Melissa Ramm – A Life Shaped by the Sea

Some people find the ocean; others are born to it. For Melissa Ramm, the sea has been her constant companion from the very beginning. Growing up in Northern Ireland, she was steering boats before she could spell, spending her childhood on a 6-meter RIB, sailing competitively, and rowing with Sea Cadets from ages 13 to 18. By the time she turned 12, she was already a sailor. Now, with over 50,000 miles under her belt, Melissa's journey is nothing short of inspiring.

Charting a Course in Yachting

Melissa initially considered a career in the Royal Navy, but a family friend introduced her to yachting—a world that would soon become her passion. At just 18, she earned her Yachtmaster certification and pursued a foundational degree in Operational Yachting Science at UKSA (self-proclaimed boat nerd). Her early career saw her onboard a sailing yacht, where she completed four Atlantic crossings and sailed across the globe. However, despite her skills and experience, she faced a harsh industry reality: she was denied a promotion simply because she was a woman.

Refusing to let outdated norms define her future, Melissa took matters into her own hands. At 21, she began working towards her Officer of the Watch (OOW), determined to carve her own path in a male-dominated field. Alongside her yachting career, she launched Shaped by the Sea, a blog and social media platform where she shares her experiences and now offers social media management services.

Dreaming Bigger, Pushing Boundaries

Melissa’s ambitions go beyond personal success—she wants to change the industry for the better. She is on track to complete her OOW by 25, aiming for a future in race boats and a maritime world where women are seen, valued, and respected. She envisions a more inclusive yachting industry, where job listings don’t specify gender, where women receive equal treatment and opportunities, and where safety culture is prioritized—because no one should ever be at risk in an industry that has the knowledge and resources to protect its crew.

Melissa Ramm is more than a sailor—she is a force for change. A woman who grew up breathing salt air and chasing horizons, she is determined to make the ocean a space where women belong, lead, and thrive.