Captain Kelly Gordon has announced the official launch of Yachtie Minds Matter™, a nonprofit organisation dedicated to providing mental health therapy funding and resources for professionals in the yachting industry.
Yachtie Minds Matter™ was born from Captain Gordon’s passion for mental health advocacy and her commitment to addressing the growing mental health crisis within the maritime world.
As a veteran yacht captain and global mental health advocate, Captain Gordon has witnessed firsthand the unique challenges faced by yacht crew members, from isolation and long hours at sea to high-pressure environments and facing issues such as drug and alcohol abuse, sexual harassment and assault, discrimination, bullying and more. Yachtie Minds Matter™’s mission is to ensure that no crew member has to face these challenges alone, offering direct access to funding for therapy and mental health support.
“Mental health is an issue that affects everyone, but in the yachting industry, crew members often face added pressures and limited access to the care they need,” said Captain Kelly Gordon, Founder of Yachtie Minds Matter™. “I was at my lowest point in life when I went to therapy, and now I can say I am my happiest ever after putting in the work. I have launched this non-profit to provide the same opportunity for therapy for those who need it, and by doing so I hope it creates a healthier, more supportive industry for everyone!”
Yachtie Minds Matter will offer the following key initiatives:
- Therapy Funding: Financial support for yacht crew members seeking professional mental health therapy.
- Resources and Certification: Available Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) certification course and other resources.
- Awareness and Education: Campaigns to destigmatize mental health challenges in the yachting industry and promote open conversations.
- Industry Collaboration: Partnerships with yacht owners, management companies, and crew organisations to ensure mental health becomes a priority across the industry.
Why YMM Matters:
A recent mental health survey done by Captain Kelly showed that 46% of respondents indicated their mental health has declined since joining the yachting industry, and 67% of participants said that the effect the industry has had on their mental health has led them to consider jobs in another industry. Only 34% of respondents stated that their vessel or place of business provided policies or practices that address mental health issues, and many hesitate to seek help due to financial constraints or stigma.
Captain Kelly’s goal with Yachtie Minds Matter™ is simple: to create a future where every crew member has access to the mental health support they deserve, and to help change the culture around mental health in yachting, breaking the stigma and ensuring that crew members feel supported, valued, and mentally well.
“Yachtie Minds Matter!,” said Captain Kelly Gordon, “I won’t stop until all seafarers receive the basic rights they deserve: a mentally and physically safe space to thrive.”
How to Get Involved:
Yachtie Minds Matter™ invites yacht owners, crew members, and industry professionals to join this movement by donating to the cause, taking the Yachtie Minds Matter™ Pledge, advocating for mental health in the industry, or partnering with Yachtie Minds Matter™ to expand its reach and impact. Every contribution goes directly to improving the lives of those working at sea.
For more information on Yachtie Minds Matter or to donate, please visit yachtiemindsmatter.org.
