As the yachting industry continues to grow, more and more women are making a significant impact on this traditionally male-dominated space. Here, YATCO takes the time to get to know some of these women – from all areas of the market – and highlight the important work that they contribute to the industry. In this article, we highlight Alina Emerly at Azimut Yachts.
Featuring Alina Emerly, Yacht Broker of Azimut Yachts Montenegro
What drew you to the yachting world?
When I was a child, I knew how important it was to dream and to work hard. I always wanted to have a job that I loved, because then you never have to work a day in your life.
I wanted to work in the yacht world because it is incredibly beautiful and I am constantly developing and learning, which is very important for me.
How did you get your start in yachting?
It was an adventure! I was working as a personal assistant of a businessman who had two small motor yachts. Once, I was sent to Italy for his boat’s sea trials (at that time I didn’t understand what a “sea trial” meant), but I am a fast learner and worked hard on that trip. As a result of that, I received a job offer from a company in the industry that noticed my work ethic. I went for an interview and took the job – I could not believe it! Working in the yachting industry sounded like a fairy-tale for me, so within two weeks I had packed my luggage and moved to Montenegro.
Who are some influential people in your life that you look up to?
I would say Maye Musk. For me, she is the standard of strength, femininity, and intelligence. She says: “The harder you work, the easier it is for luck to find you,” and her words have helped me to achieve the place where I am now.
Maye Musk is the standard of strength, femininity, and intelligence.
I also am inspired by Dagny Taggart – the hero of my favorite book ‘Atlas Shrugged’ by Ayn Rand. Dagny has an unswerving dedication to truth, regardless of social opinion and it supports her ability to discover new things and create new products. She proves that strength of character is not gendered. She says in the book: “There’s nothing of any importance in life – except how well you do your work. Nothing. Only that. Whatever else you are, will come from that. It is the only measure of human value.” Since I read that, I promised myself to become a competent, successful professional.
What are some challenges you face and how do you overcome them?
My gender has been the biggest challenge in yachting industry. When I had just started, I remember a man asked me if I knew the difference between a bow and a stern! If you are a woman, you must work twice as hard as men to prove your competence. I studied a lot and even became a certified bareboat skipper up to 24 meters (sailing and motor yachts). It is a negative, damaging stereotype to believe that a woman has no understanding of the technical aspects of yachting. However, it is changing, and I am happy to see more and more women joining the industry.
When I had just started, I remember a man asked me if I knew the difference between a bow and a stern! If you are a woman, you must work twice as hard as men to prove your competence.
What are you currently working on and how do you stay inspired?
I wish to become a professional mega yacht broker. It is another world, and you need to have so much knowledge. I visit a lot of shipyards to get to know new and developing technologies in the industry.
I am inspired most by the people around me, ones who do their job with passion and whose eyes are on fire. This drives me and gives me the energy to move forward and to believe in myself.
