From yacht management and marine insurance to marketing and operations, meet the four women who are making their mark on Cyprus’s yachting industry

Women account for just 3% of professionals in the yachting sector, making the achievements of those building careers and businesses in the industry even more significant. At Limassol Marina, four women are helping shape its future, each bringing a different perspective and area of expertise to Cyprus’ growing maritime community. 

Natasa Panagiotou Iordanous, Marketing & Administration Coordinator at Blue Point Yachting, found her way into the industry through what was initially intended to be a temporary role. Fifteen years later, she remains an integral part of the business, with a strong focus on client relationships and the attention to detail that builds lasting trust. As she explains, “I want the result to be perfect, exactly as I would want it for myself. I think our clients feel that, and that creates trust.”

For Julie Chitaeva, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Seanesthisis, contributing to the wider industry has been just as important as building her own business. A founding member of the Cyprus Yachting Professionals Association, she advocates bringing professionals together and strengthening Cyprus’s position as a yachting destination. “It’s about putting competition aside and coming together to support each other and promote Cyprus as the yachting hub that it is.” 

Demetra Evripidou, Director of Marine and Yachting at ENA Evripidou, Cyprus’ first dedicated marine insurer, is also a member of WISTA Cyprus and the Cyprus Yachting Professionals Association. She values the opportunity to share knowledge, mentor others, and learn from women across the sector. Looking ahead, she remains hopeful: “Cyprus’ yachting industry is still growing, and I’m optimistic about its future. As it matures, I’m confident we’ll see the number of women in the industry grow.”

Daisy Petevis Tepper, Operations Director at Helisea and founder of Goodflow, has taken a similar collaborative approach. Rather than competing with the professionals who helped build Cyprus's yachting industry, she chose to learn from them and build relationships based on mutual support. “I never tried to overstep anyone. They made the Cyprus industry what it is today.” Today, those relationships mean she can count on experienced colleagues across the industry, just as they can count on her.

Their stories reflect an industry shaped not only by individual expertise but also by the professional relationships that help it grow. With businesses such as theirs based at Limassol Marina, the Marina is also home to the people helping develop Cyprus's maritime community.

Meet the four women in the full Femmes de Mer feature in the digital edition of Onboard Issue 10 here.