Inaugural Women’s Yachting Awards 2024
On 19 November 2024, the inaugural Women’s Yachting Awards took centre stage at METSTRADE in Amsterdam, recognising the remarkable contributions of women across the yachting industry.
The awards celebrated innovation, leadership and dedication, while marking a pivotal moment in promoting gender diversity within the sector. Hosted by Andrea Tagliaferro of Yacht Femme, three awards were presented to showcase trailblazing women shaping the future of yachting.
This pioneering event not only honoured their achievements, but also served as a source of inspiration, highlighting the transformative impact of female professionals across various disciplines. The event began with nominations opening on 12 August and closing on 1 October. Following an evaluation process by a panel of expert judges, finalists were announced on 1 November, leading to the highly anticipated reveal of winners during the ceremony.
Setting the tone for the event, Eleonora Pitasso of Burgess delivered a powerful keynote address. Her speech underscored the importance of celebrating women’s roles in an evolving yachting landscape and encouraged ongoing efforts to create a more inclusive future. Pitasso’s speech resonated deeply with the audience, focusing on the importance of leaving a meaningful legacy while driving innovation and inclusivity in the yachting industry. She emphasised the role of women as catalysts for change, inspiring attendees to envision a future defined by equality and sustainability.
Kaela Bermeister, a passionate and dedicated superyacht captain, was awarded the Rising Star of the Year trophy by Chloe A'Bear from Yacht Intelligence. With a deep love for the open seas, Kaela has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, inspiring crew and industry peers alike. Her recognition highlights the growing role of young leaders who are redefining what it means to helm a superyacht.
As the founding president of HY- Plug, Camille Lopez was named Entrepreneur of the Year. Her work is pioneering the decarbonisation of the yachting industry, focusing on advancing clean energy solutions for marinas and shipyards. Camille’s forward-thinking initiatives are shaping a more sustainable future for maritime infrastructure and operations.
Vienna Eleuteri, Vice-President of the Water Revolution Foundation and Senior Advisor to the Saudi Red Sea Authority, received the Trailblazer of the Year award. A sustainability scientist and anthropologist, Vienna has been instrumental in developing transformative maritime practices that align with environmental stewardship and sustainable growth.
As a first-of-its-kind celebration within yachting, the Women’s Yachting Awards emphasised the importance of representation and recognition. By acknowledging exceptional talent and contributions, the event set a new standard for supporting women in an industry traditionally dominated by men. Andrea Tagliaferro concluded the ceremony with words of gratitude: "Congratulations to all of our winners and finalists. Your dedication and achievements inspire us all. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended, supported, sponsored, and shared their advice with us. Your kindness and encouragement mean the world. We look forward to celebrating with you again at next year’s Women’s Yachting Awards!"
Each winner was presented with the bespoke circular award designed by Carbon Dream, symbolising unity, continuity and the cyclical nature of progress within the yachting industry. This award, featuring the YF logo for Yacht Femme, served as a tangible representation of the event’s mission to inspire and connect.