Star Yacht Group Embrace Female Power In The Yachting Industry

Women in yachting are making waves in 2025, breaking barriers and inspiring the next generation with their leadership and resilience.

As of today, the industry, historically male-dominated, is witnessing a rise in female positions; from leadership roles like captains and CEOs to crew occupations such as stewardesses and deckhands, as well as various shore-side positions like brokers and designers, their stories highlight courage and determination.

Historical Milestones

Maritime history is filled with stories of great sailing ships, plying the massive oceans of the world, run by rugged, swaggering, masculine sailors. It may be that the 19th century sailing vessel was a male dominated and defined world, yet women are assuredly part of this rich history.

During the Age of Sail the best way for a woman to get a job aboard a ship was to disguise herself as a man. Women no longer have to dress-up as men to pursue a career on the water today but still face many challenges in a male-dominated field. Despite these challenges, more and more women are pursuing their dreams, honing their skills, and making a living in maritime industries.

From Command to Creation

“The thrill of navigating a sleek superyacht through the Mediterranean, the wind in your hair and the open sea ahead.” Beyond the glitz, the romance and glamour, many women in the maritime sector are taking the lead in advocating for equal representation and opportunities.

More and more women are stepping into roles as yacht captains, breaking old gender stereotypes in the maritime world, or becoming yacht designers, carving out a path on interior design business. As people increasingly recognize their skills and leadership, there's a growing wave of support and encouragement for women taking the helm.

The importance of diversity cannot be overstated, as it brings a myriad of perspectives and ideas, fostering innovation and enhancing problem-solving capabilities.

Embracing gender diversity not only aligns with modern values but also strengthens the industry’s resilience in adapting to global trends.

Tackling difficulties

While the accomplishments of women in yachting deserve recognition, it’s crucial to also recognize the ongoing challenges they encounter. Persistent gender stereotypes, sexual harassment, limited visibility, and unequal access to opportunities remain significant obstacles for women in this field. Nevertheless, progress is gradually being made, fueled by the determination of pioneers and advocates who continue to drive positive changes.

Women in regattas

In recent years, women have become increasingly prominent competitors in the highly demanding sport of regatta sailing. Regattas, multi-race sailing competitions that test tactical skill, physical endurance, and teamwork, are no longer reserved for male athletes. As the sport evolves, more women are not only joining mixed crews but also leading all-female teams in top-tier events. The competitive landscape has shifted with the growth of women-focused regattas, such as the J/105 Women’s Regatta and the Women's Winter Invitational, which offer athletes a platform to race at elite levels. With strict rules, high-performance boats, and intense physical and mental demands, these regattas highlight sailing as a serious sport in which women are excelling, pushing boundaries, and reshaping the competitive field.

Shea of the Sea

Shea of the Sea is a pioneering initiative within the yachting industry, dedicated to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. Founded in 2018, it has rapidly evolved from a grassroots project into a global movement, advocating for a high-performance yachting industry that values individuals regardless of gender, race, or other factors.

It works with STEM programs and schools to inspire the next generation of seafarers, especially young women and people from diverse backgrounds.

Though rooted in yachting, the movement addresses broader issues of equality in the maritime industry and has gained international support from leading yacht companies and shipyards.

At Star Yacht Group, we are committed to empowering the women on our team by fostering a culture of inclusion, leadership, and equal opportunity. We recognize the unique strengths and perspectives they bring, and we actively support their growth and success across every level of our organization