Captain Bill Pinkney

The most celebrated Black sailor in the world (the first African American to sail solo around the world) and first Master of the Freedom Schooner Amistad, Captain Bill Pinkney, participates as the de facto Commodore of the Black Boaters Summit.

Captain Pinkney's book, "AS LONG AS IT TAKES" details the commitment which took him around the world via the five great capes. (Comittment was also the name of his boat.)  He was only the 4th of five Americans, and one of 128 individuals to have done so worldwide.

Captain Paul Mixon

The mastermind behind the Black Boaters Summit in none other than Paul Mixon -- "Cap'n Paul" to most everyone who has ever met him. He's been sailing since 1966 ("I was only 2 at the time, but quick to catch on.") and has enjoyed the sailing lifestyle, having cruised for 3 years -- living in Mexico, Costa Rica and Panama.

Cap'n Paul has sailed the British Virgin Islands since 1968, and in 1997 founded BLACK BOATERS SUMMIT. He's been broke but happy ever since.

Black Boaters Summit Lady Captains

Captain Wanda Robertson and Captain Joan Gilmore are two of our more accomplished female captains:

Wanda Robertson is the Commodore of the Jackson Park Yacht Club in Chicago. The JPYC is an old established club on the South Side of the city.  It boasts the most black women boat OWNERS in the country. The club has both power and sail and is very active in racing.

Joan Gilmore is a USCG 100-ton Master, She is an Instructor Evaluator for the ASA and a former ASA Nat'l Education Director. She writes articles on teaching sailing and conducts seminars & training workshops.

Past and Future Captains

BBS Captains come from throughout the U.S. to participate in our event.

If you're interested in becoming a BBS captain, contact us .  Qualified Black Boaters Summit Captains who fill their boats GO FOR FREE! This could be YOU!