Rosie O'Donnell | 2025 WYA Trailblazer of the Year

andrea tagliaferro
5 days ago
2 min read

Rosie O’Donnell, Chief Project Leader at Yachts for Science, is redefining how the worlds of private yachting and marine research intersect. Based in Hamble, UK, and originally from Canada and the UK, Rosie speaks English and brings over three decades of hands-on experience in the yachting industry—from professional offshore racing to managing international boat shows and youth sailing programs.

Connecting Yachts and Science

At Yachts for Science, Rosie manages a global platform that matches private yachts with scientists who urgently need access to the ocean. In 2025 alone, her team secured over $760,000 in donated vessel time for marine research. Her role blends logistics, diplomacy, and creative problem-solving, coordinating yacht owners, captains, scientists, and philanthropic partners to ensure every collaboration runs smoothly.

“Yachting gave me more than a career—it gave me a way of life,” Rosie says. From Fastnet and Sydney to Hobart races to Atlantic crossings, her early adventures fueled a passion for connecting people and projects across the seas.

Notable Achievements

Rosie’s career highlights include:

World Arc Race Winner (2008/2009), sailing around the globe.
30x30 Marine Protected Area for Iceland – contributing to ocean conservation policy.
Oceanic Manta Research in the Marquesas Islands and Shark Tagging in the Mediterranean.
Argo and Glider Deployment in the Ross Sea, supporting vital oceanographic research.

In 2024, Rosie coordinated a landmark expedition to the Silver Bank in the Dominican Republic, partnering with Bering Yachts and Mission Blue. The mission’s data supported the designation of a new Marine Protected Area, helping the Dominican Republic meet the 30x30 ocean protection goal—safeguarding over 30% of its marine territory.

A Lifelong Commitment

Beyond her strategic leadership, Rosie is deeply involved in the yachting community. She develops youth sailing programs, builds networks for ocean conservation, and creates opportunities for yacht owners and scientists to work together. Her blend of experience, empathy, and vision demonstrates how private yachting can actively contribute to the protection of the world’s oceans.

Rosie O’Donnell’s work is a testament to the impact one person can have when passion meets purpose—transforming yachting into a force for global good.

Short Bio:

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.

Get in touch with Rosie: