The Boat Princess Podcast

Associate Director of McKenna Townsend, Charlotte Sampson, sat down with me at the Royal Thames Yacht Club, London, to chat about the vast landscape of marketing.  We found common ground in attending the same university where Charlotte completed a Sports Leisure Marketing Degree.  

The experience to analyse partnerships with Ericcson, to focus on humanitarian response, education & digital skills, climate and environment as well as diversity and inclusion, was the stepping stone into aviation, marine, and technology. 

A specialist in Public Relations for the outdoor industry, Charlotte has packed the goody bags, and has a track record of delivering media opportunities, product reviews in magazines, and advertising campaigns that uplift the awareness and demonstrate the benefits to the end user.

In the transition into motherhood, Charlotte's world changed and she set about curating her village to support her returning to her career.  Flexibility, challenging and reward are values she looks for in an organisahttps://mckennatownsend.com/tion, and advocates for other parents to be confident.

So settle in as this delightful conversation that takes you on the journey of adaption.

McKenna Townsend are a PR and Marketing Firm based in the UK.

You can find out more about them here:

https://mckennatownsend.com/

For more information about how you could feature on our podcast and share your story with the world see  www.theboatprincess.com

If you'd like to know more about my world and where I am and up to you can follow me on Instagram HERE

And for more in depth and educational articles you can follow me on Linked in HERE

In this fireside chat (actually on a Rooftop in France in my casual look - had no idea Ben was going to video this, I suppise I should have guessed!), experienced media and digital creator Ben Taylor, shares how he manifested a career that was never on the list of possible jobs whilst at school.  He shares with me some of the concepts and his contribution to the marine industry and the pathway that he curated to establish Taylor Media. 

Ben's mission is to be a reliable voice that informs, empowers and engages the industry internationally. His content covers; people, companies, events, technologies and hot topics including; sustainability and supply chain issues across the marine leisure and superyacht sector.

Ben's Youtube 

Ben's Interview with The Boat Princess

This 45 minute episode is one of two with our second half becoming available through our exclusive content membership 'Top Deck'.   Head to www.theboatprincess.com to subscribe to our Newsletter and we'll be in touch with details soon!  This is where we will be making exclusive announcements, showcase product launches and publishing those conversations you don't want to miss. 

Enjoy and I will see you on the water soon.

Nicky x

PS Please review the podcast it means more of our guests stories get heard and a rising tide lifts all boats! x

Now I will admit, my travels around the world have seen me cross paths with many within and upon the fringes of the boating and marine industry, but this time I found myself in the same room as Joe, Lynch. The CEO of ICOMIA.

His story starts when he was 6 years old, when his parents bought a boat and a book and during the summer of 1976 they took their three children and the dog sailing. 

His passion was spurred by his circle of friends who range from amateur boaters to olympic athletes.  Joe shares the accessibility of boating, sailing clubs and contributions of the community in competition and connection. 

Joe is a natural leader, with a deep understanding of his own personal limitations but has the collective knowledge of contacts that can solve the problem or make the difference around the world. 

For the past year, Joe has made his mission to listen and learn from the people, free from commercial bias and free from personal bias, and be there for the good of the industry. 

ICOMIA is helping countries grow their industry and build opportunities within the network on projects to maintain contemporaneous initiatives.   To add value, Joe has learnt how to leverage the good will of membership and find the resources, promising to write the book about the application of commercialising the not for profit principles. 

ICOMIA is very lucky to have the support of a volunteer board that supports this industry and you can find out more about Joe and ICOMIA right here.

Don't forget to check out my other episode with Darren Vaux about the ICOMIA research into sustainability. 

There is something soothing and special about being on or near the water. Whether it's seeing the vast horizon that opens up a whole world of endless possibilities, showing us there is always more to look forward to, or the gentle rocking of the waves against the shore line, resetting the sand to new, my travels have continued to open doors to the people who have build a life connected to the ocean and with them a new perspective I haven't always seen. 

In this episode I welcome to the podcast - Suzy Chisholm, the innovating co-founder of start up - Swiss Ocean Tech, Safe Anchoring for Sailor, Ship and Sea, and officially, a communications expert.

So as we dive into this conversation, she shares her unofficially role as 'building bridges between people and ideas', bringing people together who strive for that common ground. Her secret in almost all cases, can be found with the right approach and attention. 

So what does it take to create a unique connection between two unknowns. The power of direction. There are so many ocean references I can make about Suzy's philosphy, but I will let you hear then for yourself.   

Where we found common ground was at the heart of doing with intention because as she will explain, when everyone understands the mission at hand, they automatically pull in the same direction. There will be no shortage of struggles, hurdles or setbacks, so if we are all heading in the same direction, we are always able to stay on course.

One more thing, Spring is here, and these gorgeous days right now and the ones you could be spending on, in or around the water - come and see us at Bobbin Head Marina, our Waterside Bistro is the perfect place to be. 

Welcome back to Part 2 of my conversation with Jasper Smith.  If you haven't heard Part 1 - go back and listen and this episode will make so much more sense.

'Without a healthy ocean, we don't have healthy humans'.  That is the philosphy of today's guest, Jasper Smith, a design engineer who has previously build the worlds biggest online game play arena, is now applying his skill and passion to embed protective measures and experience to the sea state.

I met up with Jasper Smith when I was last in the UK, and spoke with him about his connection to the water, which included living on a barge to exploring Alaska with his family and friends.  Jasper has spent years making memories, media and movies as well as starting the World Ocean Trust.

'It's astounding to me that we buy a superyacht and staff it and then leave it in the marina for 10 months of the year. Redundancy is key."

Jasper's ambitions are powered by passion to build and design boats for adventure, and the lifestyle he knows we want to lead.  From the smaller vessel to a 60ft yacht with a hybrid system and 15 -20 hours of silent running.  They are designed to be off grid for three months, comfortable inside, easy to drive providing security in preparedness.

Thank you for listening to this 2 part series and be sure to tell your friends and colleagues to follow us so we can spread these important stories to many more.

We would also love you to review our podcast.

1. Open the Podcasts app

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This helps us expand our audience further. Did you know 65% of our downloads are in the US despite us being an Australian company? Don't underestimate the power of a podcast - it's out there forever. For more information on us and how to connect with us to feature your story on our podcast contact us at www.theboatprincess.com

For more information on our interviewee:

Links:

https://www.arksen.com/en

https://www.10percentfortheocean.org/

https://mckennatownsend.com/

 'Without a healthy ocean, we don't have healthy humans'.  That is the philosphy of today's guest, Jasper Smith, a design engineer who has previously build the worlds biggest online game play arena, is now applying his skill and passion to embed protective measures and experience to the sea state. 

I'm coming to you again from the UK - and completely honoured to sit down and chat to Jasper Smith who having always had a connection to the water, from living on a barge to exploring Alaska with his family and friends, Jasper has spent years making memories, media and movies as well as starting the World Ocean Trust.

'It's astounding to me that we buy a superyacht and staff it and then leave it in the marina for 10 months of the year. Redundancy is key."

Jasper's ambitions are powered by passion to build and design boats for adventure, and the lifestyle he knows we want to lead.  From the smaller vessel to a 60ft yacht with a hybrid system and 15 -20 hours of silent running.  They are designed to be off grid for three months, comfortable inside, easy to drive providing security in preparedness.

Our conversation was so interesting we have created 2 episodes out of it!

Listen out for Episode 2 - tell your friends and colleagues to follow us so we can spread these important stories to many more. 

We would also love you to review our podcast. This helps us expand our audience further. Did you know 65% of our downloads are in the US despite us being an Australian company? Don't underestimate the power of a podcast - it's out there forever. For more information on us and how to connect with us to feature your story on our podcast contact us at www.theboatprincess.com

For more information on our interviewee:

Today I welcome another two inspirational women from Australia's first America's Cup Team that will be competing in the covetted event being held in Barcelona this September.  I love bringing to story of first to you and feel honoured to be sharing with you, not only their personal stories but the Australian story and the connection to our world famous win back in 1983.

The America’s Cup is the world’s oldest sporting trophy, established in 1851 and is the most prestigious international yachting prize. Informally known as the Auld Mug, the trophy is fought for via match races between a defender nation and challenger nation.

When John Bertrand skippered Australia II with its Ben Lexcen designed winged keel, it broke the 132-year winning streak to claim the Cup for Australia. The Confederation of Australian Sport billed it the ‘greatest team performance in 200 years of Australian sport’.

Annie Wilmont grew up sailing on Sydney Harbour, spending most of her life on the water. She was firstthrown in a Manly Junior at 4 years old and has loved the sport ever since.

Annie is a member of the Australian Sailing Team, campaigning successfully in the 49er FX.  She placed 5th at the World Championship 2024 in Lanzarote, and has a proven track record demonstrating exceptional skill and experience across multiple sailing classes, consistently achieving notable success and championships in various categories.

In her youth career Annie was named Youth World Champion in 2016 and secured multiple first-place titles, including All Female Australian National, Australian Youth, New Zealand National and German National Champion in the same year.

Lisa Darmanin represented the Australian Sailing Team from 2013-2023. She won a Silver Medal in the Nacra 17 class at the Rio 2016 Olympics and finished 5th at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

Throughout her career, Lisa has consistently delivered outstanding results at World Championships in the Nacra class. Between 2014 and 2020, she clinched a total of 4 World Championships medals.

Lisa was awarded Australian Female Sailor of the Year in 2015, 2016, and 2020 and UNSWFemale Athlete of the Year in 2011, as well as the Ben Lexcen Scholarship from 2011 to 2013.

Beyond her competitive pursuits, Lisa is a commentator and presenter for sailing on the international stage, sharing her insights and passion for the sport with a global audience

The team still need funds to allow them more time on the water before the race - you can help - no matter how small by donating HERE

Here's another first, my interview with our first Australian Women's Team in the America's Cup and the excitement that is building for the Barcelona Competition is electric.  

Nina Curtis share her incredible journey and experience with stories and antidotes that demonstrate a committment to her passion and family, leveraging the support to compete and training without a boat!

Sarah Hoffman brings to life the process of following your dream, finding life balance and the demands of study after being selected to take on one of the most challenging races that Australian's have been proudly competing in for decades. 

This is one of two interviews that I have done with the team and it's my mission to have you all following their journey, as we watch history being made, another page and stage for women's boating become the reality and inspire the new generation of competitive marine sports. 

To find out more about the upcoming The America's Cup - Click Here. 

To help our team WIN the America's Cup they need more funding for practice on the water before the race - at this stage they only get 4 days practice!! Help our team by donating to the cause HERE

In today's episode, I am back in Sydney sitting down with Michael Jarvin, who has spent the last 40 years building, developing, representing, operating, upgrading and expanding marina's throughout the east coast of Australia. 

At the helm of Advanced Marina Management, Mike, known to many by his sailing nickname Star Wars, has led the day-to-day management of and development of many marinas around Australia.

With a passion for boating spanning a lifetime, Star Wars shares his expertise in the boardroom, providing advice and solutions to the Boating Industry Association, Government Agencies and on a range of Australian Standards committees.

In recognition of his service to the boating community, Mike was awarded the NSW Maritime Medal at the 50th Sydney International Boatshow 2017 and has travelled the world speaking  developing career pathways for young people in the Boating Industry. 

Mike has given so many years of volunteer service to Associations and Committees in the boating industry and I am lucky enough to count him as a great friend as well. Mike has always been an amazing supporter of everything we do at The Boat Princess, recognising that our ethos of attracting more women to boating and the boating industry is a great one. Thanks Mike for your support - and to so many other men too. It is truly appreciated.

You can find out more at www.theboatprincess.com

Welcome back to The Boat Princess podcast and today I am coming to you from the other side of the world at the ICOMIA Congress in La Rochelle, France.  In this episode I am having the big boating conversations with Anne Dunbar, the Executive Director of IBEX, International Boat Builders Exhibition and Conference, which serves the North American market.  As Covid took over the world, Anne was faced with cancelling live shows and exhibitions and and a workforce crisis. She became instrumental in the road to recovery, leading IBEX, alongside other leadership teams from IFBSO (who have just celebrated 60 years of community and comradery).

Anne shares how even at that level of leadership coming together at the live shows and sharing conversations on stage or ideas in workshops is how they stay connected to the front line and keep the heart beat of the industry going and growing. 

With a love of boats for as long as she can remember, Anne actually completed a degree in communications and filming after school and moved to LA with the dream to make movies, and work behind the scenes in production during the days of the new and emerging MTV era.  Anne recalls facing the barriers of entry and gender issues, getting her first introduction to the marine industry with an invitation to work at the Long Beach Boat Show, working the booth over a 10 day show.  She describes the experience and now provides the advice of taking up opportunities even when you don't feel ready. 'It was so much fun meeting new people, and I just love boats.'

From 'manning' the booth her performance landed her a job selling advertising in the marine industry. 'My job was to go to boat shows and talk to people - it was so aligned.' 

Anne eventually moved back to east coast selling that incredible tech called faxing before transferring her skills to IBEX selling exhibition space in 2001. Anne shares her 'breaking the glass ceiling story' and the secrets when it comes to taking on leadership in a male dominated arena, and is well qualified as you'll hear her humbly explain how she  transformed the experience of Boat Shows around the world.

With Sydney Boat Show coming up soon 1-4 August join me at my networking event on Saturday morning before show opens and meet Annie Wilmot and Sarah Hoffman to incredible young women competing in the America's Cup for Australia in October!

Book on the link below.

https://www.trybooking.com/CTIJG

Enjoy, let me know what you think, please review and I will see you on the water soon. 

www.theboatprincess.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-dunbar-b5b56815/

https://www.ibexshow.com/