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Captain Yvonne Brandt
USCG 50-ton Master Inland
I grew up sailing on Galveston Bay off the Texas Gulf Coast. I was two weeks old in a baby carrier on the sole of the family’s Excalibur 26 when the dog stepped on my face. Ahh, I knew it was the sailing life for me. A little older and it was off to sailing camp at the Houston Yacht Club and then I was turned loose in a sunfish for many adventures in addition to time on my dad’s boats.
Eventually, I went to Texas Christian University, graduated with a B.A. in Biology and a minor in Spanish. After AFROTC, the USAF offered a job and the next 20 years were spent in Aerospace Physiology learning/teaching scary stories about how one should not fly aircraft (Human factors, altitude chamber, mishap prevention). I married another USAF officer and 2 kids later we worked our way towards a cruising dream.
In 2013, in a 35’ center cockpit sloop, my family of four left for the Bahamas for a 10 month trip-possessions sold and kids home schooled. After an amazing trip, I needed more sailing. I volunteered for the sea scouts, obtained a 50 GT Inland Master with Sail endorsement (2017) and an American Sailing Association Instructor certification. All of which lead to charter captain and sail instruction work.
With kids now off at college and a great USAFR career in the rearview mirror, it’s time to pursue maritime life to include making a difference for clean oceans. The draw of the sea, desire to save our seas and to share with all who will listen could not be stronger. I am thrilled to set up and provide training for fellow USCG captains and learn at your side. With over 20 years of adult education under my belt, I hope I will be able to maintain the high level of training maintained in the past and, when able, add a healthy dose of conservation opportunities.