In Charleston, a city known for its deep-rooted sailing traditions and maritime superstitions, two women captains are breaking barriers and challenging the old norms. Jennifer Lamar and Janet Ellis, co-captains of Sundog Sailing, are navigating not only the waters but also the outdated views that have traditionally kept women out of leadership roles in the sailing world.
Navigating Superstitions and Breaking Barriers
For centuries, sailing has been steeped in lore and superstition. Bananas, rabbits, and even women have been considered bad luck on the water. But Jennifer Lamar and Janet Ellis are taking on these myths and showing that women can lead just as effectively as men.
Both captains fell in love with sailing at an early age, drawn to the thrill of the wind, the water, and the time spent with family. Lamar recalls, “I could have all the time in the world with my dad. It wasn’t just the physics or the sailing or the wind and all that, that was fascinating, but just the time that you spend with your crew.”
Guided by mentors and driven by determination, both women earned their captain’s licenses after years of study and hours on the water. Now, a decade later, Lamar and Ellis are part of a small, but growing group of female commercial sailing captains in Charleston.
A Small, Yet Privileged Group
While they recognize how rare it is for women to hold such positions in Charleston’s commercial sailing scene, both women are hopeful for change. “It is rare and it’s a privilege,” Ellis says. She also acknowledges how lucky they are to own their boat, sparing them from many of the hiring challenges women often face in the industry. “We didn’t have to go through all the hoops and obstacles that so many women are going through right now with hiring.”
But even in their success, both captains note the ongoing gender disparities in the industry. Ellis points out that women often have to work harder to gain recognition, with many being hired as deckhands and working their way up to captain. But when they finally earn their captain’s licenses, they’re still not always promoted. “They’ll get their captain’s license and [a company] will be like, ‘Oh, really? You have your license?’ But they won’t get that promotion,” Ellis explains.
Challenging Tradition and Inspiring the Next Generation
For Lamar and Ellis, it’s clear that sailing leadership should not be determined by gender. They acknowledge that there are still yacht clubs in Charleston that don’t allow women to be full members, but they also emphasize the importance of finesse and intelligence in leadership. “With finesse and nuance, you don’t have to be stronger, you can be smarter,” Lamar says.
Their passion for sailing has led them to inspire the next generation of sailors, regardless of gender. They recently had a young girl aboard their boat who, unlike her two older brothers, was the one eager to take the wheel. Lamar smiles as she recalls, “The little sister was the one that came up to me and asked, ‘Could she drive?’ It wasn’t the little brother.”
Fostering Respect for Nature and Skill
Lamar and Ellis want the next wave of sailors, both male and female, to focus on respect—respect for people, for the environment, and for the skill it takes to succeed on the water. They are particularly passionate about the unique ecosystems around Charleston, from the sea islands and rivers to the marshes and ocean. Ellis describes the area as “so dynamic,” with nature’s beauty at its core.
Their message to the next generation is clear: it’s not luck, superstition, or gender that should dictate success. It’s skill, perseverance, and the passion to chase your dreams. Ellis advises, “Do it for yourself, for your spirit, for other people to see you accomplishing it. Definitely don’t give up. It’s worth it. It’s just magic.”
