International Women’s Day 2025.
Celebrating Women in Yachting This IWD
At Figure Eight we celebrate the achievements of women in yachting on a daily basis. International Women’s Day however, gives us an excuse to shine a light on some wonderful and talented individuals representing women in the 12-24m yachting world. Whether you are a seasoned professional, brand new to the industry or haven’t contemplated yachting as a career yet, there are many fabulous women to look up to.
Yachting is slowly evolving, with more women than ever filling a broad spectrum of roles and we are exceptionally proud to work alongside, support or simply admire these incredible women.
Hannah Staddon
Yacht Chef on Yacht Mucho Gusto and Founder of Funky Chef
Funky Chef • Chef Jackets and Coats for Women
Hannah is the epitome of ‘if you want change, you have to make it happen’. Spotting a huge gap in the market for women’s chef attire, her work has transcended the yachting world to include all female chefs everywhere. Oh and she runs her super successful company whilst also cheffing on a luxury yacht in the Virgin Islands…absolute ‘badass’!
What was your journey into yachting?
I actually followed a boy into yachting—now my husband and a yacht captain! I’ve always been creative, but cooking wasn’t something I’d even considered. I started as a stewardess, but everything changed when I volunteered to cook on an Atlantic crossing. That experience lit a spark (despite being sea sick the entire time), and I knew I wanted to pursue it properly. I spent another year as a stew, saving up to attend chef school in South Africa. Fast forward from graduating in 2015 to now, and I’ve been a yacht chef for 10 years!
How did you turn an idea into reality with Funky Chef?
It started with frustration. Chef jackets were always too big, too boxy, and simply not designed for women. I always had to get my store-bought ones tailored. Eventually, I bought my own fabric, found a seamstress, and had jackets made that fit me like a glove. Friends noticed and wanted their own, and that’s when I realized there was a market for Funky Chef—I just didn’t know how big.
Turns out, the big-box brands still don’t make chef jackets specifically for women. Their designs are just offshoots of their men’s range, and they don’t fit properly. I’m so proud of where Funky Chef is today and the awareness it’s bringing to the industry. Hopefully, it pushes the big brands to realize there’s a real demand for chef jackets actually made for women!
How do you find juggling your job on board with running a successful business?
It’s a constant balancing act! Yachting is all-consuming, and so is running a business—plus, working with my partner means I have to divide my time into four: Yachting, Funky Chef, my husband, and me. I’ve had to become extremely organized and disciplined with my time. A lot of Funky Chef happens in my ‘off’ hours—early mornings, late nights, and in between charters.
Also, I’ve spent a lot of time setting up systems so that the day-to-day side of Funky Chef wouldn’t require me being too ‘Hands-on’. One of the biggest game-changers was recently bringing my mum on board to handle customer service. That’s something really important to me, especially in an age where so many businesses lack a human touch. Having her take over that side of things has been a huge weight lifted!
What advice would you give yourself on Day 1 of yachting?
If it doesn’t make you money, don’t buy it. I wasted so much money on silly stuff when I first started yachting—definitely one of my biggest regrets.
My second piece of advice? Stop talking and start listening. When I started, I thought I was the shit, and looking back, I probably missed so many opportunities to learn from experienced crew members because of an ego that wasn’t even justified. The best thing you can do in yachting (or any career) is to stay humble, soak up knowledge, and learn from the people around you.
Veronica Peretti
Yacht Captain
@kebisaproject
Veronica is who we want to be when we grow up! She excels at both charter and private yachting and I can guarantee her yacht will be cleanest, tidiest and most organised of them all. Together with her chef husband Fabio, Veronica has skippered yachts in America, Greece, Zanzibar, Antigua, The Galapagos and many many more.
Who/what inspired you to become a yacht Captain?
First of all my dad, who brought me sailing since I was little. Then, later in life, this great Lady Captain, with whom I used to run weekly charters for kids: a challenging project entailing a lot of responsibility, but also extremely rewarding.
What transferrable skills has yachting given you?
Really a lot. Just to mention a few: Planning (for Plan A, Plan B, Plan C…and the unexpected!), Stress Management (long shifts, difficult conditions, tight schedule…) and People Skills (crew, guests, contractors and management).
What has been the biggest challenge you have overcome in yachting?
Making sure professional life and personal life would keep separate, even though they progress side by side on a boat.
What advice would you give yourself on Day 1 of yachting?
Be curious, ask questions, never stop learning and always double check your work!
Kat Elsden-Powell
First Mate and Chef on board Luxury Crewed Yachts
Kat is an exquisite chef and experienced first mate operating luxury yachts across the world with her husband Jake. Her eye for detail is second to none and she excels in creating exciting flavour fusions in the galley…Kat was playing with matcha long before it became trendy! She inspires the crew she meets along the way and is in high demand as a chef both on and off the water.
How did you start your career in yachting?
Honestly it was intended as a summer infill between two ski seasons (I had bought some new ski boots!). I was offered a last minute job as a flotilla host for Sunsail and flew to Greece just four days after the interview. I had always sailed in dinghies growing up and done some yachting at university so suddenly that love, (plus the warm!) made me fall in love with the industry. From there I looked to transform that initial summer job into a career by honing my chef skills.
What is your favourite part of your job?
I have to say that in the first mate/chef role there is something so so satisfying about having everything timed right to arrive in a new bay, set the anchor and then suddenly appear with a tray of canapés. Oh yes, we can do it all!
That and the giant skies! On a boat you get front row seats to the most breath-taking clouds, sunsets and stars.
What are the challenges you face in your workplace?
Sometimes it can be isolating when you’re away from family and friends. Especially when you are onboard with guests for extended periods. Thank goodness for phones and great friends who understand. Life onboard can be so intense I might send a message in the middle of the night or not reply for a week. But it is great to have that love and support and the best thing ever when you do see each other.
What advice would you give yourself on Day 1 of yachting?
Big deep breath and just go for it! Yes, there will be good and bad bits but wow you are going to have the most incredible adventures.
Philippa (Pip) Grundy
Marine Environmental Consultant and Professional Sailor
Pip is the definition of a powerhouse woman within the sailing community. Being a brilliant sailor is simply not enough with her work as an advocate for cleaner oceans and environmentally friendly alternatives with the yachting world. When there are big changes in the greener future of yachting, we’re sure Pip’s name will be close by.
Give us an overview of your yachting/marine career…
I began my career with Sunsail as a host but quickly realized I wanted to be at the helm. I wasn’t impressed by my captain at the time and thought I could do better, so I earned my Yachtmaster certification. From there, I spent two more seasons as a flotilla skipper, gaining experience and refining my skills.
During that time, I met my partner, and we decided to transition to larger yachts as a couple team. Since then, we’ve focused on adventure sailing and charters, completing two Atlantic crossings and one Pacific crossing. I only stepped away from the water due to an injury that required time to recover.
Where is the best place your work has taken you?
French Polynesia and the Society Islands stand out as the most incredible destinations. The marine life, diving, and scenery are unmatched. Nowhere else have I experienced such vibrant reefs and an abundance of sea life—it’s an entirely different world beneath the surface.
What would you like to see change in the industry?
There needs to be more opportunities for women on deck. There’s still a tendency to assume women are less qualified, despite holding the same certifications as their male counterparts. My partner and I are both Yachtmaster Ocean certified, yet I’ve often encountered assumptions that he must be the skipper. The industry should move toward a more equal and merit-based approach.
What advice would you give yourself on Day 1 of yachting?
Develop a thick skin, but don’t let challenges shake your confidence. The industry can be demanding, and there will always be setbacks, but believing in your abilities is key. Stay determined, keep learning, and trust that you’re capable of handling whatever comes your way.
LAURA NOCKOLDS
RYA Training Instructor, Professional Sailor, Yacht Owner and Ski/Snowboard Instructor
Laura is a seasoned yacht Captain with 17 years of professional experience (lots more years if you count all the years before!). She thrives on helping students develop their skills and confidence on the water while continuously learning from them herself. Excitingly in May, Laura will embark on a solo sailing adventure aboard her very own 1984 Swedish-built Maxi, Fata Morgana – watch this space!
What led you to become an RYA sailing instructor, and what has been your most rewarding experience so far?
In short it was a natural progression, and I do enjoy witnessing the ‘lightbulb moments’.
It appealed to me because as a sailor you need to break everything down, even what you do instinctively and find a way to teach each aspect. The skills you develop as a sailor and the awareness, through breaking down each aspect of being a skipper, the boat and sailing coupled with understanding how immensely different every human’s learning styles are, and still witnessing the students relationship, skill and passion grow is amazing as well as completely challenging. Also what you can learn from your students to improve your teaching is what has always impressed me!
What’s one of the most memorable moments you’ve had while teaching someone to sail?
When teaching sailing the best moments are always when something unexpected happens, (boats man!!) and you see all that knowledge and understanding they’ve been processing kick into action naturally and they handle everything like a true skipper/sailor….its inspirational!
What’s your top piece of advice for women who want to get into sailing, whether recreationally or professionally?
Just do it! Be very prepared for it to get deep into your blood and to be honest I believe it’s more a lifestyle than a hobby! There are so many sides to sailing, it’s not just billion dollar yachts or racing and storms! It’s a whole world!
Have you faced any unique challenges as a female professional instructor in what is often seen as a male-dominated field?
I have not had to deal with discrimination in the areas of the sailing industry I work in. Moments only of others’ ignorance or insecurities which often have a huge dose of ego in the mix. I only look on those moments as a compliment, that to that individual I am displaying a level of skill they long for and so must try and say something unkind, which I always find quite funny! I sail for myself and seek no approval but I am human and any compliment is always a welcome thing, even if you need to read between the unkind lines!!
What advice would you give yourself on Day 1 of yachting?
Honestly, do exactly what you did! I started sailing at the age of 6 with my Dad. It was what we did, I was always going to be a fashion designer through school and slowly discovered how far the world of sailing extended and all the opportunities in it and it all happened organically.
Niamh Thompson
Owner and Operator of Cara Yachts Boatyard
When Niamh’s father suffered a life-threatening car accident, she stepped up to take over operations at Cara Yachts, continuing the family legacy while carving her own path in the maritime industry. Now, ten years into running the business, she thrives on its ever-changing demands, is the only official agent of Nautipark Boat Stands & Cradling in Greece, and remains optimistic about the future of yachting as Greece invests in its marine infrastructure.
What’s a typical day like running a boatyard, and what do you love most about your work?
Running a boat yard in Greece has taught me that typically no two days are the same and that’s what I love most about my work. I could have a meeting with an accountant in the morning and by lunchtime I could be discussing works needing to be done on a client’s boat. Tomorrow I could be heading off to a trade show and by next week I could be back at the yard launching boats. The job is flexible and for me it’s one of the many advantages.
What advice would you give to women looking to start their own business in the maritime sector, and what challenges did you face specifically as a female?
I would say to have patience and to look after yourself first. Burn out is real and if your own engines aren’t running smoothly nothing else will. From a business point of view if you are good at what you do it will show. Don’t worry about the competition it’s a big sector and there is plenty of work out there.
One of the biggest challenges of managing a boatyard as a female is undoubtedly just being female. Although the industry is changing I will still occasionally experience prejudice. The reward comes when I can change the opinion of such prejudice and carry on with my work. I do this by having confidence in my skills, being able to leverage my own female perspective and by creating a supportive environment for all my employees and clients.
How do you see the future of the yachting industry in Greece, and are there any changes or trends you’re excited about?
The future of the yachting industry in Greece certainly looks promising. Investment into the marinas of Greece became a top priority last year. €139m in RRF funds is to be allocated to selected projects that aim to upgrade the marine infrastructure. If all goes ahead the quality of services should improve and marinas in Greece should be able to stay competitive within the global marine tourism market. That should be good news for the yachting industry.
What advice would you give yourself on Day 1 of yachting?
Don’t worry so much! It all works out. You will make mistakes, big mistakes, but you will also learn from them.
When I first stepped into the world of yachting I felt like the women I came across had to fight for their place and sadly fight each other to be the ‘one woman who was respected’ within their sector. I am thrilled to say that now this isn’t the case. Days like International Women’s Day give us a really good excuse to celebrate each other and acknowledge that there is room for us all to excel in an industry which we all love.
Thank you to Hannah, Veronica, Kat, Pip, Laura and Niamh for all that you do in making our industry blooming marvellous! Today Figure Eight celebrates YOU!
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