From Deckhand to Driving the Boat: A Black Captain’s Journey

Luxury Yacht Owner Captain Kay discusses his new boating company, Vibe and Wave Charters, and how he started from the bottom in his boating career but now he’s on top with his wife, family, and a luxury style purpose.

Captain Kay, Baltimore Native and owner of Vibe and Wave Charters, a private boat charter that aims to give every guest a luxury and intimate experience on the water. He is a licensed U.S. Coast Guard Captain with his Master 100-ton inland credentials. Captain Kay formally served in the U.S. Navy Reserves and operating commercial/recreational vessels in the DMV area for over 10 years. With his own company, Vibe and Wave Charters, Captain Kay offers private events including sunset cruises, business meetings, intimate celebrations, and/or relaxing day in Baltimore/Upper Chesapeake Bay area.

 Sara: What inspired you to start your career in boating?

 Captain Kay: I used to work water taxi and hopping on other people’s yachts when I was younger. I worked over there for a couple of years and while I was doing that, I was in the Navy Reserves. Then I became active duty. While on active duty, I thought this might be something I could do for the rest of my life. I eventually got my Captain’s license and started doing a lot of commercial work.

Sara: How does boating compare to a traditional job?

Captain Kay: The water is my office. If you're not an office person like me, this career is better than being stuck in the office all day.

 Sara: Before you had your captain's license, what was your job title?

Captain Kay: Deckhand-sweeping and mopping. I learned how a lot about hospitality working with water taxi. Most of my “sea time” came from the Navy, I actually lived on a ship for year overseas-the Persian gulf. It was an intense experience because I didn’t see land or a bird for 3 months. Birds-pigeons usually indicate we near land and I was counting down to see a pigeon. It took about 3 months. During that time, I realized that I wanted to come back to the states and work as Captain for myself

 Sara: Did you accomplish that goal?

Captain Kay: Well, the original plan was go down to Florida because I wanted to move to St. Croix eventually. Florida was the first stop to get my feet wet, then purchase a myself a boat, find a little hut to live in with a straw roof, sell some sweet potatoes and live happily ever after. Then I came back home to Baltimore and fell in love so plans changed. Granted, she was willing to come with me, but I wanted to provide stability for her so I decided to figure out another way.

Sara: Langston Hughes has a poem called “Dreams Deferred,” do you believe your dreams were deferred?

 Captain Kay: To an extent. We got married and had kids but I wouldn’t change the process. There were some challenges; we had our kids back to back and it was also wintertime when I got my license, which meant nobody was out on the water. I thought if we should move to Florida, somewhere where the weather is a lot better. But, my wife motivated me for the most part to stick with it and seven years later-here we are with our own yacht company. She is my right hand and my boss; she handles the marketing and business side. This would not be possible without her so the dream was deferred for a greater purpose.

 Sara: What were you doing in the midst of the seven years?

 Captain Kay: I was doing a little bit of commercial work in Baltimore and DC-the DMV area. I was just doing a lot of deliveries via boat and teaching people how to operate their yachts. A lot of captain for-hire work. I currently work for DC government-cleaning up trash and debris in the water in the DMV area. After I finish that, I get ready for Vibe and Wave Charter-my own luxury yacht company.

 Sara: Congrats. What motivated your choice for luxury style yacht company?

 Captain Kay: When most people think of Baltimore, last thing they think of is luxury yachts, and a black man owning a luxury yacht company. It’s not a lot of Black men as captains or owning a yacht and I wanted to accomplish both. A lot of times people think that they have to go to Miami to enjoy luxury yacht experience. But we are giving people Miami Vibes in Baltimore.

 Sara: Explain the inspiration behind the name of the yacht: Honey Ole Bae.

 Captain Kay: The yacht’s name is inspired by my favorite wings. I love honey old bay wings-honey for sweetness and old bay is a Baltimore tradition. I wanted to name the yacht something that reminds me of Baltimore. Honey Ole Bay is a 34 ft. yacht with full cabin (bathroom, cockpit, and swim platform) that can accommodate up to 6 guests. We welcome all guests and have sunshine and sunset cruises on our website.

Join Captain Kay and his wife this summer for a perfect yacht trip in the DMV area. Check out my experience here.

Follow me on Instagram to see my yacht photos and experience the ride with me.