We were excited to host our first standalone Women in Yachting event. This London Edition took place in collaboration with one of our long-standing design partners Winch Design at their fantastic new studio on Wednesday 18 June 2025.
During this female business networking event, we brought together the extensive Women in Yachting community in London. At Damen Yachting, it has always been our intention to inspire and include with our Women in Yachting corporate initiative, and this event was designed to connect others, share business insights and bring relevant industry topics to the table.
Our programme featured a panel discussion with leading female business figures: Annelies Damen (Damen), Aino Grapin (Winch), Georgina Menheneott (Burgess), and Julie Clark (Savage Lighting). Sarah Flavell (Damen Yachting) will moderate. Read their bios below to learn more before the event.
For over twenty years, Annelies has played an active role in her family’s business, Damen Shipyards. Today, she serves as a member of the Supervisory Board.
At Damen Yachting, she brings her creative vision to life by leading interior design concepts and contributing to public relations and client engagement.
“Women who inspire the world are like oceans—endless, powerful, and beautifully reflected in both my photography and the spirit of yachting.” — Annelies Damen
Aino joined Winch Design as Chief Executive in 2016, bringing 25 years of experience in leading and growing businesses in creative industries, across the art, luxury and technology sectors. Holding an MBA from INSEAD, Aino started her career as a strategy consultant with Bain & Company. She then spent nearly a decade at Christie’s, in a variety of strategic and operational roles. Aino works closely with the Board and Senior Partner Group to ensure Winch Design is as strong commercially as it is creatively. In 2021, Aino led the company through a new phase to become employee owned. Employee ownership sits well within the Winch Design ethos, which has always placed the highest value on its people, whose loyalty, talent and commitment play a vital part in the success of the business.
Aino is on the Board of the Water Revolution Foundation and a Trustee of YOTS (Yachting Opportunities Training and Skills). She is the mother of two children (15 and 12) and sings as a hobby.
Georgina is a Partner at Burgess, currently leading the company’s ambitious sustainability programme. Since joining in 2003 with a master’s in international relations, she has worked across nearly every part of the business, from charter and operational management to brokerage, even navigating CA sales during the global financial crisis. She briefly headed Oceanstyle by Burgess and played a key role in expanding the company’s presence in Asia and the Middle East. In 2006, she stepped away from her career to train full time with the GB rowing squad for the Beijing Olympics. Post-sport, she co-authored a UN paper on communication for development and joined a solar energy start-up focused on utility-scale projects across the Mediterranean. She considers her current role the most challenging and rewarding yet: “We have a real opportunity to drive change, owning that challenge is the first step.”
Georgina splits her time between Devon and Monaco and values being on the ground with her teams. Her husband co-founded a wildlife conservancy and working farm in South Africa’s Karoo, now seen as a pioneering model for modern conservation. After the intensity of elite sport, she’s returned to smaller boats, pilot gigs and rowing skiffs, which she sees as a grounding counterpoint to the scale of superyachts. She believes every day can be improved by time on the water and wonders how many problems we might solve if we all had to work together in small boats.
Julie Clark has been a Director at Savage Lighting since 2001, bringing with her decades of expertise in lighting design. As both Managing Director and Sales Director, she plays a central role in steering the company’s strategic direction and driving business development.
With specialist knowledge in marine lighting, Julie is highly experienced in the management of complex lighting system projects, often acting as a trusted problem solver and innovator for bespoke solutions. Her hands-on approach and deep industry insight have earned her a strong reputation within the sector.
Outside of work, Julie enjoys interior design, property renovation, swimming, and socialising.
With 20 years of experience in the superyacht industry, Sarah Flavell has established a reputation as a dynamic and results-driven marketing professional. Originally from the UK, Sarah has called the Netherlands home for the past 17 years. Having worked across multiple facets of the superyacht sector, Sarah's expertise leverages a deep understanding of international markets and industry stakeholder needs. Her experience spans marketing and business development for multiple superyacht companies having worked for suppliers and as a consultant through her own former marketing company. Her diverse background has provided Sarah with a comprehensive insight into the complex decision making behind yacht ownership, including the intricacies of yacht building processes, market developments and the clear communication of the value of high-end craftsmanship and bespoke services to a global clientele. Sarah is known for a forward-thinking approach, creative problem-solving skills, and a commitment to excellence in every aspect of the marketing process, from digital campaigns to high-end events. For Damen Yachting, Sarah focuses on driving strategic brand growth, expanding market reach, and fostering meaningful relationships with key stakeholders across the industry. With a passion for innovation and a keen eye on industry trends, Sarah consistently delivers marketing strategies that resonate with both new and seasoned yacht buyers, ensuring the company’s position as a leader in luxury yacht building.
Sarah has two children, Olivia (13) and Edward (11), together with her husband who also works at Damen Yachting. When not in the office or traveling she is usually out walking her black labrador Monty.
We concluded the panel with a networking session as we enjoyed a rooftop afternoon tea in a unique location, hosted by Winch Design. Due to a limited number of places this was a personal invitation only event.
We are delighted to be able to share a detailed look back at the entire panel discussion covering topics such as breaking down barriers, opportunities and challenges, leadership and innovation, mentorship and community as well as what’s next on the horizon. Not only did the panelists share some incredible personal experiences, but the discussion also engaged the wider audience tackling critical subjects on support and collaboration across genders and inclusivity. There was also plenty of brainstorming on how we can shape a more inclusive future and foster solutions. It's not a quick watch and for good reason. These are topics that deserve time and will certainly inspire.