#61 Breaking the Bias on Board (and Ashore!) with Fleur Brewer, Lauren Saltonstall and Ellie Wilson from UKSA

In honour of International Women’s Day earlier this month, we sat down for an honest and wide‑ranging conversation about the realities and opportunities for women entering and progressing through the maritime and superyacht industries.Our guests - Fleur Brewer and Lauren Saltonstall from UKSA, and Ellie Wilson, a recent UKSA graduate - share their very different pathways into maritime, the factors that shaped their journeys, and the shifts they’re seeing across the sector today.Together, we explore the real barriers still facing women at sea: from cabin‑arrangement limitations and unconscious bias in recruitment, to the persistence of stereotypes that push female crew toward interior roles. Fleur brings first‑hand insight into life as the only woman onboard commercial vessels, while Lauren highlights how UKSA’s programmes and alumni network are helping to widen access and support crew long after training. Ellie reflects on the challenges of securing deck positions and the mentors who helped her stay the course.We also discuss the importance of visibility, mentorship, financial access, and the small but meaningful changes — like the introduction of the Scarlet Box - that can make life on board more equitable for everyone.Whether you're starting out, supporting new crew, or simply curious about how maritime careers are evolving, this conversation shines a light on the next wave of professionals and the people helping them get there.