Ship to Shore – Ellen Young

Written by Melanie Winters

Written by Melanie Winters

Ellen Young on uniforms, uncertainty and unapologetic ambition

If you’d told Ellen Young six years ago that she’d trade the chaos of the crew mess for startup spreadsheets, she might have laughed you off the dock. But life has a funny way of charting its own course and for Ellen, that course led her from the deck of a superyacht to the design studio of her own fashion label.

“I started out in yachting as a deck dayworker in Florida in 2018,” she says. “By the end, I’d spent three years as a Bosun mostly in the Med. I was ambitious right from the start. I earned my Yachtmaster within the first year and had my sights set on OOW modules next.” And with that ambition came unforgettable highs such as travelling the world, forming friendships that would last a lifetime and perhaps most notably, meeting her now-fiancé. “None of that would have happened if I’d stayed in the U.S.,” she adds with a smile.

Yachting had its way of grabbing hold of Ellen quickly. It was a steep learning curve, but she embraced it. The pace, the intensity, the expectations suited her. “I’d been working in hospitality before and loved it, but the structure of life at sea gave me a sense of direction I hadn’t realized I needed.” The constant motion of the job, the variety of tasks, and the ever-changing environment kept her on her toes and she thrived under that pressure. It wasn’t just a job, it became a lifestyle.

But for all the glamour and grit, there were shadows too. The missed milestones back home began to stack up. “I missed my grandma’s 90th birthday, friends’ weddings, babies being born. At some point, the invitations just stopped coming because they knew I wouldn’t make it.” There’s a trace of sadness in her voice, but no regret, just honesty.

Her turning point didn’t come with drama, but a quiet realisation. “I’d gone on holiday and spent that time really throwing myself into starting my business. When I got back, the captain said he noticed a change, that I seemed lighter, happier. And he was right.” That was the moment she knew it was time. Time to leap, to risk and to reclaim a sense of self. “Yachting gave me so much, but I needed to create something that was mine.”

It wasn’t just about career direction, it was about lifestyle. “I craved stability. I wanted to be able to sign up for a pottery class and actually go. I wanted to have friends who all lived in one place. I just wanted to know what I’d be doing next month.” Even something as simple as having a morning routine was suddenly appealing. The unpredictability that once felt exciting had begun to feel unsustainable.

Of course, adjusting to life on land wasn’t as breezy as swapping out deck shoes for sneakers. “What’s hit me hardest is the solitude. Onboard, the crew mess is the heart of everything. It’s where you laugh, decompress, plot a mutiny over bad coffee. Now, I have to actively seek out social interaction.” She pauses. “Also…no one warns you how physical yachting is until you go from hauling lines to sitting at a laptop all day. My body’s like, ‘what are we doing?!’ So, I’m finding ways to stay active for both my sanity and my spine.”

But the change was more than worth it. Ellen is now the founder of Quay Figures (cue applause for that perfect pun), a uniform clothing line tailored specifically for women working on deck and in engineering. “Honestly, I just got tired of being handed men’s shorts and being told to deal with it. And don’t even get me started on the spandex,” she says, raising an eyebrow. “I knew I wasn’t the only one frustrated. So, I designed something that actually fits, functions and respects what women in these roles really need.”

Ellen describes Quay Figures as a small brand of carefully designed and crafted garments dedicated to making all types of butts and bodies comfortable in shorts and coveralls. “Our mission is to provide high-quality clothing that is functional yet flattering. We began out of necessity and we are pleased to present our modern take on maritime garments. And, yes! We’ve got pockets!”

Ellen’s designs are built from first-hand experience, not assumptions that have already sparked excitement across the industry. “I’ve had such a positive response. It’s been humbling and motivating. My hope is that more boats will begin to invest in these women because they absolutely deserve the same standard and support the men get.”

She’s also discovered how deeply fulfilling it can be to build something from the ground up. “There’s a real thrill in hearing a customer say, ‘This is exactly what I needed.’ That kind of validation is different from a guest complimenting a table setup. It’s long-lasting. It means the idea has value beyond me. Our collection merges performance and style through durable, thoughtfully crafted garments made from high-quality recycled materials. Each piece offers comfort, flexibility and utility with breathable, quick-drying fabric and functional details like zippered pockets. “From maritime environments to everyday life, our garments are designed to meet the moment wherever it takes you!”

Quay Figures is all about empowering women with her shorts and coveralls, All of them are designed for women to exude confidence on and off the quay. 

Ellen hasn’t forgotten her roots, though. “I do miss it. The travel, the freedom, the insane and beautiful places. There’s something very unique about being in the trenches with a great crew, those inside jokes, the delirious laughter at 2am, knowing that you’re all running on fumes but still getting it done. And boats, God, I love boats but I don’t think I need to live on one anymore. When I’m near the water and have a kayak, I’m good.”

When asked what she’d tell her 20-year-old self, she doesn’t hesitate. “Stop looking ahead all the time. You’ll never get those moments back. Soak them in. Appreciate where you are, who you’re with, and what you’re building. That’s something I’m still working on, by the way.”

Her advice to other yachties eyeing the shore? “Save, save, save. Like yesterday. You’re in this rare position where you can pocket most of your salary so do it. Because toiletries aren’t free out here!” she adds with a laugh. “But seriously, don’t be hard on yourself. You won’t adjust overnight. Stay active, keep in touch with your crew family, and join clubs or groups. You can now. And celebrate the little wins, because they count.”

She pauses for a moment, considering her next words. “This industry is wild, wonderful and intense but it gives you the tools to build something after. I’m grateful I took the leap.”

With Quay Figures, Ellen isn’t just designing shorts, she’s shaping a new narrative. One where women are kitted out for the job with gear that’s as hardworking and capable as they are. And if the past is anything to go by, she’s only just getting started.

sales@quayfigures.com 

 

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