Charting a New Course: Advancing Crew Wellbeing Together
Join this strategic, solutions-focused session led by Changing Tack, a Superyacht Alliance Think Tank. Tackling the critical issues of crew wellbeing, a cornerstone of professionalisation and operational excellence.
While a career on a superyacht is often rewarding, it comes with unique challenges, including employment issues, harassment, and personal struggles. As industry leaders, we have a collective responsibility to address these. This interactive session will prompt a strategic discussion on the existing tools and resources at our disposal to drive meaningful, positive cultural change.
This is more than a discussion; it's a collaborative effort to reshape the future of yacht crew health, safety, and wellbeing. Your insights as a professional are vital to fostering an environment that is both sustainable and appealing for the next generation. Let's champion change and build a lasting legacy for our industry.
Speakers
Laura is a former superyacht Purser, with shoreside experience in yacht management, refit, and construction across Europe. After completing a master’s degree in psychology, she joined the ISWAN team in January 2025 as Welfare of Yacht Crew Project Manager, focusing on the development and delivery of collaborative, cross-industry projects addressing key health, safety, and wellbeing issues faced by crew. ISWAN is Secretariat and Project Manager for Changing Tack, the crew welfare think tank under the Superyacht Alliance.
Kayleigh joined Hill Robinson four years ago brining nearly a decade of expertise in Human Resources, Education, and Recruitment to Hill Robinson. With a rich background in establishing HR frameworks for international startups, she has successfully shaped policies and welfare initiatives for employees. A dedicated advocate for gender equality, Kayleigh co-founded WorkmATe, a social enterprise supporting young women in STEM education. Through networking events and mentorship programs, she connected over 200 women with valuable opportunities in both employment and education.
In her transition to the yachting industry, Kayleigh seamlessly integrates her passion for fair employment and welfare culture from land to sea. As Crew Services Coordinator, she is dedicated to placing crew members at the forefront of the conversation, embodying Hill Robinson’s commitment to providing an exceptional crew experience.
Simon was appointed Chief Executive of the International Seafarers Welfare Assistance Network (ISWAN) in June 2021 and has been working to reinvigorate the organisation with a new strategy and purpose. After a successful career in the UK police service, he moved to the not-for-profit sector and has over 20 years of experience of leading successful NGOs in the UK, Nepal and Pakistan. Simon has worked in many different environments over the years, gaining significant experience of bringing diverse stakeholders together to achieve mutual objectives.