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She of the Sea

Today (18 May 2023) marks the second celebration for the International Day for Women in Maritime. The day celebrates women in the industry and is intended to promote recruitment, raise the profile of women in maritime and address the current gender imbalance in the maritime industry. This year we are taking a look back into the SYT archives to find out more about some inspirational women in the yachting industry.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/227358/image/large-7c3ae25e987c930550b85719620a26dd.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/227358"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/57095" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="International Women’s Day 2023: Women at the helm of change (2023-03-08 08:30:00 +0100)">International Women’s Day 2023: Women at the helm of change</a>Wednesday 8 March 2023 marked International Women’s Day, a global celebration of the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marked a call to action for accelerating women's equality in all industries. SYT spoke to Below Deck’s Captain Sandy Yawn, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/526" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Northrop and Johnson (Company)">Northrop &amp; Johnson</a> Sales Broker, Annie Avery, interior designer Destry Darr Pethtel of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2524" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Destry Darr Designs (Company)">Destry Darr Designs</a> and business owner and Development Consultant of Onboard Monaco, Marcela de Kern Royer about their experiences in the industry.You can read more about their stories <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/57095" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="International Women’s Day 2023: Women at the helm of change (2023-03-08 08:30:00 +0100)">here</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/260758/image/large-d114845098d9a706f89986d98c42100b.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/260758"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/57093" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Giovanna Vitelli named Chairwoman of Azimut|Benetti Group (2023-03-07 15:15:00 +0100)">Giovanna Vitelli named Chairwoman of Azimut|Benetti Group</a>March 2023 saw former Vice President of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6046" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Azimut-Benetti Group (Company)">Azimut|Benetti Group</a> Giovanna Vitelli named as Chairwoman of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6046" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Azimut-Benetti Group (Company)">Group</a>. According to the shipyard, the appointment guaranteed the stability necessary to seize all the opportunities of the future.Read the full announcement about Giovanna Vitelli <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/57093" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Giovanna Vitelli named Chairwoman of Azimut|Benetti Group (2023-03-07 15:15:00 +0100)">here</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/260405/image/large-73ab825e05dd7a5b0b4e2e5116ef04a2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/260405"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/57061" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Meet superyacht interior designer, Valentina Zannier (2023-03-08 16:30:00 +0100)">Meet superyacht interior designer, Valentina Zannier</a>In Issue 43 of the SuperYacht Times newspaper, SYT spoke to Valentina Zannier of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/65" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nuvolari Lenard (Company)">Nuvolari Lenard</a> on her journey from junior assistant to her current position as Chief Interior Designer. Valentina discussed the 115-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a> superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7335" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lady Jorgia115.1m (377'7&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2021">Lady Jorgia</a> (ex.&nbsp;Ahpo), as well as the 141.63-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a> yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6426" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nord141.63m (464'8&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2021">Nord</a> and the 86-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a> superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3678" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Quattroelle86.11m (282'6&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2013">Quattroelle</a>.You can find out more about Valentina Zannier <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/57061" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Meet superyacht interior designer, Valentina Zannier (2023-03-08 16:30:00 +0100)">here</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/227490/image/large-cd5df8ccee88791e66d6fa2ca73475ed.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/227490"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/56161" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Jenny Matthews on diversity and the beating heart of yachting (2022-10-18 16:00:00 +0200)">Jenny Matthews on diversity and the beating heart of yachting</a>Issue 42 of the SuperYacht Times newspaper saw <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6715" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="She of the Sea (Company)">She of the Sea</a> and LEGASEA founder Jenny Matthews discuss the most critical questions in the industry of Who Are We? and Who Do We Want To Be?You can read the full discussion <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/56161" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Jenny Matthews on diversity and the beating heart of yachting (2022-10-18 16:00:00 +0200)">here</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/193957/image/large-7a0d38b223e82687d0120f6ba6032820.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/193957"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/52809" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ione Astondoa: Carving a space for women in the yachting industry (2021-04-29 15:00:00 +0200)">Ione Astondoa: Carving a space for women in the yachting industry</a>In 2021, SYT sat down with the newly appointed Ione Astondoa of the family-owned yacht builders <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/412" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Astondoa S.A. (Astilleros) (Company)">Astondoa</a>. Ione speaks about what it is like to be a fourth-generation Astondoa and her unique position as a young woman working in the yachting industry.Read her full story <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/52809" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ione Astondoa: Carving a space for women in the yachting industry (2021-04-29 15:00:00 +0200)">here</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/227489/image/large-17c5e1deaf6f19225da98b84465e4c31.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/227489"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/55171" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="International Day for Women in Maritime 2022: How the tides are turning for women in yachting (2022-05-18 15:45:00 +0200)">International Day for Women in Maritime 2022: How the tides are turning for women in yachting</a>Last year was the first celebration for the International Day for Women in Maritime. SYT spoke to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6715" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="She of the Sea (Company)">She of the Sea</a> founder Jenny Matthews about their survey into diversity in the industry, as well as Captain Kelly Gordon, Communications Specialist at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1821" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Damen Yachting (Company)">Damen Yachting</a>, Sarah Flavell, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2529" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Worth Avenue Yachts (Company)">Worth Avenue</a> yacht broker Veronica Pizza and Hannah Hombergen, founder and designer at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6714" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Quintesse Group (Company)">Quintesse Group</a>.&nbsp;Read the full interview <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/55171" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="International Day for Women in Maritime 2022: How the tides are turning for women in yachting (2022-05-18 15:45:00 +0200)">here</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/195431/image/large-973427ea7745de05be8c9b321814041c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/195431"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/52940" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Broker Insight: 5 questions with Julia Skoptsova (2021-05-17 10:30:00 +0200)">Broker Insight: 5 questions with Julia Skoptsova</a>SuperYacht Times spoke to Julia Skoptsova, yacht broker and founder of Russian brokerage firm, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5144" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Smart Yachts (Company)">Smart Yachts</a>, about her entrance into the profession, the foundation of her firm and what it is like to be a woman in the superyacht industry.You can find out more about Julia Skoptsova <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/52940" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Broker Insight: 5 questions with Julia Skoptsova (2021-05-17 10:30:00 +0200)">here</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/66234/image/large-d9dc43e5edf1dbdd49e041f3e1ab4fe3.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/66234"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/49663" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Super yachting females on International Women’s Day 2019 (2019-03-08 10:30:00 +0100)">Super yachting females on International Women’s Day 2019</a>In 2019, SYT shone a spotlight on some of the key female industry figures we had featured over the past year. This included superyacht photographer Olga Dromas, brokers Irina Blagodyr and Julia Stewart and CEO of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/69" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Winch Design (Company)">Winch Design</a>, Aino Grapin, as well as the female crews at the 2018 Rolex Sydney Hobart.Read more about these inspirational females <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/49663" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Super yachting females on International Women’s Day 2019 (2019-03-08 10:30:00 +0100)">here</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/210023/image/large-4ced9afd224f83c801e29cdc415ee73f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/210023"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/53973" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="An extraordinary life on boats with owner Patsy Bolling (2021-11-09 15:00:00 +0100)">An extraordinary life on boats with owner Patsy Bolling</a>For issue 39 of the SuperYacht Times newspaper, Editor-in-Chief Francesca Webster caught up with serial yacht owner and veritable yachting legend Patsy Bolling. During this interview Patsy talks about her incredible life on boats which spans nearly her whole life.Find out more about Patsy Bolling <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/53973" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="An extraordinary life on boats with owner Patsy Bolling (2021-11-09 15:00:00 +0100)">here</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/27367/image/large-66574397952a7c2d0b2db3f15e9b978b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/27367"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/48219" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="International Women's Day 2018: Inspiring women in yachting (2018-03-08 14:30:00 +0100)">International Women's Day 2018: Inspiring women in yachting</a>For International Women's Day 2018, SYT celebrated by speaking to influential women from across the yachting industry to hear their inspiring top tips for women who want to get ahead in what is often perceived by many to be a male-dominated industry. We spoke to Sales and Charter Consultant for <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/244" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="IYC (Company)">IYC</a> Katya Grzeszczak Jaimes, President of Monte Carlo Yachts Carla Demaria and Captain Maria Grazia Franco.You can find out more about these women <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/48219" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="International Women's Day 2018: Inspiring women in yachting (2018-03-08 14:30:00 +0100)">here</a>.

International Day for Women in Maritime 2023

SYT marks the second celebration for the International Day for Women in Maritime by celebrating inspirational women in the yachting industry.

Celebrating the work of women for International Day for Women in Maritime 2023

Today (8 March 2023) marks International Women’s Day, a global celebration of the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women's equality in all industries.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/227489/image/large-17c5e1deaf6f19225da98b84465e4c31.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/227489">A 2021 report conducted by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6715" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="She of the Sea (Company)">She of the Sea</a> into diversity within the yachting industry found that of 1,800 crew members employed by contributing management companies, only 28.7 percent of them were women. Even more shocking is that only 1.9 percent of these female crew members were captains.&nbsp;Read:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/55171" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="International Day for Women in Maritime 2022: How the tides are turning for women in yachting (2022-05-18 15:45:00 +0200)">International Day for Women in Maritime 2022: How the tides are turning for women in yachting<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/260776/image/large-54de2a551f40fdfba32775b819bcfdd2.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/260776"></a>Across the industry there are women thriving on the challenge of changing these statistics. One of those is world-renowned captain and star of Bravo TV’s reality hit show Below Deck Mediterranean, Captain Sandy Yawn. “Looking back, I was never offered any career advice, I actually answered an advertisement in the newspaper under the jobs section. I didn't even know that there was a maritime school for people like me who did not graduate high school, until I heard about Maritime Professional Training in Fort Lauderdale.”&nbsp;Over the years, Captain Sandy Yawn has worked hard to prove her worth in a male-dominated industry. “In the past I was turned down for a new-build because the owner was from another country and didn't think a woman could be in command. That one made me laugh out loud! I would love to see more women take the helm and show the world that we are capable of taking command.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/260781/image/large-a78356721ca8e8be38b32146d70c8cfe.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/260781">Captain Sandy Yawn has built a name for herself and is well-known in both the maritime industry and from the American reality television series, Below Deck Mediterranean. The Below Deck franchise has grown in popularity and is currently on season seven, with Captain Sandy Yawn at the helm of the 49.8-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a> superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5959" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Home49.8m (163'5&quot;)Heesen Yachts2017">Home</a> in the pristine waters of Malta.The show continues to highlight the job roles for women in the industry and is finding new ways to inspire them to want to learn more. “They are reaching millions of people and I am so happy to be on the show,” commented Captain Sandy Yawn. “It shows little girls and women all over the country and the world that they can have a life at sea!”Read:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/48219" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="International Women's Day 2018: Inspiring women in yachting (2018-03-08 14:30:00 +0100)">International Women's Day 2018: Inspiring women in yachting<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/260762/image/large-443c3e685ed41251fb4979bd56bfdf5a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/260762"></a><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/526" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Northrop and Johnson (Company)">Northrop &amp; Johnson</a> Sales Broker, Annie Avery took up sailing from a young age with her family and brother-in-law Fred. “After a year of private sailboat cruising with my family in the Caribbean I decided I wanted to be a captain to really learn about responsibility,” reminisced Annie Avery. “I confided in Fred that I was uneasy about putting myself out there as a captain as I was worried about the machinery on a charter boat. He put his arm around me, swooped his other across the harbour in St. Thomas and said, ‘Annie, do you think all those guys on that boat went to Detroit Diesel School? No, I said. ‘That’s right and you’re going to learn just like they did,’ he reassured me.”Annie eventually traded her sea legs to become one of a handful of female yacht sales brokers in the world working with powerhouse Northrop &amp; Johnson. “As a yacht broker, my experience as a yacht captain prior gave me a good foundation for knowing the product I was selling and I have had wonderful advisors and cheerleaders along the way– which have been mostly men!”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/219126/image/large-206b550a22422538d353d3e1d1b64044.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/219126">Over the years, Annie has seen the industry start to evolve with more women involved. “Progress is definitely being made, more women are now brokers, naval architects, captains, and managers than when I first started,” explained Annie Avery.“The first company that did hire me confided one of the reasons they did, was because they passed over a woman, one of the very first, who became a very successful yacht broker. I have also been in situations where assumptions were made about me as a woman. I considered it a good opportunity to intentionally stand in my own authentic power. I always remember Eleanor Roosevelt’s quote: “Nobody can make you feel inferior except by your own consent.”Read:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/49663" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Super yachting females on International Women’s Day 2019 (2019-03-08 10:30:00 +0100)">Super yachting females on International Women’s Day 2019</a><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/260758/image/large-d114845098d9a706f89986d98c42100b.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/260758">The yachting industry is constantly changing with more women stepping up to the plate to take on managerial positions. One of those is Giovanna Vitelli, former Vice President of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6046" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Azimut-Benetti Group (Company)">Azimut|Benetti Group</a> who was recently appointed Chairwoman of the <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/companies/azimut-benetti-group" target="_blank">Group</a>.Commenting on the appointment, Giovanna Vitelli said, “I would like to thank my father infinitely for his trust and the teachings of a lifetime, as well as all the people who have made and will continue to make the history of our Group”. &nbsp;The shipyard stated, “The path forward of continuity in the family, strongly desired by the founder Paolo Vitelli, guarantees the stability necessary to seize all the opportunities of the future.”Read:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/57093" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Giovanna Vitelli named Chairwoman of Azimut|Benetti Group (2023-03-07 15:15:00 +0100)">Giovanna Vitelli named Chairwoman of Azimut|Benetti Group</a><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/260756/image/large-7a29c7bb12f0ed57baa2fd9404a7187a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/260756">Based in Fort-Lauderdale, Florida, interior designer Destry Darr Pethtel of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2524" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Destry Darr Designs (Company)">Destry Darr Designs</a> draws on her family legacy to provide a comprehensive menu of yacht interior design services. “I always had an artistic and creative eye but was also very analytical as a child,” commented Destry Darr Pethtel. “In school, I was always drawing – anything from Barbie dolls, to crazy hybrid fantasy creatures, to stylised renditions of yacht exteriors and very technical drawings of lighthouses and building facades. At a very young age, I thought I wanted to be an architect.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/260775/image/large-7170215367ea40988422bb9882dee971.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/260775">Prior to founding her firm in April 2004, Destry refined her skills as an interior designer for several world class, well-known yacht interior design firms. “LIke so many women, I juggled the responsibilities of raising a family and growing a business at the same time, but I have been blessed with tremendous help and support along the way - from my parents, grandmother and aunt, to my husband, Rodney, who left his own career to join me as our business took off.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/260773/image/large-b67a6fdceedb6234a1757379417985d0.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/260773">“My philosophy is work hard, hone your skills, pursue what you love and figure out how to be the best at it. I’ve always operated with a vision of what I want for my business in the future and have seized the opportunities and taken the risks necessary to achieve these goals,” added Destry Darr Pethtel. “Building a strong reputation through this journey has been instrumental in our success as well. Taking a risk might be scary but it can come with a big payoff.” Read:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/52809" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ione Astondoa: Carving a space for women in the yachting industry (2021-04-29 15:00:00 +0200)">Ione Astondoa: Carving a space for women in the yachting industry</a><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/52809" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ione Astondoa: Carving a space for women in the yachting industry (2021-04-29 15:00:00 +0200)"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/260760/image/large-b38f4461d79d96020f16ef126adc1226.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/260760"></a>Like Destry Darr Pethtel, many women choose to pave their own path in the industry and a great example of that is business owner and Development Consultant of Onboard Monaco, Marcela de Kern Royer. “I faced many hurdles on my journey as I am an immigrant to Europe, so I needed visas and work permits to get started. On top of that English was not my first language so I worked hard as both a woman and a Latina to set up my business.”&nbsp;Monaco-based resident Marcela de Kern Royer combines a passion for yachting with a strong international academic background, along with her past experiences in asset management. She has gained excellent exposure to all facets of the industry, starting as a supplier and having experience in new-build, refit, brokerage, and yacht management.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/260761/image/large-822c6f306d21c5327096e1c7bed8f814.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/260761">“I was inspired by the role models of my parents as both of them were entrepreneurs and very successful business people. I combined what I love doing, with my inspiration from other powerful women from not just this industry, but all walks of life.”Marcela started in the industry at the age of 18 and has seen a shift in the roles of women since she began. “There are a lot more women in higher positions now than when I first started. I had to work through the career ladder to get to where I am today. Being a woman in this industry turned out to not only be my strength, but my superpower and because of that I am grateful to all my previous bosses, who were men. They all helped me get to the position I am in today, as they believed in me every step of the way.” <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/260783/image/large-000e3ba5928e5d4613b24f1e7ae7ff58.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/260783">As an influential person in yachting, Marcela de Kern Royer has created a powerful online community for yacht owners and professionals and operates a very impressive platform, but it has not been without its challenges. “As both a mother and a businesswoman, I have had my fair share of struggles to balance this lifestyle. But it is important to not give up and to remain resilient and persistent in everything you do.”"As Franklin D. Roosevelt said "A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor," so cast off the lines and let your adventure begin,” concluded Annie Avery.

International Women’s Day 2023: Women in yachting

Today (8 March 2023) marks International Women’s Day, SYT takes a look at the inspirational women at the helm of change in the yachting industry.

International Women’s Day 2023: Women at the helm of change

This article was written by Jenny Matthews, Founder of&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6715" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="She of the Sea (Company)">She of the Sea</a>&nbsp;and LEGASEA, for the SuperYacht Times Newspaper, Issue 42.The most critical questions we as an industry are being asked right now are Who Are We? and Who Do We Want To Be? Our responses will be the bedrock from which all future business, design, performance - even our legacy - will spring. Every problem, solution and opportunity that currently exists in the yachting industry comes down to people. Every call to innovate, adapt, grow and expand, can only be answered by our collective intelligence.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/227490/image/large-cd5df8ccee88791e66d6fa2ca73475ed.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/227490">I invite you to join me in looking past the gloss, the manicured exterior, and the noise. To lean in with me to the messy, the vulnerable, the human.When it becomes apparent in conversation that part of my work life is Chief Officer, I am quite often met with the statement ‘You must love boats!’ A perfectly logical assumption to make, of course, but while yachts are spectacular, and I adore every element of my job, I don't really care much at all about yachts. I am, however, obsessed with people. Teams, performance, connection, authenticity, the list goes on. Every element of my role onboard, with owners and crew, comes down to understanding and connecting with the individual. To cultivate trust, safety and belonging. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/227494/image/large-12c143c193660a52c3d85c4c2b73c6f7.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/227494">THESE are the topics that occupy my heart and mind. Unconsciously, my desire to become a Captain was born from this, as was <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6715" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="She of the Sea (Company)">She of the Sea</a>, as is Legasea.When we talk about people, we are also talking about Social Impact, one of the three pillars of ESG and sustainability.To summarise, Social Impact can be defined as:<ol><li>Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and belonging</li><li>Impact on employees&nbsp;</li><li>Health, wellness safety and productivity&nbsp;</li><li>Career development</li><li>Engagement, and satisfaction</li></ol><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/227491/image/large-834fc361b6e4878dd06cbb41954a1527.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/227491">While data is critical for strategy creation and measuring impact, we certainly don’t need it to know that our industry, like many others, has a long way to go in these areas. We need only look around.Let's take a moment to observe the power of people and connectedness from the other side of the coin. Yes, performance, diversity and belonging are important in the operational sides of our industry, but the poetic irony is that it is also the quiet but critical DNA of engaging customers with products. Scratch beyond the surfaces of gold and glass, we see that we aren't producing and operating yachts, we are building containers that hold space for the people in them to create the most deeply human experiences.The quiet moment of connectedness on the swim platform with your child who has felt distant, feet dangling in the cool water. An intimate huddle with a loved one as the tender purrs along. Admiring and sharing a design feature that reflects a deeply personal sentiment. The swell of pride as you pull into port on YOUR yacht, that YOU bought or chartered is the fruit of a life's work. Feeling humbled as you get lost staring up at the glowing Milkyway, serenaded by the gentle lapping of swell against the hull. Yachting markets and facilitates moments. Moments of connectedness, to each other, to ourselves, and to nature. We are in the business of understanding people and cultivating experiences.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/168076/image/large-69fd8477269f96f6affeb263f13d9987.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/168076">Whether your aspiration is to provide 7-star service and experience, design the most cutting-edge vessel, engage new owners or create a fulfilling career at sea, your ability to achieve your goals 100% comes down to your understanding of people and Social Impact.Every ounce of data relating to innovation, performance, engagement, and connecting with customers, is absolutely, unarguably, undeniably centred on Social Impact. Every business consulting firm with any authority is vigorously researching these multifaceted elements. The one thing that does not take a genius or data to understand is this:Without our people, we are nothing.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/238350/image/large-39b9b8d15486c8b2ffc1ea3d3689a619.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/238350">Through our platforms, we work in the trenches and the boardrooms. We hear those with the power to create change and those that so desperately need it.Here's what we have learnt.<ul><li>Many people deeply care about and want to be part of creating change.&nbsp;</li><li>Many people want to take action but don't have clarity on how best to do this.&nbsp;</li><li>Some organisations feel passionate about change but their ability to take actionable steps is limited by their investable resources (time, money, personnel).&nbsp;</li><li>Some organisations like the idea of championing change because of its impact on brand reputation, however, don't have the motivation or intention to invest.&nbsp;</li><li>Everybody is wondering whose job it is to actually do it.</li></ul>If we do not immerse ourselves and delve courageously into our own humanity, we simply will not rise to the challenge. When discrimination, apathy, ignorance, blame and fear flourish in our workplaces, this leaches into our product and leaves us sterile, uninspired, and bland.So how does the empowered individual arm themselves once they decide that they are no longer waiting for someone else to ‘do something’ about the current barriers?We lead with empathy, for ourselves and each other. Accepting that discomfort, complexity and failure are entirely human. They are in fact the prerequisites for success.Accountability&nbsp;- For our own shortcomings and of those around usCourage - To speak even if you might say something wrong. To stand up when everybody else is sitting down. To ask the question to which you are afraid to hear the answer.Learning&nbsp;- It never stops. Every lesson is different, some through books, workshops and webinars, others through interactions. Embrace the stretch.These tools enable us to connect with the heart of the owners ‘why?’. To match them perfectly with the vessel and crew able to bring their vision to life. They allow us to see beyond ‘peers and colleagues‘ and instead to see full, complex, unique individuals, &nbsp;co-creating alongside us. They create the safety needed for us all to collaborate, contribute and innovate. With these tools we release our full potential and do what we do better than any other industry in the world; exceed every expectation and make the impossible possible.This article was originally published in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yacht-news/superyacht-times-issue-42" target="_blank">Issue 42 of SuperYacht Times newspaper.</a>&nbsp;To read more stories like this one and to never again miss another issue of the SuperYacht Times newspaper,&nbsp;<a href="https://shop.superyachttimes.com/report/the-superyacht-times-subscription" target="_blank">subscribe here</a>.

Insight Jenny Matthews on yachting

Jenny Matthews, Founder of She of the Sea and LEGASEA shares her views on the importance of diversity and inclusion within the yachting industry.

Jenny Matthews on diversity and the beating heart of yachting

SuperYacht Times Issue 42 has been published! Our latest newspaper pivots on two themes: ecology and <a href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Monaco Yacht Show - 2022">Monaco Yacht Show 2022</a>. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/237789/image/large-9bd403838a9357bf7af49a860d22cf03.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/237789">With the largest yachting event just around the corner, we’ve put together some exclusive insights about the event. This latest edition is teeming with insights from contributors; we spoke with Jan Meyer of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3619" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Yachtwerft Meyer Gmbh (Company)">Yachtwerft Meyer</a>, Jenny Matthews of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6715" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="She of the Sea (Company)">She of the Sea</a>, and many more. We also caught up with Robert Van Tol of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5877" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Water Revolution Foundation (Company)">Water Revolution Foundation</a> to discover more about how we can curb our environmental impact while yachting. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/237790/image/large-0b264b2fc7806f8226f221d262f34db8.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/237790">Here is a sneak peek of what else SuperYacht Times Issue 42 has in store:&nbsp;P.6-7 Greece’s&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/778" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Golden Yachts Ltd. (Company)">Golden Yachts</a>SuperYacht Times took a trip to Athens, Greece to tour <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/778" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Golden Yachts Ltd. (Company)">Golden Yachts</a>’ facility and to hear from founder, Captain Paris Dragnis about the dynasty of the shipyard and its exciting future. The shipyard has grown from strength to strength and has been somewhat of a media sensation with its recently launched 87.6-metre superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2354" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Project X87.6m (287'5&quot;)Golden Yachts Ltd.2022">Project X</a>, which will make its world premiere at <a href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Monaco Yacht Show - 2022">MYS 2022</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/237791/image/large-89d38ae9fe59cb84a0e61b99d0efcef7.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/237791">P.12 Chartering A New Landscape“There has never been a more exciting time to be in our industry and attend industry events such as <a href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Monaco Yacht Show - 2022">MYS</a>,” Raphael Sauleau, CEO of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/158" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Fraser (Company)">Fraser Yachts</a> writes. But “how can our industry harness the potential of a yacht show like <a href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Monaco Yacht Show - 2022">MYS</a> and others to bring life for potential owners, many of them new to yachting, the unimaginable benefits and joys that the onboard experience can give to them and their family?” Saoleau asks in our Expert insight segment. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/237792/image/large-2985caa628156a98205dc53ac07f02ba.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/237792">P. 16-17&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7207" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rio62.0m (203'5&quot;)CRN2022">Rio</a>Editor in Chief, Francesca Webster went behind the scenes with the designers of the 62m <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/12" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="CRN (Company)">CRN</a> superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7207" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rio62.0m (203'5&quot;)CRN2022">Rio</a>, which made a splash in early 2022. This is one not to be missed, as Frank Laupman of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/55" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Omega Architects (Company)">Omega Architects</a> goes into great detail about one of the most highly anticipated yachts of 2022. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/237793/image/large-8cb7293741cadbb554422ee31c2ac17e.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/237793">For all of this and much more, be sure to <a href="https://shop.superyachttimes.com/report/the-superyacht-times-subscription" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">subscribe to get the latest issue</a> – and future issues – of the SuperYacht Times newspaper right to your door.

SuperYacht Times Issue 42

SuperYacht Times Issue 42 has been published and it's teeming with stories and insights from some of the leading players in the superyacht industry.

SuperYacht Times Issue 42 has been published!

The 18th May 2022 marks the first celebration for the International Day for Women in Maritime. The day celebrates women in the industry and is intended to promote recruitment, raise the profile of women in maritime and address the current gender imbalance in the maritime industry.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/227489/image/large-17c5e1deaf6f19225da98b84465e4c31.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/227489">In 2021, a survey on diversity in the industry by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6715" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="She of the Sea (Company)">She of the Sea</a>, highlighted the disparity between female crews and their male counterparts. The team found that of 32,000 crew members, including those currently employed and those seeking work, only 28 percent were women and more shockingly, only 2.1 percent of captains were female. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/227494/image/large-12c143c193660a52c3d85c4c2b73c6f7.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/227494"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6715" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="She of the Sea (Company)">She of the Sea</a> was founded by Jenny Matthews in 2018 after she realised she had not worked with another female in the deck department. The company has evolved to look into diversity, inclusion, innovation and sustainability in the yacht industry. “We did this data collection to guide the programmes that we build. A really big challenge we encountered though was that although these organisations wanted to be involved, only 37 percent of the 57 companies actually had this data available.”The gender imbalance with yacht crew is quite a staggering statistic, and really highlights the key issues faced in crew leadership roles. There is a very obvious gender imbalance across all roles with senior roles facing similar issues. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6715" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="She of the Sea (Company)">She of the Sea</a> found that only one in four women in the yachting industry occupy a senior position; to break this down, 3.9 percent are chief officers, 1.9 percent are captains. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/227361/image/large-0d229b716cc16d58a9ae49294899825b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/227361">Across the industry there are women thriving on the challenge of changing these statistics. To put these figures into perspective, according to <a href="https://superyachttimes.ac-page.com/homepage" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">SYT iQ</a> out of the 1,209 active captains, only one percent are female. One of those is the 32.2-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/374" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sanlorenzo (Company)">Sanlorenzo</a> motor yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6390" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Freddy32.2m (105'8&quot;)Sanlorenzo2016">Freddy</a>’s captain, Kelly Gordon, who was introduced into yachting by a student while working as a chemistry professor. “I was intrigued from the moment that I stepped on board. I remember remarking, ‘I can drive this thing!’ to the captain and he challenged me to return the next day!” <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/227357/image/large-3624aaa36062b2311cb07155f2f01f2f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/227357">Kelly knew nothing about boats before this moment and it became clear pretty early on that she was in a male dominated industry. “I am quite determined and when I set a goal, I reach it. Before long, the men in the industry became my greatest assets and support! I think that as more and more women show up and succeed in male dominated roles it just opens the doors for other women that might need a little nudge to pursue their dream.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/227493/image/large-d057736efe4e04d3f8db73641ba44861.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/227493">Although the statistics for females onboard are low, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6715" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="She of the Sea (Company)">She of the Sea</a>’s survey found that when it comes to the shore-side sector, 34 percent of Managers are female and 17.4 percent are female Directors. Despite the survey showing that the yacht crew sector is unbalanced, with more men in deck and engineering roles than women, they have instead found jobs onshore.&nbsp;Sarah Flavell, Communications Specialist at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1821" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Damen Yachting (Company)">Damen Yachting</a> knows all too well about the challenges women have faced to get to this stage. “When I joined the superyacht industry 20 years ago, the landscape of gender equality was very different. I can remember working at boat shows and being one of only five or so women at the entire event that was not a visitor. People were always very surprised to see females there, especially working, it just wasn’t part of what the industry was used to.” <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/227358/image/large-7c3ae25e987c930550b85719620a26dd.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/227358">This experience is one that many women across the industry are experiencing when they first enter the world of yachting. Francesca Webster, Editor-in-Chief at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4509" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="SuperYacht Times (Company)">SuperYacht Times</a>, was first introduced to yachting by her brother when she was 18. “It opened many doors over the years and I fell in love with the industry and the yachts themselves.” She worked for a few years with him running charter yachts, before moving towards sailing, and eventually to her current position in the industry, at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4509" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="SuperYacht Times (Company)">SuperYacht Times</a>. “It still remains a highly male dominated industry, both onboard and ashore, and I think one of the biggest challenges comes when your ability or skill set is overlooked on face value for your gender – which is not an irregular occurrence.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/227491/image/large-834fc361b6e4878dd06cbb41954a1527.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/227491"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6715" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="She of the Sea (Company)">She of the Sea</a>’s 2021 survey found that 66.6 percent of employers have faced challenges with recruiting, placing or retaining women within the industry. “We found that when we look at common barriers that any marginalised community faces, a lot of it comes down to opportunity and access,” added Jenny Matthews. &nbsp;Those same organisation’s were also asked the same question but regarding minorities, which found that 75 percent had encountered challenges. “Yachting is an ego driven industry filled with successful people, there will always be challenges no matter the gender!” says Veronica Pizza, yacht broker for <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2529" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Worth Avenue Yachts (Company)">Worth Avenue Yachts</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/227510/image/large-3ae22eeef43145436f7574a2af1685e0.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/227510">As <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6715" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="She of the Sea (Company)">She of the Sea</a>’s survey results have already suggested, it is extremely important for us to understand the career aspirations of those in the industry, especially women. The learning opportunities absorbed during our training can set the tone for years to come. This is why it is important to recognise this indifference, as Veronica Pizza so eloquently puts it “don’t let the gender imbalance stop you from pursuing your career choice, whatever that may be!”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/227359/image/large-65130fae0e32b03825ac5ca45e56f4e1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/227359">Hannah Hombergen, the founder and designer at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6714" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Quintesse Group (Company)">Quintesse Group</a>, an interior design company based in the Netherlands, believes the industry is adapting and that the tides are now changing for the better. “There are always challenges in this niche industry, but I see gender-related challenges decreasing over the years. Women in the industry are working more and more together, so we become stronger together. Men are not a tread for us, but an asset for our development and strength!”So how can we become more inclusive of gender and minorities within the yachting industry? Organisations need to be looking more at their verbal and visual representation to make sure that their education, policies and practices reflect all genders and minorities. We need to be focusing on how the talent pipeline is distributed with the next generation, and how we recruit these individuals. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/227490/image/large-cd5df8ccee88791e66d6fa2ca73475ed.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/227490">Jenny Matthews says, “For women it is important to know that your power as a woman isn’t about how much you can be like a man, or that your power in a minority isn’t how much you can assimilate to the majority. It’s about how much you can step into your own power and be your authentic self. You can’t let your gender define you, but you also can’t cut it out of who you are. So embrace your uniqueness because it will be your power.”

International Day for Women in Maritime 2022

The 18th May 2022 marks the first celebration for the International Day for Women in Maritime. 