On May 9, 2025, NorthBay Education celebrated more than just the relaunch of a boat, it marked the beginning of a new chapter in experiential education and personal growth. The Miss Nancy, a 50-foot floating classroom on the Chesapeake Bay, returned to service with a fresh identity, modern technology, and a renewed purpose. But for Captain Jamie McCoy, that day was also the realization of a dream she once wasn’t sure she could reach.
The transformation of the Miss Nancy was made possible through the generous support of Knorr-Bremse Global Care North America Inc. and Knorr Brake Company. With new systems, and enhanced STEM tools including high-powered microscopes and sonar technology, the vessel was reimagined as a beacon of sustainable innovation. Students now have the opportunity to explore the Chesapeake Bay’s rich ecology in a hands-on, immersive way, learning not just about science, but about the responsibility we all share in protecting our natural world.
At the helm of this exciting new chapter stands Captain Jamie. Her path to leadership was anything but direct. Starting as an Outdoor Educator, Jamie admired those who captained the Miss Nancy before her but often questioned if she herself had what it took. Becoming a licensed captain felt like a far-off goal, an idea she carried quietly, unsure whether it could ever truly happen.
That changed when NorthBay’s Executive Director, Jenn Foy, launched a leadership development program to help staff pursue new roles and expand their impact. With NorthBay’s encouragement and sponsorship, Jamie enrolled in the necessary coursework to pursue her Captain’s license. A pivotal part of her preparation came through Cecil College’s ABYC-certified Marine Mechanics program, a Workforce Development initiative led by Captain Bill Weyant. The six-month, hands-on course covered marine systems including electrical, plumbing, fiberglass, boat trailers, and both inboard and outboard engines. The program offered Jamie not only technical expertise but also connections to industry professionals and future employment opportunities.
Adding to the celebration of her achievements, Jamie was not only a graduate of the program—she was also a featured speaker at the Continuing Education and Workforce Development Completion Celebration on June 5. Her speech embodied the spirit of perseverance, purpose, and transformation that defines both her journey and NorthBay’s mission.
“Jamie’s journey reflects the transformative power of career training and mentorship. Through Cecil College’s ABYC-certified Marine Mechanics program, she developed the technical expertise, confidence, and leadership skills that now empower her to lead in the maritime industry and serve as an inspiration to others. Her remarks at our Completion Celebration were a powerful testament to the life-changing impact of education,” said Dr. Miles Dean, Dean of Continuing Education and Workforce Development at Cecil College.
Though not the first woman to captain the Miss Nancy, Jamie’s story is nonetheless remarkable. In a field where women are still significantly underrepresented, only about 8% of U.S. boat captains are female. Her achievement stands as an inspiration. “I never imagined I’d be in this position,” she said. “To not only earn my Captain’s license, but to actually be entrusted with leading the Miss Nancy it’s something I’ll always be grateful for.”
The rechristening ceremony for the Miss Nancy was more than a celebration of technology and education; it was a tribute to what’s possible when mentorship, opportunity, and courage come together. With Captain Jamie at the helm, the Miss Nancy is more than a vessel; it’s a symbol of hope, progress, and purpose, ready to inspire the next generation of students who climb aboard.
As the Miss Nancy sets sail once again, she carries with her not just microscopes and sonar, but the stories of those who believed, tried, and ultimately led. Captain Jamie’s journey is a reminder that sometimes the most powerful classrooms aren’t bound by walls and that leadership often begins with simply daring to imagine it’s possible.
