Sophie Spicknell | 2025 WYA Rising Star of the Year

andrea tagliaferro
Nov 10
2 min read

Updated: 5 days ago

As News Editor at SuperYacht Times, Sophie Spicknell plays a pivotal role in shaping one of the yachting industry’s most respected media platforms. Based in Amsterdam, she writes, commissions, and curates stories that highlight the people, designs, innovations, and market movements defining the superyacht world. From breaking news and in-depth interviews to historical retrospectives, Sophie is dedicated to telling human-centered stories that resonate across the global yachting community.

Sophie’s journey into yachting was unexpected but transformative. With a background in Broadcast Journalism from the University of Salford, she was drawn to the superyacht sector by her lifelong love of storytelling and curiosity about its unique blend of luxury, design, and engineering. Starting as a junior writer at SuperYacht Times, Sophie quickly rose through the ranks, discovering the depth and richness of the community that surrounds these extraordinary vessels.

Among her most meaningful professional experiences was covering the sinking of the 55.9-metre sailing yacht Bayesian in 2024. In a high-pressure situation that drew international attention, Sophie was one of the only journalists providing in-depth, accurate coverage within the superyacht media. She navigated sensitive information, liaised with multiple sources, and supported global media in reporting responsibly, reinforcing her belief in journalism’s vital role in transparency, accountability, and ethical storytelling.

Beyond breaking news, Sophie is passionate about highlighting voices often overlooked in yachting—women, young creatives, and behind-the-scenes professionals. She is developing editorial projects that make the industry more accessible and inclusive, including series that answer common questions about yachting and profiles that elevate underrepresented professionals.

In addition to her editorial work, Sophie has become a confident moderator and speaker at key industry events. Through the Yacht Femme panels, she has guided meaningful conversations on inclusion, mentorship, and the evolving role of women in yachting at venues such as the Monaco Yacht Show and Palm Beach International Boat Show. What began as a personal challenge—regaining confidence in public speaking—has evolved into a platform for industry-wide impact, allowing her to foster dialogue, mentorship, and visibility for the next generation.

Sophie believes the future of yachting depends not only on innovation and craftsmanship but also on inclusivity, sustainability, and transparency. Through her work, she continues to use journalism as a tool to illuminate the people, stories, and values that define the sector, combining passion, professionalism, and integrity to shape a more informed, diverse, and engaged superyacht community.

Short Bio:

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.

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