DIVERSITY | INCLUSION | INNOVATION
She of the sea vision
Combining the resources and network of the shore side industry, with the wealth of experience, knowledge and journeys of the women working at sea, we are realising the vision of a high performing, competency focused yachting industry, regardless of any other factors.
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The story so far
In 2018 after 8 years in the industry, our founder Jenny Matthews, qualified as an Officer of the Watch. Realising she had never once worked with another female in the deck department, she asked the simple question "Who else is out there?".
Our aim is simple; to see our industry at its best. To move past the outdated status quo and propel ourselves into the future. To embrace and cultivate, talent, passion and dedication regardless of factors such as gender, race, ethnicity or orientation.
What originally started as a conversation about gender has now evolved to one of diversity, inclusion, innovation and sustainability. We are uniting individuals and organisations who are committed to moving beyond compliance and are embracing this challenge with passion and purpose.
Over the past two years the platform has gained powerful, global momentum and support. Shore side organisations and crew at all levels are collaborating with the common vision of a high performing, competency focused industry.
She of the Sea believes that we are 'better together' and works synergistically with many global
organisations that hold the same vision of united, industry-wide action.
The team
Jenny Matthews
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After realising her passion to create high performance environments could be actioned in a much larger scale than on one vessel as a Captain, Jenny has dedicated herself to seeing a diverse and inclusive yachting industry since 2018.
2020 has seen her study Sustainability Leadership and Corporate responsibility through The London Business School, and being appointed as the Chair of the Maritime UK Pledge and Charter Group.
This growth into the wider global conversation allows her to combine her intimate understanding of the Yachting world with the leading standards, practices and innovators in the sustainability landscape.
Natasha Ambrose
After achieving her Chief Mate 3000gt in 2017, Natasha now balances her time between masterminding She of the Sea initiatives, deliveries onboard and the shore side sector. Expecting the highest level of performance, from herself and those around her, she is the driving force and creative mind behind the many She of the Sea programs.
With a passion for learning and sharing knowledge, the LegaSea program is an expression of her values and experiences within the industry.
She of the Sea has also uncovered a hidden talent when it comes to website and graphic design. She of the Sea has Natasha to thank for visually communicating the initiative to the world in such a powerful and professional manner.
our Advisory board
William Maclachlan
Partner HFW Law
William is a partner in the London office of the international law firm HFW. As a transactional lawyer, he advises on a wide range of yacht related matters with a particular focus on design and intellectual property, construction, sale and purchase, ownership structures and VAT, charter, management, crew contracts and refit and repair projects. William also advises on physical and cyber security on board yachts and other developing issues. William spent 8 months seconded to a leading German yacht builder and is a trustee of the global seafarers charity, the Mission to Seafarers.
Vanessa Sanyauke -
Founder Girls Talk London
Vanessa Sanyauke is a diversity, inclusion & responsible business professional advising and working closely with FTSE 100 businesses on diversity and inclusion strategy and implementation. She is also the Founder of Girls Talk London, an award-winning agency that has connected thousands of women and girls in the UK with global brands and businesses in the S.T.E.M (Science, engineering, technology & math's) sector. In 2019, Vanessa was featured as one of 30 people changing the world in the London Business School Review.
Kate Mardel- Ferreira
Head of Operations 1851 Trust
Kate is the Head of Operations and Sailing Programmes for the 1851 Trust. The Trust is a dynamic and innovative education charity that inspires and engages the next generation with the aim through education, sailing and the marine industry to become the innovators of the future. Kate also spent years in the yachting industry Captaining private yachts and is committed to supporting young women to fulfil their potential.
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Dean Pilatti
Captain M/Y Arience
Captain of one of the industry's most prestigious charter yachts M/Y Arience, Dean has been in the yachting Industry for over twenty years, has travelled worldwide and gained huge experience in the yachting field as well as in human interaction. His personal approach onboard is infectious and he won the A Crew awards for Master 3000 Captain in 2019. Dean is committed to realising a diverse high performing industry regardless of gender.
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Lisa Blackshaw
Chief Officer M/Y Rising Sun
Lisa is the Chief Officer on a prestigious 138m Superyacht. Coming from a commercial maritime background Lisa offers her wider insight and perspective. Lisa qualified in 2008 as OOW unlimited after completing a cadetship on a nuclear fuel transportation carrier. Lisa has a BSc Hons in Nautical science and also actively runs a climate change awareness page.
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To ensure that She of the Sea is a sustainable, professionally structured non-profit organisation, we are working with HFW law firm, and Breaking the Mould Accounting.
HFW and Breaking the Mould are supporting She of the Sea on a pro bono basis to create strong and long lasting foundations, allowing the initiative to scale quickly and further its reach as the opportunities arise
Current Action
To find out more about She of the Sea and its various projects, download​ the 2020 Action overview here .