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WELCOME TO THE BLOG
This space is dedicated to spotlighting the incredible women shaping the world of yachting. From brokers to creatives, founders to captains — each post offers a glimpse into who they are, what they do, and how to connect with them.
Winnes
Women's Yachting Awards
meet the winners


2024 WYA Trailblazer of the Year 'Vienna Eleuteri'
Vienna Eleuteri is a sustainability scientist and anthropologist of development, widely recognized for her groundbreaking work in sustainabl


2024 WYA Entrepreneur of the Year 'Camille Lopez'
Camille Lopez is the founding president of HY-Plug, a consulting firm specializing in maritime energy transition.


2024 WYA Rising Star of the Year 'Kaela Bermeister'
Kaela Bermeister is the Superyacht Captain of Motoryacht Cocoon Marine LTD (Private Yacht), based in Palma de Mallorca, with roots in...
Finalists
meet the finalists


WYA Trailblazer Finalist ‘Eleonora Pitasso’
Eleonora Pitasso is a Shipyard Expert and Sales Broker at BURGESS, with nearly 20 years of experience in the yachting industry.


WYA Trailblazer Finalist 'Antonella Scarfiello'
Antonella Scarfiello is a Yacht Exterior Engineer at Tankoa Yachts.


WYA Rising Star Finalist 'Julie Dahl Joergensen'
Julie Dahl Joergensen is the founder and CEO of Oceanform, a company she co-founded with William Nicholson. At 21 years old, Julie is...


WYA Rising Star Finalist 'Ione Astondoa'
Ione Astondoa is the Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Astondoa, a renowned Spanish centenary shipyard. Born in 1993, Ione, at just 31...


WYA Entrepreneur Finalist 'Gabriella Richardson'
Gabriella (Gabbi) Richardson is the founder of Yachting Ventures, and a finalist in the Women's Yahcting Awards.
podcast-guests
Featured Podcast Guests


Maryann Johndrow | CEO & Co-founder of BoatBot
Maryann, founder of BoatBot, blends tech expertise with yachting passion to simplify yacht management.


Jelena Vezia | Yacht Broker at Ocean Independence
Jelena, Yacht Broker at Ocean Independence in Monaco, specializes in sales and charters, balancing work, family, and a passion for sustainab


Gaëlle Tallarida | Managing Director of the Monaco Yacht Show
Gaëlle holds a Master's degree in Business & Marketing from Skema Business School.


Sarah Flavell | Marketing Manager at Damen Yachting’
Sarah Flavell is the Marketing Manager at Damen Yachting, a prominent Dutch superyacht builder, where she has worked for seven years.


Dasha Moranova | Founder & Creative Director at DMD
Dasha Moranova is the Creative director and Founder of Dasha Moranova Designs. DMD is an award-winning Interior and Exterior design firm.
members
MEET OUR MEMBERS


Sydney M. McIntosh | Assistant Vice President, Private Client Group Entertainment and Sports at Edgewood Partners Insurance Center (EPIC)
Sydney M. McIntosh is an accomplished insurance professional specializing in superyacht and high-net-worth personal insurance. As Assistant Vice President in EPIC’s Private Client Group, she provides bespoke risk management solutions for elite clients, including comprehensive coverage for homes, valuables, automobiles, and superyachts.


Linnea Petersson | CMO at Dockside Management, International Marine Management (IMM), and FKG Marine
Linnea Petersson is the Chief Marketing Officer for three leading companies in the superyacht sector—Dockside Management, International Marine Management (IMM), and FKG Marine. With a background in business, economics, and brand development, Linnea brings fresh energy and strategic vision to the global yachting industry.


Natalie McCollum | Founder & Writer at NMC Media/EMBARK Magazine
Natalie McCollum is the founder of NMC Media and publisher of EMBARK Magazine, a high-style publication dedicated to promoting the yachting lifestyle, industry, and events through engaging editorial and standout visual storytelling.


Norina Edelman | CEO & Co-Founder at International Marine Management, Dockside Management and FKG Marine
Norina Edelman is the CEO of Dockside Management, IMM (International Marine Management), and FKG Marine. A Harvard Law School graduate and former lawyer, she transitioned into the yachting industry in 2009 and now oversees strategic growth and operations across three leading service companies throughout the Caribbean.


Liz Schmidt | Executive Director and Business Partner
Liz Schmidt is a seasoned leader with over 17 years of experience across the nonprofit and maritime industries. She is the Executive Director of Women Offshore Foundation and Captain Sandy’s Charities, and a Business Partner and Director of Operations at Shipyard Supply USA. Through these roles, Liz champions workforce development, operational excellence, and advocacy for diversity in the marine sector.
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