2024 WYA Rising Star of the Year 'Kaela Bermeister'

Dec 13, 20243 min read

Updated: Dec 13, 2024

Kaela Bermeister is the Superyacht Captain of Motoryacht Cocoon Marine LTD (Private Yacht), based in Palma de Mallorca, with roots in South Africa. A passionate and dedicated female captain, Kaela has a deep love for the open seas and leads with integrity, strength, and a positive mindset. She strives to inspire and empower others through her journey, proud to live her dream and dedicated to helping others pursue theirs.

Kaela Bermeister at the Women's Yachting Awards

What do you do in Yachting?

As the captain of a privately owned, brand new 40m motor yacht, which I had the privilege of helping build, I oversee all aspects of the vessel’s operations, from navigation to crew management, while ensuring the safety and enjoyment of the owner and guests. I love what I do and take pride in creating memorable experiences on the water, all while striving to inspire others in the yachting industry.

What was your field of study, and where did you pursue your education?

I studied finance in Cape Town before deciding to pursue a career in yachting. Over the years, I’ve completed my OOW modules and recently acquired my Master 500GT certification in Belgium. I have also recently embarked on the path to achieving my Master 3000GT certification.

How did your career in yachting begin?

My journey into yachting began with a simple urge to travel the world and a desire to pursue a career that combined adventure with responsibility. I also wanted to prove to myself that I could break the barriers of being a female in a male-dominated industry.

Can you share a memorable experience or significant achievement in your yachting career?

One of my proudest achievements in yachting was being directly involved in the construction and launch of the 40m motor yacht that I now captain. From the early stages of the build, I worked closely with the owner, engineers, and shipyard team to ensure that every detail met the highest standards of safety, functionality, and design. This experience not only deepened my technical knowledge but also allowed me to contribute meaningfully to the creation of a vessel I am proud to lead.

Seeing the yacht come to life and knowing that my input helped shape its success was incredibly rewarding.

The opportunity to help build and now command this yacht has been a testament to my growth in the industry and has reaffirmed my belief that with hard work, dedication, and passion, we can achieve great things—even in environments where we might be underestimated.

It’s moments like these that inspire me to continue pushing boundaries, both for myself and for others who aspire to succeed in yachting.

What current projects or goals are you focused on?

Currently, my primary focus is on refining the operations of M/Y Cocoon and successfully navigating the warranty period, while ensuring that we maintain the highest standards of safety, efficiency, and guest satisfaction. I am dedicated to continually improving crew training and team dynamics on board, as I believe a well-coordinated and motivated crew is essential for the success of any voyage.

In terms of personal goals, I’m working on advancing my maritime certifications and skills. I have recently decided to pursue my Master 3000GT ticket, with the aim of eventually captaining even larger vessels.