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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.
members
YACHT FEMME MEMBERS


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.


Angelica Bernal | Sales and Marketing at Premium Nautical
Angelica Bernal is a Sales & Marketing professional at Premium Nautical, Singapore, specializing in luxury yacht brokerage. With a foundation in hospitality and years onboard superyachts, she blends operational expertise with client-focused marketing, preparing for MYS 2025 while expanding Asia-Pacific connections.


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.


India Thomson - Virtue | Recruitment Agent at TYS recruitment
India Thomson Virtue is a Recruitment Agent at TYS Recruitment, connecting exceptional crew with premier yachts and shoreside opportunities. A former yacht professional herself, she leverages her onboard experience to guide candidates through every stage of their careers with insight, care, and industry expertise.


Joanne Fairhurst & Natasha Nel | Blue Marine Travel
Joanne Fairhurst, Client Account Manager, and Natasha Nel, Key Account Manager at Blue Marine Travel, leverage their former roles as Purser and Chief Stewardess to provide captains, crew, and yacht management with flexible, reliable marine airfare solutions. They manage crew rotations, repatriations, and charter travel, delivering seamless, tailored support across the yachting industry.
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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