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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
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.


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.


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.


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.


Eleonora Stefanelli | Sales Manager at Telemar Yachting
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 at Studio Piana Illuzzi Queirolo Trabattoni and of counsel for Santacroce & Partners
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 | Co-founder and CRO of ex.plo.re
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 | Founder and Manager at Holistic Yacht Interiors
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 | CEO of Loom Luxury Linens
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 | 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.
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