COn this International Women’s Day, we were thrilled to get the chance to learn all about Lucia Abrate’s journey in the yachting industry. Lucia, a dedicated Yacht Broker at Nautica Imperia Services and a former student of the Maritime Training Academy’s Yacht Brokerage Diploma, shares her experiences, challenges, and insights as a woman navigating this dynamic field.
A Journey into Yachting
“My adventure in the yachting industry began in 2012 when I joined a well-established local group in Imperia, Italy. Since then, yachting has become both my profession and my passion. My initial role at Nautica Imperia Services was primarily focused on administration, operational aspects, and accounting.
Working alongside our shipyard team, I gained a comprehensive understanding of yachts and their systems, as well as valuable insights on maintenance and refit projects. This position allowed me to participate in various initiatives and contribute to the success of the group.
To advance my career, I pursued a yacht brokerage certificate at the Maritime Training Academy, which I successfully completed in October 2024. The knowledge and skills I acquired from this advanced program have greatly enhanced my capabilities, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter in my professional journey!”
Challenges as a Woman in Yachting
“Yes, there have been some challenges along the way. Women often find it necessary to showcase their capabilities more rigorously than their male counterparts, especially in areas such as technical expertise, securing deals, or assuming key responsibilities.
However, these challenges have only strengthened my determination to succeed and demonstrate my abilities by enhancing my skills and qualifications through education, training, and professional development.”
Is the Yachting Industry Inclusive for Women?
“Even if the yachting industry is advancing significantly, there are still some issues. The historical male predominance has led to an imbalance in a number of domains, including technical roles, leadership positions, or even more subtle areas like conference speaking possibilities.
Thankfully, we see an increasing number of women taking on these responsibilities, bringing their unique qualities to the table, and achieving remarkable success in traditionally male-dominated areas. This positive shift is a great motivation for all of us, especially for young women aspiring to carve out their own place in this industry.”
Advice for Women Starting a Career in Yachting
“My advice would be to believe in yourselves and work hard. Invest in education and continuous learning; specialise in areas that interest you. Stay curious, embrace the moment, and do not hesitate to network with other professionals in the industry. The yachting world has many opportunities to offer!”
Proudest Moment in Her Career
“Reflecting on my professional journey, one of my proudest moments—besides earning my yacht brokerage certificate—was my involvement in a yacht refit project at the shipyard. Over an intense year and a half, I had the privilege of assisting a client with every request and detail of the process.
Collaborating closely with expert technicians and surveyors, we encountered many challenges. But dedication and determination enabled the team to overcome every obstacle, culminating in a collective victory. Ultimately, the satisfaction and joy expressed by the client upon the project’s completion provided an immensely rewarding experience!
I am proud to have been a part of this successful project. This particular moment reminds me that with dedication and perseverance, anything is possible. Furthermore, it highlights the importance of building relationships built on trust, collaboration, and mutual respect, which are essential for creating a cohesive team and overcoming difficulties.”
The Future of Women in the Maritime Industry
“I see a promising future ahead! I believe women are poised to play an increasingly significant role. As more women are establishing their presence in the maritime industry from technical sectors to yacht sales, operational management, naval design, and leadership roles, we will continue to enrich the community with our communication skills, attention to detail, empathy, and spirit of collaboration.
By supporting one another and acknowledging the significant contributions of women in yachting, we can promote a more inclusive and dynamic community. This effort will not only enhance the strength and growth of the industry but also create benefits and opportunities for future generations.”
A huge thank you to Lucia for sharing her experience, her journey is an inspiring testament to the growing role of women in yachting. This International Women’s Day, we celebrate her achievements and the countless contributions of women shaping the future of the maritime industry!