Women in Yachting: Breaking Barriers and Building Careers on Deck

From stewardess to captain, women are making their mark in every department. Here's the current landscape.

The Current State

Women make up about 40% of yacht crew overall, dominating interior roles but increasingly present in deck and engineering. Female captains remain rare but growing in number.

Breaking into Deck

More women are joining deck departments. The physical demands are real, but determination and skill matter more than gender. Progressive captains actively seek diverse crew.

Challenges

• Still a male-dominated industry in deck/engineering
• Some old-school attitudes persist
• Limited female representation at senior levels

Opportunities

• Growing demand for female deck crew
• Female owners/guests prefer female crew
• Networking groups like Women in Yachting

Advice for Women Starting Out

Research yachts and captains before accepting positions. Trust your instincts. Connect with other women in the industry. Your skills speak for themselves.