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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

Nada Serafini | Head of Sales of Pershing and Itama brands

Head of Sales for Pershing and Itama at Ferretti Group, Nada Serafini leads global sales, dealer networks, and brand development for two iconic yacht brands. With over 30 years in yachting, she combines commercial leadership, market expertise, and mentorship rooted in passion and loyalty.

Georgina Menheneott | Head of Sustainability at Burgess

Head of Sustainability at Burgess, Georgina Menheneott drives meaningful sustainability across the superyacht industry. With a background spanning sales, market expansion, and strategy, she focuses on turning ambition into action through measurable impact, collaboration, and innovation.

Gayle Patterson | Director of Yachting at Pelorus Yachting

Director of Yachting at Pelorus Yachting, Gayle Patterson leads experiential charter strategy from Monaco, blending superyachting with expedition travel. With 18+ years in luxury travel and yachting, she champions purposeful exploration, sustainability, and immersive, boundary-pushing voyages.

Laura Pomponi | CEO & Founder, Luxury Projects Atelier Architecture & Design Studio

CEO & Founder, Luxury Projects Atelier Architecture & Design Studio. Laura Pomponi leads high-end superyacht and residential design worldwide, combining engineering precision with creative vision. A former superyacht project manager with a PhD in Electronic Engineering, she delivers integrated, forward-thinking luxury solutions.

Carla Guilhem | Creative Designer at C. Guilhem Design LLC

Creative Designer at C. Guilhem Design LLC. Carla Guilhem is an award-winning interior designer specializing in bespoke superyacht and luxury residential interiors. Based in Miami, she is known for innovative design, global experience, and multiple BOAT International and World Yachts Trophy wins.

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members

YACHT FEMME MEMBERS

Julia Kari | Marketing & Communication at Lürssen

Julia Kari is Marketing & Communications at Lürssen, where she has been shaping the brand since 2008. Specializing in refit marketing, client events, and media strategy, she combines an MBA in marketing with deep luxury-industry expertise and an international perspective.

Carla Guilhem | Creative Designer at C. Guilhem Design LLC

Virginia De Carlo | Marketing Director at Palumbo Superyachts

Virginia De Carlo is Marketing Director at Palumbo Superyachts, leading global marketing and brand strategy for luxury yacht brands such as ISA Yachts and Columbus Yachts. She specializes in storytelling, strategic communication, and positioning, translating technical excellence into compelling international narratives.

Raquel H. Grijota | Co-Owner of Phathom Studio

Co-Owner and Yacht Designer, Phathom Studio. Raquel Hernández Grijota brings 15+ years in yacht design and 20+ years in luxury interiors. She specializes in bespoke yachts, custom furniture, sustainable design, and refined craftsmanship, creating spaces that merge elegance, innovation, and client vision.

Haiying Xu | Founder at Sagantara Co., Ltd.

Founder of Sagantara Co., Ltd., Haiying Xu designs luxury superyacht wellness experiences, blending Eastern and Western holistic practices with ocean-based retreats for owners, charter guests, and yacht crew worldwide.

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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.