On World Maritime Day, I am reflecting on just how much the seas, the people, and their companies, have influenced and shaped my life.
My family worked and played in boats since before I was born, and growing up on the banks of the River Hamble, I was never far from the water.
My first toe-in-the-water (sorry, not sorry) careerwise after studies was working for a Yacht Brokerage, where I trained to become a Yacht Broker. Many a soggy day was spent escorting people to view yachts in the torrential rain on drenched pontoons, whilst extolling the virtues of cloudless days and a gentle breeze, bobbing around on the Solent.
Still in my early 20s I took a sabbatical to OZ racing keelboats in Oz, training with a crew primarily on the Swan River; coincidentally where women were only allowed into the Royal Perth yacht club when escorted by a man. Having secured sponsorship with Quantas, we then campaigned in New Zealand.
Returning to the UK to continue yacht brokerage, I also became immersed in the promotions and event management aspects of the business. Over the next ‘few’ years I became freelance, and from purely leisure marine, also began working with commercial marine, shipping and superyacht customers across marketing and PR.
More recently, it has been incredible operating out of the UK’s National Oceanography Centre in Southampton (where Watermark Communications is based) and developing a greater understanding of the science and technology supporting and driving decarbonisation initiatives.
Over the years I have worked with some incredible companies in this sector including; Marina Marbella, SeaRay Boats, Trintella Yachts, Seaglaze, Ferretti, SeaBot Maritime, Maxi Yachts, Robosys Automation, Scanyachts, SD Marine, FlexiSail, Gone Fishing Boat Club, X-Yachts, Channel Yacht Brokers, CE Couriers, FireAid, Swordsman Marine, Peters & May Group, and Seawork International.
I am also an avid champion of future careers in maritime as appreciate that there is an imminent skillset shortage, and as it has been an absolute pleasure working with so many people in this sector, many of whom are friends to this day.
As this year’s IMO’s World Maritime Day’s theme reflects the ocean’s vital role in the world economy, I think I speak for everyone in saying that it is vital that people beyond our sector to understand and help support the importance of sea trade and that of ocean protection both domestically and globally.
I can honestly say that I cannot imagine a life without having been involved in maritime.
Hannah
#futuremaritime #watermarkcommunications #maritimeengagement #maritime_PR
