2015 at 11:47
  Theresa, I don’t know if I would do well in the cold weather now that I’ve been so climatized to the warm weather, but I would love to not deal with bikinis anymore. One of the very funny things that my friends role their eyes at me for complaining about, “ugh, I have to wear a bikini all day at work!” just doesn’t sound so awful to people who work in offices. Glad to hear that you can relate to some of the other parts of the post – women of the sea are definitely a unique breed!
Tiah Scheible on April 6, 2015 at 19:28
Oh my gosh I was about to write on here about my first boat job and how I had a female captain and as I was scrolling down I saw that she (Pat Stoeken) has already replied! I’m so excited and I hope she reads this. She was tough and intimidating but she knew what she was doing and ran a tight ship. I am so thankful she was my first captain because while yes I was scared to fail, I know now that she taught me the most out of all the captains I worked for after her. I never had a female captain after her and boy is there a difference, I’ll take strong, independent, intimidating and knowledgable female captain over cocky arrogant mysogynistic male captains anyday. She molded me into an amazing first mate even after I left her boat I feel like I kept growing through her knowledge and skills. she taught me more about Independence than just on boats. I was new to the island of St Thomas and it was my first time away from home 1,100 miles away from home, inadvertently or maybe I just didn’t realize she was doing it but she taught me many life lessons as well to keep me afloat on an island where I knew no one. I don’t find it coincidental at all that her boat and my first boat to work on is called Independence. Thank you Pat Stoeken for being a great captain and mentor!
Rob on April 6, 2015 at 20:06
As an island girl myself, sailing is not my passion but a hobby. You gals deserve WAY more $ and credit than you get. Not an easy job, physically demanding, not for the faint of heart….You go girls!
Nicolette on April 7, 2015 at 00:35
Great article, I to am a former yachty and I particularly love the last one! Still miss the smell of the ocean and the wind through my hair , rough seas and the friendships .
bob wallace on April 7, 2015 at 11:26
with over 2 decades of working on sailboats, I wholeheartedly agree with your list, plus I would add “doing it all with a positive attitude”!
Novi Viola on April 10, 2015 at 01:04
Hi there Co-Sailor, It’s good to know that someone notice our fun hard work on board…. It also pamper our hearts, who works in the industry… I am working in 35 meters sail boat, and it’s realy fun job….
Levinor romero on April 10, 2015 at 03:33
Awesome… Really true.. Very well said 🙂 love being sailor!
Tom on April 11, 2015 at 15:28
Capt. Liz, a great read! I’m not much into reality shows; not sure how real it can be with cameras around rolling all the time! But since I am a NJ-FL sailor a landlubber friend told me about the show. Watched 1 episode and knew it was bull. Being semi-retired now I’ve done some delivery crew work but only aboard MV’S and with male captains and ocasional female crew when owner were aboard. So I would welcome the chance to crew aboard a sailboat with a female captain. Any takers??
click to read on May 7, 2015 at 09:25
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jeden on May 8, 2015 at 08:55

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Superb blog! Do you have any tips for aspiring writers?
I’m planning to start my own website soon but I’m a little lost on everything.
Would you recommend starting with a free platform like WordPress or go for a
paid option? There are so many choices out there
that I’m totally confused .. Any tips? Appreciate it!
- Capt Liz on May 8, 2015 at 23:36
  Jeden, Thank you so much for reaching out! This is a great resource http://xpatmatt.com/start-travel-blog-make-money-guide/ as well as: http://www.bloggingbasics101.com/how-do-i-start-a-blog/ I am no expert in this field, but I have just used many free sources available online to help me make decisions. Good luck to you! Feel free to email me directly at moxieandepoxy@gmail.com if you have any specific questions!
  Cheers!
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Rick Chollett on December 15, 2015 at 00:06
Self confidence is a huge plus! I’ve tried to make sure all my daughters knew that they didn’t NEED a man in life but that they are sometimes nice to have around. I’ve told them to make sure they are 100% self sufficient so that they never have to depend on anyone else. That said they are all doing fairly well and making progress.
I find sailor girls to be very attractive both physically and personality. Keep up the good work! And fair winds!
Travel Guy on February 6, 2016 at 00:00

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Wow this is epic
- Capt Liz on February 6, 2016 at 00:36
  
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  Thanks Travel Guy! Your stuff is pretty epic as well.
Walter on March 27, 2016 at 16:14
What company do y’all work for. I have a tankerman PIC and unlimited AB? I would like to relocate to the Caribbean.
- Capt Liz on March 28, 2016 at 05:50
  
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  Hi Walter, there are tons of awesome operations in the Virgin Islands. I would begin your search in St Thomas and work your way over to St John. Both of these islands have big markets for day charters. Another great option is St Maarten if you’re looking for larger vessels.
Alexa Jean on March 29, 2016 at 04:31
Thank you Capt .Liz-!-
I am finally the skipper of my own vessel– S/V Ericson 37′ —
My daughter ( aka First Mate) had her 8th bday sailing with her 9 friends….
We’re bay sailors, but when I raise enough capital for updated navigation gear will
do blue water .
Thanks for the positive article!
Alexa
- Capt Liz on March 29, 2016 at 05:53
  
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  Thanks Alexa!! So proud of you ladies! That’s an awesome boat, I hope to save up for my own blue water cruiser sometime soon!! xoxo
Mike on April 13, 2016 at 04:14
I’ve had the honor and privilege to sail with some of the best women sailors on the planet…
- Capt Liz on April 13, 2016 at 08:01
  
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  🙂 Awesome!
Jeff Berger on April 20, 2016 at 19:00

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Great stuff. I’m a US journalist living in Boston who spends each winter in St Maarten writing about the island for tourists, and yachting / sailing is a big part of that. Superb article, thanks for this!
- Capt Liz on April 21, 2016 at 02:47
  
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  Thanks Jeff! I appreciate it!! 🙂
Doug on April 22, 2016 at 21:34
Have been sailing on week long crewed charters since 2004 – and can attest that every one of these points is true. Have ever only had one bad experience and that was with a crew that left the business on their 2nd trip. As a guest it’s my part to enjoy myself, and never be demanding or a “pita”
- Capt Liz on April 26, 2016 at 09:24
  
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  We <3 guests like you! Thanks for commenting.
Ricky on April 22, 2016 at 23:43
Thanks Capt Liz, You “Nailed it” I am 60 years old now and have lived aboard for 45 years. I never had (or met very few) boat chicks because it has always been a man’s world. I am proud to say that we have 10 girls in our tribe that are bad ass boat chicks! I have 2 daughters that are on their own boats and crew for anyone that needs crew here in the Bahamas (or anywhere). I am a very proud boat chick Mama! and I am very proud of YOU! keep up the great life, and if you are ever in the Abaco Bahamas please look us up “aka The Family”
P.S. my advice to young men when looking for a girl…”If she can pee anywhere she is worth keeping”…lol
- Capt Liz on April 26, 2016 at 09:23
  
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  I will absolutely look you up if I get to Abaco!! 🙂 Go girls!
Elizabeth Bloch on April 23, 2016 at 12:33

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Right on, Captain Liz. Well said. I’m also a working Captain … Captain Elizabeth. I run a sailing charter business and boat in Florida. It’s empowering to hear of other confident and independent women working / running boats. Thanks for writing!
- Capt Liz on April 26, 2016 at 09:22
  
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  Thank you captain! 🙂 I would love to interview you if you’re available! Email me at moxieandepoxy@gmail.com
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Paul Lippert on May 18, 2016 at 07:23
I like this opp0rtunity to put my dime in the pot. my best friend is captain, she’s been around the globe on her boat and has as all previous comments had to fce sme
They are a very tough
My best friend Cynthia is captain of her boat 40 ft.Libertad, has been around the world.
it is a tough job but that’s what she is. IT’s dealing with more than steering the boat, most crews are men but she manages it with class, hope to go back soon.
Kathie on April 5, 2017 at 16:28
While I’m no longer on the ocean, but looking at it from shore I spent decades both on a cruising sailboat and working on boats both private and charter (mostly Caribbean based in St Lucia, Martinique, St Maarten/St Martin over time) as well as doing deliveries. The charters usually were of a week to 2 weeks duration. You’re the last one to bed and first one up. Thick skin is definitely a necessary attribute (you don’t get to leave at the end of the day) and I would add nurse, recreational director. bartender (I can make a bowl of rum punch in my sleep) and nursemaid (for all ages) to #11.