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.
Stina Krause is the Head of Marketing and Sales Management at Abeking & Rasmussen.
Featuring Stina Krause, Head of Marketing and Sales Management of Abeking & Rasmussen
What drew you to the yachting world?
I was initially drawn to the yachting world somewhat unexpectedly, as it wasn’t part of my original career plan.
Growing up, my family’s history had always been connected to yachting. However, I had different aspirations and plans for my professional life back in the day.
We all know life can be full of surprises and fortunate circumstances led me to a point where I found myself immersed in the yachting world, and today I couldn’t be happier about it.
I’m grateful for the journey that brought me here, and I look forward to continuing to contribute to this amazing industry.
How did you get your start in yachting?
After completing my Fashion & Design Management studies in 2018, I found myself involved in a hotel project, which was a valuable experience in its own right. However, my entry into the yachting world began during this time when I received a job offer to set up a new office for a yacht charter and management company based in Palma de Mallorca.
The company’s headquarters were located in Hong Kong, which added an intriguing international dimension to the role. This start in Hong Kong allowed me to gain a deep understanding of the industry’s diversity and the standards upheld by the company.
After a valuable internship at Abeking & Rasmussen before I started the job in Hong Kong, it rapidly showed me that I was exactly where I belonged.
Who are some influential people in your life that you look up to?
While I look up to certain characters in my private life, I would like to name one person in my professional environment who stands out as a remarkable influence on me – Till von Krause, Sales Director at Abeking & Rasmussen. Side note – he’s not my father, many people assume he is and might be confused because our similar surnames.
Till von Krause is a real icon in our industry. Not only because of his distinctive style and his impressive moustache. What truly sets him apart is the way he conducts himself in his role for more than thirty years at Abeking & Rasmussen, the way he’s sharing his knowledge from his extensive experience and all over he’s doing his job with such a lightness.
His expertise and skills have not only elevated him to one of the most important faces of Abeking & Rasmussen but have also earned him the respect and admiration from the A&R Team and in the industry alike.
What are some challenges you face and how do you overcome them?
It might seem obvious facing challenges in the yachting industry, especially as a young woman like me, entering it without any former experience in this field. However, I made confidence, passion and patience my very close friends and took every opportunity to learn and grow with an open attitude.
Today, I can proudly say I feel very comfortable in my position, in the industry and I’m looking forward to everything that is coming up in the future – opportunities but also challenges.
What advice would you give someone who is starting in the yachting industry?
Entering the yachting industry can be an exciting but also demanding journey. Here are some pieces of advice based on my own experience: Stay open and curious, be brave and don’t hesitate to ask questions. Listen and soak in all the information you can get from experienced people, that’s what I did in the beginning and still do. Networking is essential: growing your network during events and boat shows is a fundamental aspect to connect with the yachting industry. Patience is key: The yachting industry has a rich history, and with that comes a certain level of tradition and conservatism. Your patience will be a valuable asset if you want to play an influential part in the yachting world.
What is the most rewarding/enjoyable element of your job?
The most rewarding and enjoyable elements of my job are a beautiful combination of the team I work with at the shipyard and the opportunity to interact with a diverse range of yachting individuals during industry events and international boat shows.
Of course, the product itself – these yachts – are a constant source of awe and wonder for me. It is mind-blowing that we are able to create such breathtaking works of art on the water. One highlight that stands out for me is our recent delivery, the 118-meter (387ft) motor yacht LIVA°.
Lastly, the opportunity to travel to some of the world’s most incredible hotspots as part of my job is an absolute joy. Whether it’s exploring picturesque coastal towns or traveling to exotic destinations, it adds a sense of adventure to my job that is both unique and exhilarating.
What are you currently working on and what keeps you motivated?
It’s boat show season – we are currently immersed in follow ups from the Monaco Yacht Show and preparations for the upcoming Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.
What keeps me motivated and busy is the dynamic nature of my job, it has so many aspects. There’s a constant stream of exciting, confidential projects on the horizon, which I can’t reveal details about just yet, but I’m confident they’re going to be fantastic!
