Womens Yachting Awards shine once again at Metstrade

Event Significance

The Women’s Yachting Awards represent more than recognition—they embody a collective commitment to progress, empowerment, and visibility within the yachting world. Each award celebrates women who navigate not only the seas but also the challenges of leadership, innovation, and growth in an evolving maritime landscape.

This year’s ceremony emphasized unity and courage, affirming that true leadership is not defined by trophies but by the people who dare to dream, build, and pave the way forward.

Keynote Speaker: Barrett Wright

The awards ceremony began with an inspiring keynote by Barrett Wright:

“Our keynote speaker today is someone I not only admire, but who is also a true trailblazer—someone who has risen to the top and continues to break new ground and challenge the status quo: Barrett Wright.”

Barrett is a member of ISS, where she co-chairs the Education Committee, as well as IYBA and USSA. She is the President of Hill Robinson USA, overseeing U.S. yacht operations and business development from the company’s Fort Lauderdale and Palm Beach offices.

Celebrating the Winners

Three prestigious awards were presented during the event, recognizing women who are making waves in yachting:

Rising Star Award

Presented by Serena Witter of Robert Allen Law, this award celebrated women demonstrating rapid career growth and exceptional potential.Winner: Sophie Spicknell

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.

Finalists: Ally Walters, Dasha Moranova, Liz Schmidt, and McLayne Sisk

Entrepreneur Award

Introduced by Naomi Daines, this award recognized women who have shown extraordinary innovation and leadership in their businesses.Winner: Jill Bobrow

Jill Bobrow is a veteran superyacht journalist, editor, and author, founding Boat International USA and leading ShowBoats International. Through Jill Bobrow Associates, she advises yacht builders and designers, mentors emerging professionals, and continues to publish on yachting, design, and ocean conservation worldwide.

Finalists: Altea Llakmani, Barbara Amerio, Carla Guilhem, and Laura Pomponi

Trailblazer Award

Presented by Patricia Becker, Exhibition Manager at Metstrade, this award honored a visionary leader breaking barriers and setting new industry standards.Winner: Rosie O'Donnell

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.

Finalists: Charlotte van de Kerk, Gayle Patterson, Georgina Menheneott, and Nada Serafini

A trophy with meaning

For the first Women’s Yachting Awards Trophy, we chose carbon fiber, a material that embodies resilience, adaptability, and strength. This unique piece of art was produced by Carbon Dream, an Italian company based in Tuscany near Florence, owned by Fabrizio Ippoliti.

The trophy is composed of 86 layers of carbon fiber, meticulously hand-layered as a true work of art. The process included a full day of lamination, autoclave curing, and a final water-jet cut to form the iconic Yacht Femme capital letters “YF” enclosed within a circle.

Gifts for finalists and attendees

As a special gesture of appreciation, Tagliati Il Successo provided luxurious gifts to all attendees, adding an extra touch of elegance to the celebration. Finalists received exquisite beach towels, sandals, and sunscreen courtesy of Lürssen Yachts, while each winner was presented with an additional keepsake—a stunning silk scarf and a Foglizzio key tray to treasure.

Recognizing Industry Leaders: The Judges

The Women’s Yachting Awards were evaluated by a distinguished panel of judges representing diverse sectors, bringing a wealth of expertise and unique perspectives to the table. Their commitment to excellence ensured a thorough and fair selection process.

Esteemed Judges:

From the Yachting Industry

• Bob Denison – President, Denison Yachting
• Norma Trease – CEO, Yacht Knowledge
• Rose Damen – Managing Director, Damen Yachting
  
  

Cross-Industry Experts

• Alessandra Di Palma – Luxury Expert & Craftsmanship
• Angelo Colombo – Nautical Journalist
• Francois-Xavier Hotier – President, Ulysse Nardin Americas
• Liliana Cerilo – CMO, Lexica Corp
• Manuela Barbarossa – Senior Sales & Marketing Manager, Leonardo
• Naomi Daines – Philanthropy

Their dedication to celebrating innovation, leadership, and excellence played a pivotal role in highlighting the achievements of this year’s finalists and winners.

Closing Remarks

Andrea Tagliaferro concluded the ceremony with words of gratitude:

“Congratulations to all of our winners and finalists. Your dedication and achievements inspire us all. The Women’s Yachting Awards began as a personal dream, but they have grown into something far greater—a celebration of the women whose talent, leadership, and determination continue to shape our industry. Yacht Femme has become more than I ever imagined, and that’s thanks to the unwavering support of this community and the extraordinary women who push us forward every day.

‘When one woman rises, we all rise.’