In reference to the female captain issue I don't see how her apprearence should matter. If she's older and unattractive or young and beautiful it shouldn't matter. It shouldn't matter or show how good or bad she is depending on how she dresses.
It all depends on the situation and type of owner or boat. A charter vessel or formal motor yacht both male or female captains should maintain a professional appearence. A private boat in the islands I don't think it should matter. I've cruised and fished many days wearing nothing but a bathing suit and I don't think it's wrong OR Sexist to think a female captain shouldn't be able to as well. It's all based on the owner and crews expectations.
Lets be honest, looks go a long in hiring of staff in any profession. From Bartenders, Boat Crew, Excecutives, and Professional Saleman. All thing being equal, 5 equally qualified people, I'm hiring the one with the neatest and best appearance. It's makes your company look better when you have a clean cut person behind the counter, or doing sales calls than some slob. It's just the facts, more people buy more beer from a prety bartender than one that reminds them why they shouldn't be drinking so much. I wouldn't hire Chris Farley to sell gym equipment or a diabetic to sell candy.
I worked for a guy who when hiring salesman would narrow it down to the final 3 or 4. Then for a final interview would have them all come to dinner with him and bring their wives. He said he hired the one with the coolest, nicest, funniest and prettiest wife. I asked why, and he said because if an average looking guy can marry a women who could choose anyone, and she choose him, then he must be a great person and a great salesman.
A friend of mine that grew up next to, and used to work with my wife is a Captain, a very attractive one at that. I don't think she should ever be judged on her looks, but on her credentials. She was a professional wake boarder, artist and a good person. I would bet she's lost jobs due to the fact that she looks like a pretty surfer girl. Even if she's fully qualified in some cases, I bet a man didn't hire her before because he didn't want to have to explain to his wife that he hired her for her qualifications and not her looks. Being a pretty captain can hurt you just as much as it could help you.
I won't post any pictures of her but feel free to look her up if you'd like. You can find her on Facebook, Monique Robyn Richter. Very talented young lady, Lots of pictures from her trips and art work she's painted from all around Florida and the Carribean. You won't be dissapointed. Like I said talented and pretty, could be good crew for any owner.
Tony
