Kelly Gordon first stepped foot on a yacht in 2007. During her first boat ride, the now-42-year-old climbed the metal ladder's rungs, walked on the deck, and instantly became addicted to the salty sea air.
Reflecting on her early days, Gordon told CNBC Make It, "I didn't even know port from starboard." Despite her initial lack of experience, Gordon immersed herself in the yachting sector, honing a range of skills over 11 years while pursuing her dream of becoming a captain. Alongside her maritime training, Gordon worked full-time as an adjunct chemistry professor at Carteret Community College in North Carolina.
