Linda Gunn

200 ton USCG licensed captain
S/V Farewell

Linda was one of the first female captains in Baltimore harbor. Throughout her years in the marine industry, she has seen promising growth regarding female recognition. Her largest goal on the water is to make it easier for future generations of women to make their way, opening doors for girls who may not have realized they could have a role in that world. Letters from girls who were inspired by her to get their own captain’s license let her know that the way is indeed being forged. A memory that has stayed with her was the massive round of applause she received at the Millennium OpSail event, when she realized she was one of only two women introduced. Tall ships hold a particular place in her heart - she lives aboard a Nova Scotia schooner, and besides participating in OpSail events, she also competes in the Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race. When she was younger, she worked in the fishing industry in Alaska, and spent many Christmases and New Year’s Eves on the Bering Sea as young mariner. A high school opportunity to work on a research vessel may have ignited her passion for boating, but she discovered that water is in her soul when she later learned that her maternal ancestors sailed to the Americas from the Azores. Of the water, she says “even when you’re having a really bad day, there’s a peace.” That peace has helped her through life and continues to give her joy.