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Celebrate the Women’s Yachting Awards, honoring exceptional women shaping the future of yachting. Hosted by Yacht Femme at Metstrade, the 2025 ceremony recognized rising stars, entrepreneurs, and trailblazers driving innovation, leadership, and inclusivity in the maritime industry. Discover winners, finalists, judges, and highlights from this inspiring event.

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 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 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 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 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.

Sylke auf dem Graben is PR & Marketing Manager at Lürssen, with 33+ years in luxury yacht marketing. She leads PR, events, and special projects, including Lürssen’s 150th-anniversary Fine Art Coffee Table Book. Known for creativity and long-standing industry relationships, she shapes unforgettable yacht experiences.

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.

Lucrecia Vogogna, Argentinean-born with Italian and Spanish roots, is a Sales and Charter Broker at TWW Yachts. Fluent in four languages and with 21 years in the superyacht industry, she specializes in sales, charter, and new construction, offering clients expert guidance and personalized service.

Viola Slaviero, Sales Manager at Prodital Leather, has 8 years in the nautical sector, guiding yacht projects from concept to completion. She collaborates with top shipyards and design studios worldwide, delivering tailored leather solutions that combine aesthetics, performance, and sustainability.

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 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 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, 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.

Eleonora Stefanelli, Sales Manager at Telemar Yachting, leads the expansion of integrated bridge solutions in the superyacht industry. Based in Viareggio, she brings nearly 20 years of experience, multilingual expertise, and a passion for innovation, collaboration, and elegant, future-ready navigation systems.

Carla Bellieni, Certified Chartered Accountant & ESG specialist, advises the maritime industry on customs, tax, and regulatory matters. Adjunct Professor at the University of Genoa, IYAC arbitrator, and sought-after speaker, she delivers expert consultancy to operators and associations worldwide.

Becca Eisenberg is the Co-founder & CRO of ex.plo.re, an AI-powered marketing platform serving 100+ top yacht, aviation, and real estate brokers. She helps clients streamline digital marketing—from websites to ad campaigns—and is also the creator of Thrive Collective, a global retreat brand for women leaders.

Meeli Lepik is the Founder of Holistic Yacht Interiors, with 20+ years in commercial shipping and yachting. Specializing in interior new builds and refits, she bridges the gap between construction and onboard operations. Her expertise spans vessels over 100m, with a strong focus on quality, efficiency, and innovation.

Samantha Sottile is CEO of Loom Luxury Linens, with 15+ years in luxury yacht interiors. She delivers bespoke linens and accessories for superyachts, known for quality and detail. Based in Fort Lauderdale, she also served as President of YPY USA, supporting the next generation of yachting professionals.

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.