Members

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

Linda Peute is a Sales Manager at U-Boat Worx, connecting visionary clients with luxury submersibles. A dynamic, people-loving professional with a sharp sense of humor, she combines creativity with persistence—both in business and in life. She is a proud yachtie, wife, and mother of three.

Cassie Stetkiewicz is Director of Operations at FarSounder, leading business strategy, marketing, and partnerships. She drives global brand growth and innovation in marine navigation, advancing the adoption of 3D Forward Looking Sonar to enhance safety, protect marine life, and support sustainable yachting.