Meet NauticEd Instructor Gordy Cox
“Every new bay, every new horizon — that’s where I grow as a sailor and a person.”
Tell us a little bit about yourself?
I am a full-time helicopter pilot, currently working fires and power lines in the summer, with plans to transition to full-time sailing. My schedule allows ample time for sailing activities. I own three sailboats: two are used for teaching, and one serves as my home base during downtime.
Growing up, I led a nomadic life due to my father’s career in the British Royal Air Force (RAF). My introduction to sailing came at boarding school in Grimsby, a fishing town in Northeast England, at age 10. After graduating at 15, I studied advanced mathematics and physics before joining the RAF at 18, flying Nimrods to detect and counter Russian submarines during the Cold War. Military life wasn’t for me, so I emigrated to the United States in 1990, switching to flying helicopter.
I spent eight years flying in the San Francisco area, primarily instructing students, and also worked in fire suppression and law enforcement. I then spent seven years in Hawaii, flying tours on Kauai, barefoot, by choice, and in an Aloha shirt. Eventually, my nomadic spirit led me to California, where I ran and flew for a helicopter company, working on fire contracts with the US Forest Service and other agencies. I still fly for the same company, but my role is now seasonal, and I’m no longer involved in daily management.
I am passionate about sailing adventures and organizing multi-boat flotillas worldwide, allowing me to explore different cultures and locations without extensive sailing. It truly satisfies my nomadic tendencies.
I’m a boating fanatic who loves inspiring others to embrace the water. I have a wonderful family – a married daughter and my amazing granddaughter – who live in Utah.
Favorite Type of Boating?
Sailing.
What’s your “style” of boating?
Cruiser (chill).
Favorite “type” of boating?
Coastal/Excursions.
What got you into Boating?
While I received some sailing lessons in boarding school, I truly discovered the joy of sailing later in life. A relaxing weekend trip to Catalina Island with my partner and another couple was the turning point. I vividly remember sitting on the deck of a Dufour 37 in Avalon harbor, grilling steaks, enjoying sundowners, and engaging in passionate conversations. It was then that I realized this is the life for me.
What does boating do (or has done) for you?
I get to experience what I call the “Thrill & Chill” of sailing. As a professional helicopter fire pilot, I understood how aerodynamics work to keep a helicopter flying, and how to squeeze every bit of performance out of the helicopter from the environmental conditions present. Now I get to play with sails and the seemingly infinite adjustments that could be made to increase performance – this is the “thrill”. However, I also discovered just relaxing on the back of the boat, while it sails in calm waters, the gentle lap of the waves, and the occasional visiting dolphins – this is the “chill”.
Most memorable boating experience?
One of my most memorable sailing experiences was assisting a sailboat owner delivering his boat from San Diego to Puerto Escondido in the Sea of Cortez. The trip was relaxed, but lasted a whole month. The joy of dropping anchor in a new bay having researched it online, on the charts and in the cruiser guides is exhilarating. I believe everyone should do at least one extended trip like this in their lifetime–you will grow as a sailor and person.
One of my least memorable experiences was in my former life in the Royal Air Force, I had to undergo “sea survival training”, which required me and my crew mates to jump off the back of a British Naval Frigate into the North Sea out of sight of land. We then had to climb into a 10 person life raft and sit in it for 6 hours before being “rescued”. The seas were running about 10 foot, and the wind was howling—lets just say that most did not keep their breakfast down…..
What are a couple of your favorite boating spots?
I loved sailing in Tahiti; the crystal-clear waters inside the reefs are a sight to see. Swimming around the boat and encountering hundreds of different fish was an experience, especially when I first swam with sharks. I have to admit I hyperventilated at first, but once I calmed down, it was incredibly memorable.
I also enjoy sailing in the Mediterranean. The history and culture of the ports are truly unbelievable, and there’s nothing quite like mooring directly to a dockside and stepping onto narrow, cobblestone streets that are hundreds of years old.
What’s your favorite part about teaching boating students?
My favorite part about teaching boating students is witnessing that “aha!” moment when they grasp the concepts. I often see hesitation, particularly when it comes to maneuvering in tight marina spaces. However, with patient guidance and encouragement, students often find the confidence to take the helm and succeed. I’ve even had students express their joy through tears after successfully docking a boat independently for the first time.
What advice would you give a new student about boating? An experienced boater?
For a new student, I would say the possibilities are endless. Give it a try; come out just once, and you will be hooked. Not only will you learn a new skill, but you will also grow immensely as a person.
I extend a warm invitation to fellow seasoned sailors to join me on the water. The shared passion for boating allows for continuous learning and personal growth.
What is a random fact about yourself?
I was a helicopter pilot with Sea Launch, and crossed the equator many times over the course of spending a week there, while launching the Eutelsat 3B communications satellite. I crossed the line both the Sea Launch Commander, the Ocean Odyssey, (Launch Platform), and flying between the two vessels 3.6 nautical miles apart at the equator and 154 degrees West—basically the middle of the Pacific Ocean. I have yet to cross the equator on a sailboat—bucket list item.
I have completed the crossing ceremony in the presence of King Neptune and have the certificate proclaiming me a worthy “Shellback”.
What’s on your boating ‘bucket list’?
I have a few bucket list items to accomplish in the next five years.
1. Sail in Belize, sail in the San Blas Islands and sail in Puerto Rico. These are somewhat easy to accomplish.
2. Live on a sailboat for two years exploring South America and the Caribbean.
You can learn more with NauticEd
Sign up with NauticEd for FREE (no obligation) and receive 2 free boating courses, a free eLogbook and boating resume, and more! If you want to get started in boating or are experienced and want to expand your knowledge and skills, consider taking our many online sailing and powerboating courses.
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