Welcome Captain Christa Miller-Shelley
The Board, Staff, and Volunteers of Schooner Adventure are thrilled to welcome the first woman Captain in the vessel’s 97 year history. Captain Christa Miller-Shelley with the help of a new crew of 8 plus seasoned Mate Natalie Warren, has been bending on sail, running safety drills and inspections as well as leading many a shake-down cruise in preparation for sailing in service to the community. This capable Captain impresses with her skill, tenacity, and good humor. She has been overheard saying “I can’t wait to get the water in the scuppers!“ She looks forward to being a steward of this National Historic Landmark and continuing the vessel’s sailing legacy!
The self-sufficiency, ingenuity, and teamwork on board are my favorite parts of this job. A day on the Schooner can be so diverse. You’re using all sorts of skills from navigation to boat handling to repairs. I love the problem solving and of course, at the end of the day you don’t have to go to the gym! – Christa
BIO-
Captain Christa Miller-Shelley began working aboard schooners the day after finishing her Master’s Degree for a “three month working vacation turned career.” She went on to receive her first license in 2014 and is currently licensed as a 200 ton Master.
Captain Miller-Shelley began with Ocean Classroom Foundation aboard Spirit of Massachusetts and Harvey Gamage. From there she joined the Maine Windjammer Fleet working aboard the American Eagle, Victory Chimes, Lewis R. French, Angelique, and Mary Day.
Most recently she has sailed as Captain for World Ocean School aboard Roseway. In addition, Captain Miller-Shelley has diversified her maritime career by commercial salmon fishing in Bristol Bay, Alaska, working on Offshore Supply Vessels in the Gulf of Mexico, and teaching for the Northeast Maritime Institute.
When not on boats, Captain Miller-Shelley can be found in the ocean surfing or in the mountains skiing, mountain biking, or building her off grid cabin. She is a PSIA Level 3 ski instructor at Sugarloaf Mountain in Maine and teaches yoga using boat analogies in her lessons. When at home, two years and counting, she is knitting a traditional guernsey sweater.
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