The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum will soon be exhibiting Her Helm, showcasing the work of photographer Kristin Rutowski. Rutowski’s work highlights female captains on the Chesapeake Bay.
The exhibit looks at women who have challenged gender stereotypes about women managing vessels. For two years, Rutowski traveled the Chesapeake Bay region photographing female boaters from recreational boating to charter and tug captains, maritime educators, and delivery and ferry boat operators.
“CBMM’s mission to record and promote life and culture around the Bay makes it the perfect place to recognize the contributions and leadership of these women,” said Rutowski in a statement about the exhibit. “I’m incredibly grateful for CBMM’s support in sharing this project and recognizing the importance of celebrating this demographic, of helping to normalize the fact that women are in charge of boats.”
While the exhibition features more than 50 women, here is a sneak preview of a few of the ladies who make their own way on the water.
Gerrie McCottry
Since her teen years, McCottry has loved boating, as well as the mechanics and piloting of different vessels. She is an experienced powerboat skipper and encourages others to build confidence in their boating skills. She shares her experiences with her granddaughter who is enthusiastically learning to drive her boat and read charts. McCottry has previously driven motorcycles, a World War II legacy plane and held a guest spot at the helm of a 95-foot tour boat.
Cindy Evans
Evans is a 100-ton USCG-licensed boat captain who has worked as a fishing charter captain and mate. Before working on the water, Evans used her lunch breaks and free time to study for her captain’s license. While some were resistant with her place in the marine industry, Evans can confidently say her work is the highlight of her life.
Sarah Lawrence
Lawrence is a licensed 100-ton boat captain who grew up in a family involved in the marine towing business. After competing on her collegiate sailing team, she spent a decade in the Bahamas teaching sailing to primarily women, as well as captaining charter boats. Lawrence is now back in the towing business in Maryland and is very active in teaching boating safety and getting young children out on the water.
