Yacht Femme

Building Your Network & Work-Life Balance with Alice Caslini, Carmen Lau and Elisa Vagentti, moderated by Sophie Spicknell

This session will focus on building meaningful professional relationships that align with your goals. You’ll explore time management strategies to balance networking with personal priorities, as well as how to leverage digital tools for efficient network expansion. The session will also address the importance of setting boundaries to maintain a healthy work-life balance and prevent burnout.

Unpacking Leadership with Kristina Hebert, Megan Legasse, and Nada Serafini, moderated by Barrett Wright

We will cover key leadership elements, including aligning your leadership style with personal strengths and developing emotional intelligence for greater impact.

Marketing & Building Your Brand with Ione Astondoa and Summer Sawaya, moderated by E. Dilan Sarac

This episode will help you define your brand identity by communicating core values and unique selling points. Learn to craft an emotional narrative, leverage social media for greater reach, and balance consistency with adaptability to stay relevant in a changing market.

Starting a Business Alone 

We will explore the journey of independent entrepreneurship. Hear inspiring stories from women who conquered fear and took bold risks. Gain strategies to boost self-reliance, build resilience in new markets, and create supportive networks that empower courageous decisions.

Rebecca Whitlocke, founder of Antibes Yachting, is a marketing consultant and freelance copywriter based in southern France. With a background in wholesale travel and experience in superyacht hospitality, Rebecca’s proudest achievement is launching her company while juggling life as a Mom to two sons. She focuses on helping yachting businesses grow through strategic marketing, PR, social media management, and event promotion.

Maryann Johndrow, CEO and Co-founder of BoatBot. She grew up boating in Cape Cod and now resides in Newport Beach, CA. After building a successful tech company, she turned her passion for yachting into innovation, launching BoatBot in 2023 to simplify yacht management. She oversees marketing, sales, and operations, focusing on AI-driven solutions like CaptainAI, to streamline maintenance. With a nimble team of 20, she sees technology as key to industry efficiency.

From Crisis to Code: How Modern Challenges Reshape Maritime Law with Claudia Casalis, Laura Sherrod and Sophie Spicknels

Explore how contemporary social, political, and environmental changes, as well as maritime disasters, shape the evolution of yacht laws and maritime regulations. Drawing on historical precedents, the forum will examine ongoing global occurrences and their potential to influence the yachting industry, including manufacturing practices, safety standards, and international compliance measures.

Understand the regulatory requirements affecting superyacht pioneers. We’ll focus on evolving regulations, legal issues, and how these impact yacht ownership, financing, and registration, particularly for early movers in the industry.

Host: Andrea Tagliaferro

Forum by: Yacht Femme

YACHT FEMME:

Explore the future of shipyards with a focus on owner expectations and projections for 2025. This session will also examine the potential impact of the U.S. elections on regulations, tax policies, and international agreements within the yachting industry.

YACHT FEMME:

Explore the global financial landscape’s impact on shipyards and brokerage sales. Hear how economic shifts, inflation, and supply chain issues are influencing yacht purchasing trends, shipyard operations, and brokerage strategies.

-YACHT FEMME:

Meet Alison Vassallo, Partner at Fenech and Fenech Advocates and Head of the Yachting Department.

In 2004, she received her Doctorate of Laws from the University of Malta, and in 2005, she obtained her Master’s Degree in International Maritime Law from the International Maritime Law Institute.

For the past 19 years, Alison has advised and coordinated projects for owners, shipyards, and financiers on the acquisition and sale of private and commercial yachts. She provides legal support for registration, corporate services, financing, chartering, leasing, and fiscal requirements and solutions.

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Professional Help and Navigating Health Insurance with Francesca Conn, Melanie Langley Cert and Sophie Spicknell.

Explore the complexities of health insurance in the maritime sector, including coverage options, costs, and contractual obligations. Additionally, learn how to connect with counselors, access key resources, and prepare mental health support in advance.

How to Connect with Qualified Counselors: Learn the best ways to find and connect with licensed professionals who can offer the support you need.

Hotlines and Associations: Receive contact information for trusted associations and hotlines that provide immediate assistance and support.

Understanding Coverage Options: Gain clarity on the different types of health insurance coverage available to maritime professionals, including what is typically covered and how it aligns with industry-specific needs.

Making the Right Choice: Learn how to evaluate different insurance providers and plans to select the best option for you and your crew's health and well-being.

-SPONSORS:

Prevention and Best Practices with Laura Kilbey and Lauren Cotton, moderated by Jill Bobrow.

Dive into substance abuse prevention and learn how to foster a healthy work environment through effective practices and background checks.

- Substance Abuse Prevention Strategies: Learn practical approaches to identify early warning signs of substance abuse and implement prevention measures to create a healthier, safer work environment for the crew.

- The Value of Thorough Background Checks: Understand the critical role of background checks in ensuring a trustworthy crew, reducing the risk of substance abuse, and promoting safety on board.

- Fostering a Safe and Supportive Work Culture: Discover actionable steps to build a work environment that prioritizes mental health, encourages healthy habits, and prevents burnout or substance misuse.

- Actionable Insights for Addressing Mental Health Issues: Gain concrete strategies for addressing mental health challenges within the crew, knowing when to seek professional support, and fostering a culture where mental health is openly discussed and supported.

Understanding and Managing Bullying with Karine Rayson, Marien Sarriera and Dr. Edith Shiro, moderated by Sophie Spicknell.

Explore the concept of bullying in the workplace, learn to identify it, and discover strategies for handling it both individually and as a team. Real-life examples will offer practical guidance.

- What is Bullying? Gain a clear understanding of the concept of workplace bullying, its impact on individuals and teams, and the different forms it can take.

- Identifying Bullying: Learn how to recognize signs of bullying in various workplace dynamics and understand the subtle and overt behaviors that contribute to a toxic environment.

- Real-Life Examples: Review real-life case studies that demonstrate how bullying manifests in the workplace, and learn from others’ experiences to handle similar situations in the future.

Meet Leeann Iacino, Chief Operating Officer at Engel & Völkers Yachting. Leeann is a senior executive with extensive experience in branding, restructuring, reorganizing, IT systems, and building engaged, talented teams in the real estate and luxury industries.

With proven leadership, she blends strategic thinking with common sense and integrity, consistently seeking to innovate and keep brands engaged with their consumers. Leeann possesses exceptional organizational skills and effectively manages multiple P&Ls.

Meet Gaëlle Tallarida the Managing Director of the Monaco Yacht Show .

Gaella holds a Master's degree in Business & Marketing from Skema Business School. She discovered her passion for events during her studies, organising a national student theatre festival.

Gaëlle Tallarida has been Managing Director of the Monaco Yacht Show since 2010. She has been a member of the Monaco Yacht Show organising team since 1998.

Under her leadership, the Monaco Yacht Show has become the leading international superyachting event. For 33 years, the Monaco Yacht Show has made a major contribution to promoting the Principality of Monaco as the yachting capital of the world. It is also one of the Principality's two flagship events in terms of economic appeal.

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Dasha Moranova is the Creative director and Founder of Dasha Moranova Designs. DMD is an award-winning Interior and Exterior design firm located in Amsterdam.

Dasha, born in the Czech Republic, is a seasoned superyacht designer based in Amsterdam. With a Master’s degree in Industrial Design from Prague, she began her career in 2008 with landmark projects in Hamburg, including Eclipse (164.5M) and Luna (115M). Dasha has contributed to renowned firms like Terence Disdale Studio and Marcel Wanders before founding her own firm, DMD, three years ago. She focuses on sustainable yacht design, reflecting a growing industry trend.

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Laura is a 5th Generation Floridian with deep roots in yachting. Growing up in Miami and learning the ropes from her family's legacy, she now specializes in insuring yachts valued from $2 million and up. With a wealth of experience as both crew and captain, she navigates the complexities of yacht insurance, forging strong client relationships and mentoring newcomers in the industry. Fun fact: Laura's family history includes founding the Merrill-Stevens Shipyard, a testament to her maritime heritage.

FOLLOW LAURA:

Lorenza is a Mechanical Engineer from Italy who found her way into the yachting industry by chance. In 2,000, she applied for a position at Benetti and one week later was working in their shipyard. She later moved to Lurssen, where she has been a project manager since 2018.

Lorenza manages the relationship between clients and the shipyard. She is responsible for managing project costs, meeting deadlines, and ensuring high quality construction. Lorenza is a fan of cinema and hopes to one day work on a project for someone in the film industry.

Video Podcast:

Natalia is a creative strategist developing marketing events for yacht clients, and other clients in the luxury space. In her spare time she serves as an UHNWI. And most recently she became an ambassador to Njord by Bergman Design House.

Natalia started her career in 2008 working at a yacht brokerage, then she moved onto the business aviation and then return to yachting  launching her business in 2015.

FOLLOW NATALIA:

Francesca specialises in ultra-luxury nautical roles: Perini Navi, Benetti, and now Mangusta Yachts. In 2007 she officially started working in the  luxury yachting industry helping in Public relations and Managerial support at Perini Navi.  But in reality, Francesca was born into the industry.  Her father Giancarlo Ragnetti, was one of the founders and the CEO of Perini Navi.

Francesa Sales and Promotes Yachts at Mangusta Yachts.  Her goals is to support making her customers dreams a reality. And "have them live a unique journey that becomes one of their best lifetime memories".

FOLLOW FRANCESCA:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/francesca-ragnetti-05453733/

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FOLLOW MANGUSTA YACHTS:

https://www.mangustayachts.com/en/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mangusta_yachts_/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mangusta-overmarine/?originalSubdomain=it

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Meet Yihharn Liu is a exterior yacht designer and the 2019 winner of the The Young Designer of the Year award

Yihharn is the first women to win the prestigious Yacht Design Award. She says that winning it fully opened the door for her in the yachting industry. Since then she has inspired thousands to follow her path and become yacht designers.

She works as a Yacht Exterior Designer at Winch Design, and her responsibilities include exterior design, general arrangement, and more.

FOLLOW YIHHARN:

Meet Rhea Rouw Owner and Founder of Yachting International Radio. She oversees the production, distribution and marketing of 15 original weekly shows.

Rhea created Yachting International Radio two years ago after over two decades of experience in Radio, Newspaper and Television.

Rhea looks to disrupt the traditional and outdated world of yachting, by providing a voice to others without access to uncensored platforms. She looks to create content that moves the industry forward champion equality and diversity.

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FOLLOW RHEA:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhea-rouw-6221b4b3/

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Meet Jenny Matthews, Chief Mate 3000GT, Co-Founder of She of the Sea, and leader in diversity and inclusion efforts in Yachting.

She of the Sea was launched in 2018. It strives to move the industry past the outdated status quo and embrace talent, passion and dedication regardless of gender, race, ethnicity or orientation. Jenny also recently co-created 'LegaSea', the first industry wide yachting mentoring program.

In 2020 Jenny finished her studies in Sustainability Leadership and Corporate responsibility, and was appointed  Chair of the Maritime UK Pledge and Charter Group.

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Meet Yulia Bas, Partner and Designer at Lobanov Design.

Yulia is an architect, artist, yacht designer, and partner at Lobanov Design. The studio is behind some of the most innovative, award-winning superyachts and specializes on exterior design.

Yulia began her career drafting and creating general arrangement plans. Now she leads designers to take projects from conceptual stages to production. Lobanov Design's first office was in in Moscow. Now, the studio has opened a second location in Barcelona where Yulia currently resides with her husband and child.

FOLLOW YULIA:

Meet Diane Byrne, Founder, Editor and Podcast Host of Megayacht News.

Diane studied Communications, and landed a job at a  big publishing company where she started her career in yachting.

She worked as an editor for Power and Motoryacht for 16 years, where she created her own blog. The success and positive reception of her site gave her the opportunity to strike out on her own, and launch her company back in 2008. She oversees all aspects of the website's business: content creation, advertising, and more.

FOLLOW DIANE:

Meet Eleonora Pitasso Shipyard Relationship Coordinator & Sales Broker at Burgess

Eleonora joined Burgess in 2015 with 10 years’ experience in the luxury yachting industry. Eleonora grew up in the Trieste region of Italy and she is fluent in English, French, Italian and Spanish. She also speaks German and Russian.

Her career started in a brokerage company in Monaco, which gave her experience in sales, charter, customer relations and project management. Prior to joining Burgess, she worked as a charter manager for Fraser Yachts in Monaco and has previous experience as chief commercial officer for Europe and Russia for the superyacht supply company Sea Vision.

FOLLOW ELEONORA:

Meet Karine the director of The Crew Coach.

Karine helps crew gain mastery in their personal and professional life. She aids crew before they enter the industry, while they are on board and later to transition them to land with an exit strategy.

Karine has had a dynamic career from having worked with special needs children, was yacht crew, worked for the department of justice as a Clinician, and as a program facilitator in maximum correctional facilities. She has degrees in organizational psychology, psychology, counseling and business.

She is obsessed with her work and loves seeing her clients thrive.

FOLLOW KARINE:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/thecrewcoach/

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FOLLOW THE CREW COACH:

https://thecrewcoach.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_crew_coach/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-crew-coach/about/

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Meet Mirta Lupi Retail Charter Broker at Fraser Yachts.

She works arranging experiences designed to give wealthy people the ultimate luxury experience onboard yachts. Mirta works at one the leading brokerage companies and yacht service provider in the world, Fraser yachts.

Mirta is Italian and grew up between Italy and France. In 2004 she got hired as a translator at Rodriguez Group, a yacht brokerage based in Cannes.  She worked her way up the ladder from receptionist to broker assistant, yacht sales broker and then finding her passion as a retail charter broker at Fraser yachts, in Monaco.

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FOLLOW MIRTA:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mirta.yachtcharter/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mirta-lupi-4a516926/

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FOLLOW FRASER:

https: //www.fraseryachts.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fraseryachts/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fraser-yachts/

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Meet Andrea Tagliaferro Marketing Strategist, Founder of Yacht Dame and host of Yacht Femme

Andrea focuses on creating digital media strategies for companies and individuals. She studied Architecture and Interior design, and speaks 3 languages.

She began her yachting career in 2013, assisting sales brokers and working as yacht crew. She moved to yacht design, working in shipbuilding for 4 years, then switched to digital media. In 2018 Andrea founded Yacht Dame, a platform that promotes women in yachting, and in 2020 she launched the podcast Yacht Femme.

FOLLOW ANDREA:

www.andreatagliaferro.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-tagliaferro/

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FOLLOW YACHT DAME:

www.yachtdame.com

Meet Pascale an award-winning yacht interior and exterior designer

In 2001 she established Reymond Langton with her partner Andrew Langton, after working multiple years designing superyachts. Pascale overseas the design studio, seeing projects from conception to their final stage.

Pascale has a diverse creative background. She gained a Master's in Art History from La Sorbonne. Studied Interior Design and 3D design at Chelsea College of Art and Kingston University. She is a qualified archaeologist and has done many excavations. She worked as an antiques dealer and even in the film industry. Her diverse experience enriches her design and is reflected in her work.

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Video Podcast:

Meet Janey Dorreman, project manager and director of The A Group's Amsterdam office. She focuses on developing their Netherland business, growing their team and managing yacht interior builds.

Janey studied Office Management, International Business and Languages. She began her maritime career doing oil rig conversions, and later switched to yacht interior builds.

She worked for 10 years at De Klerk Binnenbouw (DKB), a Feadship interior outfitter. In September of 2019 she moved to The A Group. And in the beginning of 2020 Janey was promoted to head their Netherlands office.

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Meet Sandra Jordaan Mentor, Coach and Founder of The Yacht Purser & The Yacht Crew Coach.

Sandra began her yachting career in 2006, after graduating from university. For a decade she worked as a chief stewardess and yacht purser, on some of the most prominent yacht charters. Sandra travelled to all seven continents,  and now is a sought-after career coach, mentor and teacher for yacht crew.

Sandra was instrumental in creating the IAMI GUEST Yacht Purser Program launched in 2020. She is a PYA and Nautilus Partner. And one of only three worldwide accredited training providers.

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Lindsay started her yachting career in 2013, focusing on crew uniforms.

In 2017 she joined forces with Lauren Cotton founder of Cotton Crews, to further develop their crew placement department in West Palm Beach, Florida. Since then Cotton Crews has been recognized as one of the 'best in the business'.

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VIDEO PODCAST:

Marcela is the owner of Onboard consulting in Monaco. She specializes in corporate strategies for yachting companies, she has done the business development for ICON Yachts shipyard in the Netherlands, founder of YPY Monaco, and if you follow her on Instagram she is always on the water!

She is currently developing a new superyacht hub in Genoa, writing the first textbook in yachting and always keeping busy!

FOLLOW Marcela:

Sara is responsible for communicating Hessen's latest news  delivering valuable content to the yachting industry and people outside the industry. She is in charge of the shipyard's digital content, social media, photography, and video creation.

In 2005 Sara joined the Perini Navi shipyard, then moved to the Gruppo Baglietto. And in 2009 she became Heesen's PR and Press office manager, where she has worked for last 11 years.

FOLLOW SARA:

Throwback to Yacht Femme's first interview

Lea Tintaud is a yacht charter broker based in Monaco at 'John Taylor Yachting'.  She has worked as crew on boats,  achieved a master while being a yachtie, lived the life of an entrepreneur, worked with one the biggest  yacht brokerage companies in the world and more ...

Video Podcast:

Learn how Lauren Cotton the founder of Cotton Crews established her company as a leader in the industry.
Cotton Crews is a yacht crew placement and housing company. Lauren began her yachting career 14 years ago, she worked as a marketer at Rybovich shipyard, sold charters at a brokerage and now is a successful female entrepreneur. She founded Cotton Crews in 2013, and since then they have housed over 300 crew members and launched two apps, Cotton Crew HIRE and Cotton Crew JOBS

Vivika Bellmann is a Private Clients Manager at Döhle Yachts, experts in superyacht support and service

Vivika began her maritime career in shipping, in 2009. She joined the Döhle Group in 2011, as Chartering and Sales Manager. She was responsible for negotiating and finalizing contracts for the Döhle-owned fleet within the worldwide cargo industry.

In 2018 she moved into managing Dohle Yachts private client network, acting as a primary point of contact for UHNWI, family offices and intermediaries.

Tamara Gramberg is in charge of PR and Digital Marketing for the German shipyard Lurssen. 

She is also the president of 'YPY' Young Professionals in Yachting, the German Chapter.

Tamara Studied Law and Business but ultimately made her way to Marketing in the yachting industry.

Video Podcast:

YouTube: https://youtu.be/SLWcc0mWB64

IGTV: https://www.instagram.com/tv/CFOFz8sAbRn/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

FOLLOW TAMARA:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamara-gramberg-692241a2/

FOLLOW LURSSEN:

https://www.lurssen.com/

Meet Georgina the pro-athlete, sales rock-star and one of the humblest people I have met.

Georgina is a partner at Burgess. She works in regional business development , focusing on strategy in developing markets worldwide and their regional offices, with a substantial emphasis on their operations in Asia and Dubai.   Georgina joined Burgess in 2003, where she first worked in charter (management and retail), She took several years out of her Burgess career to train and race full time for Great Britain as part of its rowing Description: Meet Georgina the pro-athlete, sales rock-star and one of the humblest people I have met.

QUOTES:

Take every opportunity that comes along!

Don't expect everything to work out, the way you plan.

Don't listen to the people who tell you can't do something.

Find the voices that say you can do something and cling to them.

You can always do more than you think you can do.

FOLLOW GEORGINA:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgina-menheneott-05463383/

Video Podcast:

YouTube: https://youtu.be/EzHG8PfYlKA

IGTV: http://bit.ly/IGTV-Georgina-Menheneott

FOLLOW BURGESS:

https://www.burgessyachts.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/burgessyachts/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BurgessYachts/

Meet Veronika, a yacht designer and trained architect. She has worked in some of the industries top yacht design and architecture offices for

over 15 years. Veronika now owns and runs Gill Schmid Design in New York. She has worked in all aspects of her field, designing residential and commercial spaces, as well as yachts.

Video Podcast:

YouTube: https://youtu.be/tbsWEf1ksWc

IGTV: http://bit.ly/IGTV-Veronika-Schmid

FOLLOW VERONIKA:

https://gillschmiddesign.com/