Meet the Crew

The husband-and-wife team behind Heart of the Gorge Sailing. Jim and Liz Andrews traded island life for mountain views, bringing their love of adventure and life on the water to the Pacific Northwest.

Meet Your First Mate — Liz ⚓️

Liz Andrews

Liz Andrews is a Galveston, Texas native who grew up swimming, fishing, and wakeboarding in the Gulf of Mexico. Now pursuing her passion for travel and adventure, and learning the ropes of sailing in the Columbia River Gorge, she's excited to welcome guests aboard Wy'East.

From raising sails to pouring champagne, Liz is committed to providing a fun and safe experience for every guest aboard.

Liz Andrews smiling with flowers
"After 15 years as a dental hygienist in Texas, I was ready for a new adventure. My husband and I have spent years building tourism and passenger vessel businesses, and this opportunity in the Columbia River Gorge was a natural fit. While I'm still learning the sailing side of the industry, my background in healthcare taught me the importance of safety, customer service, and attention to detail. My focus is making sure every guest feels welcome and has a blast on the river!"
— Liz Andrews
Liz Andrews working on deck

Meet Your Captain — Jim ⚓️

Captain Jim Andrews

  • 🎖️ U.S. Coast Guard Commander, retired
  • ⚓️ 1,600-ton Captain's License
  • 🌊 Master's in Oceanography
  • 📈 MBA from Rice University
  • 🩻 CPR certified
  • ⚕️ Basic Life Support certified
  • 🍷 Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission (OLCC)
  • 🧀 Oregon Food Handler Safety
  • 💍 Ordained minister & wedding officiant
Captain Jim Andrews at the helm