What an honour to be considered for this award. A heartfelt thank you.
It has been a privilege to be part of the yachting industry for over 30+ years… and as the best journey’s in life are, not one I even knew I would be on!
Brought up in a large family, with an interest in medicine, well-being and as a ‘people person’, I trained as a physiotherapist working in Sydney and London over several years, but as all good stories go…life changed course with meeting Andrew…
Sharing a love for life, the sea and adventure, I joined him in the early 90’s, working over the years on various professional yachts, sailing over 30,000+ miles in the MED and Caribbean, managing a refit and a new build, to living on our own small 37ft cruising boat for over 6 years, including a trans-Atlantic with a 3 and 1 year old!
Whilst based in the Caribbean, we founded the Superyacht Services Guide (SSG) in 2002, a publishing business printing ‘Captain’s Inside Guides’ listing ONLY industry recommended services, which grew to encompass all regions of the world.
Over the years, it has been a privilege to be able to offer guidance, mentoring aspiring yacht crew, supporting local marine businesses trying to make a way in a global niche market, and connecting people – often sharing our global network of yachting contacts.
During our 12 years living in Antigua, I was a Director of ABSAR
(Antigua’s Search and Rescue Organisation) volunteering as an Emergency Responder, and leading fundraising so ABSAR could help the local community and visiting yachtsmen, both on land and at sea – a milestone was raising sufficient funds for our very first ambulance and emergency fire pumps, which have been put to good use over the years, averting further disasters.
Business and family life was turned upside down with a very rare young onset dementia diagnosis for Andrew – aged 51, a couple of years after moving to England. I found myself caring single-handedly for our four young children, and for Andrew as he heart wrenchingly deteriorated, whilst still at the helm managing SSG, supported by an amazing close-knit team that are still with us to this day! The journey was challenging and tough – Andrew sadly passed away in May 2021, aged 58.
Many may remember Andrew’s wonderful voice… songs being one of the last ways he could communicate with us. Combining my desire to help people and lived experience of dementia, I started a special Dementia Choir in our local town, providing support and a safe space for individuals living with this cruel disease. Five years on, 60+ members join together weekly in song – ‘When words fail, music speaks’.
Managing SSG in a post covid world, trying to move creatively with developing technology, protecting our world, and encouraging change for a more diverse, inclusive accepting industry, have become key passions to pour energy into. I have supported leadership and mental health awareness training, as well as ISWAN’s Yacht Crew Help since its inception. Facilitating charitable projects, aware of humanitarian needs around the world, to supporting those in transition moving ashore, especially women – connecting the industry with real genuine, honest communication, kindness and a shared love for humanity and the sea.
Our son Tristan joining SSG has marked a significant milestone enabling us to grow in exciting directions… as we continue to provide the best recommended services in yachting, to support those working onboard yachts and ashore.
For me, business and personal life come from the same pot, of enthusiasm, kindness, trust, care, honesty, respect and a commitment to seeing people in their reality, treating them as I would my friends.
