Pinellas County native Maranda Douglas made a historic first this month when she became 1st Klass Enterprise LLC’s first Black Woman Mariner Captain.
Maranda Douglas made a historic first this month when she became 1st Klass Enterprise LLC’s first Black Woman Mariner Captain.
In a majorly white male-dominated field, Douglas has carved out a space for herself as the First Black Woman Mariner Captain under Floyd Balentine’s luxury rental business. There are over 11,000 captains employed in the country, 6.7% is made up of Blacks/African Americans; a statistic Douglas now proudly contributes to.
Under her title, Douglas will captain charters, mentor aspiring women mariners, support women-focused boating experiences, represent the brand at maritime events, and help expand the visibility of women in leadership roles within the marine industry. She will also help lead and represent the organization’s Sisters of the Seas initiative, a platform that highlights and empowers women in boating and maritime careers.
“Captain Douglas is not only an exceptional captain—she is a trailblazer who will help shape the future of our company and inspire more women to take the helm,” said Balentine, who is himself a professional pilot and boat captain.
Balentine is the founder and owner of the Tampa Bay–based luxury boating business. His company offers private charter experiences, curated on-water events, and premium maritime hospitality. Guests cruise through Tampa Bay waters on their flagship vessel, the 2022 Crownline 260XSS MY ACE.
Floyd Balentine, a professional pilot and boat captain, is founder and owner of Tampa Bay’s 1st Klass Enterprise luxury boating business. Image courtesy of 1st Klass Enterprise LLC.
“Bringing Captain Maranda Douglas aboard…represents an important step in expanding visibility, mentorship, and professional opportunities for women navigating careers on the water. Her presence as a professional mariner captain brings visibility and representation to an industry where women — especially Black women — are still underrepresented,” said Balentine.
Douglas is no stranger to the marine industry. While she studied at the University of South Florida, she worked as a marketing associate for a yacht charter startup. In 2022, she ran for Clearwater’s city council, where she served on the City’s Marine Advisory Board and completed a water conservation art project in Lake Belleview. Fast forward a few years, and Douglas became the founder and owner of Top Nauts, an exclusive seaside experience that features boat rentals and yacht charters.
Douglas is no stranger to the marine industry, as the founder and owner of Top Nauts, an exclusive seaside experience that featuresboat rentals and yacht charters.
“My career journey starts with my upbringing in community service, growing as a servant leader, and the results of curiously following my passion for the marine industry. I was honored to be asked to serve as a voice for those directly and indirectly impacted by the various plans for Clearwater’s future,” Douglas acknowledged.
Together, Balentine and Douglas set out to create a space for women interested in the marine industry through their immersive programs, including women’s empowerment cruises, mentorship days for interested young ladies, and leadership experiences on the water. Their mission is to create a visible pathway for women to enter the boating world.
Together, Balentine and Douglas set out to create a space for women interested in the marine industry, with a mission to create a visible pathway for women to enter the boating world. Image courtesy of Floyd Balentine.
“To have a partner with the same mindset is energizing and makes for a great collaboration. I am truly honored for this opportunity to share my passion with 1st Klass Enterprise,” shared Douglas.
Douglas is considering enrolling at the Fred K. Marchman Technical College (FKMTC) to become a certified marine mechanic. Until her future enrollment, the newly appointed captain looks forward to a season of fun on the Tampa Bay waters.
In 2022, Douglas ran for Clearwater’s city council, where she served on the City’s Marine Advisory Board and completed a water conservation art project in Lake Belleview.
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