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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 2025 winners


Rosie O'Donnell | 2025 WYA Trailblazer of the Year
Rosie O’Donnell is Chief Project Leader at Yachts for Science, connecting private yachts with marine research initiatives worldwide. With 30+ years in yachting—from offshore racing to youth sailing programs—she drives collaborations that advance ocean conservation and create meaningful impact at sea.


Sophie Spicknell | 2025 WYA Rising Star of the Year
Sophie Spicknell is News Editor at SuperYacht Times, based in Amsterdam. She leads editorial coverage of superyacht news, features, and human-centered stories, highlighting innovation, design, and industry voices. Sophie is passionate about inclusivity, mentorship, and shaping a transparent, diverse yachting community.


Jill Bobrow | 2025 WYA Entrepreneur of the Year
Jill Bobrow is a renowned journalist, editor, and author with a distinguished career in the superyacht industry spanning several decades. She was the Founding Editor of Boat International USA, Editor-in-Chief of ShowBoats International, and Editor-at-Large for Yachts International.
Finalists
meet the 2025 finalists


Rosie O'Donnell | 2025 WYA Trailblazer of the Year
Rosie O’Donnell is Chief Project Leader at Yachts for Science, connecting private yachts with marine research initiatives worldwide. With 30+ years in yachting—from offshore racing to youth sailing programs—she drives collaborations that advance ocean conservation and create meaningful impact at sea.


Sophie Spicknell | 2025 WYA Rising Star of the Year
Sophie Spicknell is News Editor at SuperYacht Times, based in Amsterdam. She leads editorial coverage of superyacht news, features, and human-centered stories, highlighting innovation, design, and industry voices. Sophie is passionate about inclusivity, mentorship, and shaping a transparent, diverse yachting community.


Charlotte van de Kerk | Program Manager Sustainability at Koninklijke De Vries Scheepsbouw
Charlotte van de Kerk leads ESG at Koninklijke De Vries Scheepsbouw | Feadship, embedding sustainability across yacht building. She develops governance frameworks, drives supplier and value chain collaboration, and integrates environmental and social priorities into operations, shaping a forward-thinking, responsible yachting industry.


Barbara Amerio | CEO at Amer Yachts SPA
Barbara Amerio is CEO of Amer Yachts, a leader in semi-custom superyacht construction. She’s a three-time elected President of Italy’s superyacht sector, an EU Trade Ambassador, and VP of Steamiamoci. A sustainability advocate, she drives innovation and growth in the global yacht industry.


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.
members
YACHT FEMME MEMBERS


Sophie Spicknell | 2025 WYA Rising Star of the Year
Sophie Spicknell is News Editor at SuperYacht Times, based in Amsterdam. She leads editorial coverage of superyacht news, features, and human-centered stories, highlighting innovation, design, and industry voices. Sophie is passionate about inclusivity, mentorship, and shaping a transparent, diverse yachting community.


Silvia Nordio | Head of Partnerships & Events at Allied Marine
Silvia Nordio is the Head of Partnerships & Events at Allied Marine, a Ferretti Group company. With a global career spanning luxury hospitality, fashion, and yachting, she leads high-impact brand collaborations and events worldwide. She also serves on the International Superyacht Society Board, promoting excellence and sustainability.


Tamara Madra | Interior Manager Luxury Yachting & Luxury Hospitality Specialist
Tamara Madra is a Luxury Hospitality Specialist and Interior Manager with over a decade in superyachts. CEO of D-Crew Academy, she trains and mentors crew worldwide, combining hands-on expertise with coaching to deliver excellence, leadership, and five-star service at sea and in private estates.


Jessima Mary Timberlake | Client Relationship Manager at Amico & Co
Jessima Mary Timberlake is Client Relationship Manager at Amico & Co, a Genoa-based refit shipyard. With 12 years in yachting and nearly three decades in marketing, she oversees major refit projects, drives international client relations, and champions innovation and talent development in the yacht refit industry.


Laetitia Contat Desfontaines | Head of Strategy and Business Development at Silverlining Furniture
Laetitia Contat Desfontaines is Head of Strategy and Business Development at Silverlining Furniture, specializing in bespoke projects for yachts and luxury residences. With a background in collectible design and a lifelong passion for the sea, she drives global growth, builds industry relationships, and leads Silverlining’s first limited edition collection.
podcast-guests
Featured Podcast Guests


Danielle McLaren | Managing Director of Yotspot
Danielle McLaren is the Managing Director of Yotspot, the leading job platform for the yachting industry. Based in Southampton, she drives strategy, marketing, finance, and team leadership. With a background in business and a love for great white sharks, she’s helping modernize yachting through smart tech and teamwork.


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.
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