As we mark International Women’s Day 2026 and the final day of Careers Week, we’re taking the opportunity to celebrate the dedicated, skilled and hard-working women across our workforce.
From the bridge of our vessels and the cockpit of our aircraft to the engineering hangar, the quay, the finance office and our island operations, women across the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group play a vital role in keeping our communities connected. We are proud to see women represented across such a diverse range of roles, bringing expertise, resilience and leadership to everything they do.
Maritime, aviation and engineering industries have traditionally been male-dominated, but progress continues to be made. By sharing the stories of some of the women working across our Group, we hope not only to celebrate their achievements, but also to highlight the breadth of opportunities available to future generations considering a career in these sectors.
Today, we celebrate every woman across our organisation.
Vicky Bolitho – Scillonian III Captain
Victoria started training for a career at sea aged 22. A decade later she was promoted to Captain of Scillonian III.
Victoria said: “Passing my master’s Unlimited qualification was an achievement which made me really proud. On average it takes 10 years in this industry before you can sit the qualification.
“To any women looking to get into a similar career at sea, I’d say do your research. Although it’s a rewarding job that can take you worldwide, it can be very demanding. The hours are often long, and you can be away from home for months at a time.”
“Thankfully, I’ve never felt that my gender has made my job more or less challenging. While working aboard the ship, we simply see each other as crew.”
All female bridge team
This year marked another proud and historic moment. Victoria sailed alongside Chief Officer Jessica Boulton aboard Scillonian III, the first time in the ship’s history that the vessel has had an all-female bridge team. The milestone stands as a powerful symbol of how the industry continues to evolve, reflecting growing diversity on the bridge and throughout the maritime profession.
Jessie Boulton – Chief Mate
Jessie knew she wanted to work at sea from a young age.
Straight after Penwith College, she joined Warsash Maritime Academy and the merchant navy at just 18, beginning a career that would take her far from home and out across the world’s oceans.
Sponsored by Holland America Line, Jessie worked her way up from third officer to second officer, gaining her Chief Mate Unlimited qualification in Glasgow. She later spent time on a superyacht and a research vessel, building experience and confidence in very different maritime environments.
In 2025, Jessie made the decision to return home and take on the role of Chief Mate aboard Gry Maritha.
Her days are busy and hands on. She helps load and unload cargo between Penzance and the Isles of Scilly, navigates the ever-changing tides and runs maintenance and safety drills to keep the vessel running smoothly. It is practical, physical work and no two days feel quite the same.
When asked what she would say to other women considering a career at sea, Jessie is refreshingly straightforward.
“Be consistent, show up and do not expect special treatment. I have made lifelong friends at sea, and my colleagues continue to be one of the best parts of the job.”
She reflects positively on her experience in what has traditionally been a male dominated industry.
“I have been lucky that almost everyone I have worked with treats me as just another colleague. There is plenty of space for females to be successful.”
Emma Squire – Island Carriers Manager
Before joining the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group in November 2018, Emma had worked as a horse-riding instructor, a personal trainer and spent six years as landlady of the Bishop and Wolf on St Mary’s. All very different roles, but all built around people, organisation and hard work.
She started with Island Carriers in a combined driver and admin role, learning the ropes from the ground up. Over time, she worked her way up to become Island Carriers Manager.
“I’ve been lucky to try lots of different things,” Emma says. “I’m especially proud that I’ve not let my dyslexia hold me back or used it as an excuse.”
What she enjoys most is that no day is ever the same.
“There isn’t really a typical day. Things change quickly, especially when you’re coordinating transport across the islands, but that’s what keeps it interesting.”
One moment that sticks with her is watching her team unload a landing craft at sunrise to deliver cabins for the SWW water project.
“I remember feeling really proud, watching my team perform with such skill and efficiency. It showed how much goes on behind the scenes and how important our team is.”
Her advice to other women is simple.
“Say yes to training. It’s never too late to retrain. And there’s nothing you can’t achieve if you work hard and stay focused.”
Hayley Stringer – Gatesperson
Hayley spent 33 years in the telecommunications industry before joining Isles of Scilly Travel in April 2024, initially as a Passenger Assistant. She moved into the Freight Team in September 2024, quickly becoming an essential part of quay operations.
She said: “What I love most about the job is the variety, no two days are ever the same. Sailing days are full-on with packers, produce vehicles, and gig boats, and it keeps you thinking on your feet.”
On a typical day, Hayley organises traffic queues, directs vehicle movements, and works closely with the team to keep everything running smoothly. “Non-sailing days are calmer, giving us time to get organised for what’s coming next. The tricky jobs, like handling modular housing units, need extra care, but it’s all part of the challenge and the fun.”
Hayley is proud to be the first woman on the gate. “I really value the teamwork and the trust I’m given to just get on with the job. I also like keeping spirits up on busy days there’s usually a pocketful of sweets or a secret snack stash ready for morale emergencies.”
Meet some of our newest team members at Skybus
Leah and Lauren are among the newest members of our engineering team at Skybus, bringing expertise, dedication, and passion to roles traditionally dominated by men, a perfect reminder this International Women’s Day of the incredible contributions women make across our Group.
Leah Knowles – Aircraft Mechanic
Leah joined from the Royal Navy, where she trained as an aircraft engineering technician working on Merlin Mk2 helicopters. Leah says, “What stood out to us about Skybus was the people and the team environment. It came across as a place where everyone supports each other and takes pride in their work.”
Lauren Carne Mead – Aircraft Mechanic
Lauren also comes to Skybus from the Royal Navy, bringing extensive hands-on experience. She reflects, “No two days are the same. We don’t have specialised areas; we all do a bit of everything!”
Women in Senior Management
Judith Piper – Chief Financial Officer
As CFO and Director of the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group, Judith oversees the financial activities of the business, including preparing accounts, budgets and forecasts. Alongside finance, she is also responsible for human resources, IT and health and safety, and attends many operational meetings, making her role both varied and wide ranging. “It is important to understand the operations of the business in order to prepare accurate financial information and forecasts.”
While maritime is traditionally a male dominated industry, Judith says the challenges she faces come from the role itself rather than her gender.
“I haven’t faced any particular challenges as a woman working in the maritime industry. The challenges come with the job, but I have always felt very supported during my time at the Steamship Group.”
Judith has been heavily involved in the new vessels project over the past few years and is part of the Marine Asset Replacement Committee.
“It is a particularly exciting time for the Group with two new vessels on their way. I attend weekly project meetings and have been actively involved in both the financing of the vessels and their design.”
As part of the Board, she values being able to contribute openly to discussions and decisions that shape the future of the organisation.
“As a Director, I feel that I have a voice and can put across my point of view without question.”
Judith believes there are more opportunities for women in maritime today, although there is still room to improve gender balance across the sector.
“Increasing gender diversity brings a wider range of ideas and perspectives, which can only strengthen the industry.”
Judith is passionate about encouraging the next generation to explore the opportunities available.
“Awareness and encouragement should start at school and college. There are so many careers within maritime, not just on the operational side but also in finance, HR, IT and marketing, and we need to make sure young women know those opportunities are open to them.”
Jeanette Ware – Island Operations Manager
Jeanette has worked for the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group for 11 years, starting as Island Carriers Manager before moving into her current role as Island Operations Manager two years ago. Prior to joining the Group, she spent many years on the mainland advocating for young adults with learning disabilities, a passion she has carried into supporting her local community.
Jeanette plays a key role with Island Carriers and works closely with her team to keep operations running smoothly.
“Juggling both the team and the community can be challenging, but I love both very much. The teams across the board are amazing, and their effort should never be underestimated.”
Her role requires strong decision-making and a deep understanding of the communities the company serves, something she says has been supported by the trust placed in her by colleagues and leadership.
“I feel empowered knowing that my employers trust me to make decisions that are good for both the people in the community and the business,” she explains. “That trust makes me feel confident and respected in the workplace.”
For Jeanette, International Women’s Day is both a moment of reflection and a reminder of why equality and opportunity in the workplace matter.
“As a woman working for the Group, I would say we have a very diverse and supportive management team that looks for ability, not gender,” she says. “Don’t ever doubt your worth. Speak up and respect yourself.”
Jeanette also believes one of the most valuable leadership skills is often the simplest.
“The company emphasises active investment in women and the pursuit of equality and they listen,” she says. “Listening is the best skill anyone can have.”
Sharon Sandercock – Group Marketing Manager
Sharon Sandercock is the Group Marketing Manager for the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group and an award-winning Chartered Marketer, with fellowship status, and over 20 years of industry experience. Sharon joined the organisation in 2014 as an e-commerce coordinator, helping to develop the company’s online presence and leading the creation of its digital marketing strategy.
Through this work, Sharon played a key role in bringing the Steamship Group into the digital era, helping grow online bookings from 16% to now over 85%. Her leadership in marketing and communications later led to her joining the Senior Management Team.
Reflecting on her career, Sharon believes confidence, continued professional development, perseverance and self-belief are essential.
Sharon is passionate about encouraging more women to explore careers and senior roles in all industries, especially across maritime, aviation and the wider transport sector. “ISSG embraces and supports women working in all areas of the business, whether that’s aviation, maritime, operations or management roles.”
Cath Rapsey – Skybus Operations Manager
Cath Rapsey is the Skybus Operations Manager, overseeing the day-to-day running of flight operations from Land’s End Airport. Cath first joined Skybus in 2010 as a seasonal Passenger Handling Assistant and has since progressed through several roles within the business before being promoted to Operations Manager in 2024.
Before joining the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group, Cath built her career in the Civil Service. She initially worked in frontline benefit delivery before moving into security and accuracy checking. After being promoted to Executive Officer, she went on to become a team leader and adjudication officer for the Pension Service.
Within her current role, Cath ensures flights run safely, efficiently and to the high standards expected by passengers travelling to and from the Isles of Scilly.
Cath’s career journey highlights both her leadership experience and the opportunities for progression within the Group, demonstrating the important role women play across operational and management positions.