Year after year, women in yachting have taken a larger and more significant role in the industry. They are emerging as powerful, effective, and efficient – as much as men in yachting. Here, YATCO takes the time to get to know some of these women – whether they are yacht sales brokers, shipyard coordinators or marketing masters. Here, you can get to know Candice Christiansen, of Charter Management and Brokerage at Swisspath Yachting.
Featuring Candice Christiansen, Charter Management & Brokerage at Swisspath Yachting
What drew you to the yachting world?
It was by accident really that I started my career in the industry. In 2007 I moved to the French Riviera to fulfill a childhood dream of living in France. I happened to arrive during one of the most successful charter seasons and got my start as broker’s assistant to James Munn, who in a few short months taught me a bucket load about the industry!
How did you get your start in yachting?
After working in what felt like such dreary office roles in London, entering the exciting world of yachting quickly made me realize that this was an industry in which I wanted to stay.
After that great first introduction to yachting as a broker’s assistant, it led me to a yacht management role at Fraser’s. I spent almost a decade in various yacht management roles at different yachting companies in Monaco, gaining wonderfully diverse experience.
After having my 2nd child in 2017 I decided it was time to try the charter side of the industry to diversify my experience a bit more.
Who are some influential people in your life that you look up to?
From a business point of view, I think I have always looked up to those who have been willing to share their knowledge and take me seriously.
“I once had a manager tell me “not to worry my pretty little head” about a serious crewing issue that he had, when I suggested a way to resolve it. Needless to say, I didn’t stay in that job for very long…but for most of my career in yachting I have been very fortunate to work for some of the best in the industry.”
Jon Pinder-White & Timon Fisher spring to mind, for example, who I consider to be encyclopedias of the yachting world and who were always happy to impart some wisdom.
What are some challenges you face and how do you overcome them?
Given my current situation balancing my day job as charter broker, running a start-up company and being a mother to young children, I would say every day brings a new challenge!
“But in all seriousness, it’s through these challenges that I have realized how very fortunate I am to be surrounded by such an excellent team who supports each other and together we have turned a dream project in to reality.”
What are you currently working on and how do you stay inspired?
My business partner, Boris & I launched Charter Itinerary in July this year. It went from scribbles on paper to a fully running company in just under a year.
“Watching it grow and evolve on a daily basis is so exciting, and receiving such a wonderful response to the platform from our industry peers has been overwhelming. I sometimes wonder if I’m dreaming it all.”
All Women in our Women in Yachting Series:
- Daria Tomassetti, Yacht Broker at Daria Tomassetti
- Candice Christiansen, Charter Management & Brokerage at Swisspath Yachting
- Niomi Matysek, Commercial Coordinator at Hill Robinson
- Daniela Backhaus, Head of Engineering Department Mechanical Systems at Lurssen Yachts
- Sara Gioanola, PR and Press Office Manager at Heesen Yachts
- Karen Martensen, Yachting Relationship and Operations Manager at Engel & Volkers
- Marianne Hendriks, Managing Director of Moonen Yachts
- Jenny Caird, CEO and Founder of 212 Yachts
- Rose Damen of Damen Yachting
- Eleonora Pitasso at BURGESS
