Captain Bio

Joel Hersch has been sailing on the Monterey Bay his entire life, building a deep, intuitive understanding of the ocean from years on the water. He has held his U.S. Coast Guard 100-ton captain’s license since 2017, bringing both experience and professionalism to every trip aboard Sailing Vessel Songline.

Beyond sailing, Joel has a background in journalism, where he worked as a reporter covering environmental and coastal issues. Today, he works in film production and documentary storytelling, with a focus on translating complex subjects into compelling, human-centered narratives.

Songline is a family heirloom, acquired by his parents in 1998 with the intention of moving aboard the boat for extended travel around the world. Joel was homeschooled aboard the boat, beginning at the age of 12, and sailed to Europe—via the Panama Canal—and back again from 1999 to 2003.

Growing up aboard Songline, Joel learned early that sailing isn’t just a skill—it’s a lifestyle that invites a closer connection with the natural world, extreme self-reliance, and innovation. Those years at sea, moving between countries and cultures, taught him how to read changing conditions, stay adaptable, and find a sense of home wherever the boat was anchored.

That experience continues to shape how he approaches the water today: with awareness, respect, and a deep appreciation for what sailing can offer beyond the horizon.