We are excited to bring you this new video from Women in Boatbuilding: their first international feature!
Multimedia marine journalist Annie Means also authored a behind-the-scenes article with her photography and insights on creating this series.
February 28, 2025 – WIBB Presents – The Italian Boatbuilders Tour
In this episode, we travel to Italy’s iconic coastline for The Italian Boatbuilders Tour, a deep dive into the country’s boatbuilding tradition, where gender disparity remains a significant challenge.
While shooting the British Boatbuilders 2023 Tour, we noticed the relatively low representation of women in the U.K.’s boatyards and sail lofts. In Italy, however, the gender gap is even more pronounced. Despite this, or maybe because of this, the women we interviewed are nothing short of trailblazers—passionate about their craft and determined to make their mark.
From the storied gondola workshops of Venice to the home-based boatyards of Sardinia, this episode highlights a diverse range of women practicing both traditional and contemporary boatbuilding techniques. One interviewee repurposes discarded sails to create innovative new products, while another is transforming her boat into a floating music venue.
Through their resilience and ingenuity, these women are paving the way for future generations, proving that there is, indeed, a place for women in Italy’s marine industry. We hope their stories inspire others to explore the world of boating and challenge the status quo.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:
WIBB extends their heartfelt thanks to the boatyards and boatbuilders who made this episode possible: Eva Bonacina, Gaia Brojanigo, Sara Castiglia, Lola Fabbri, Camilla Morelli, Fanja Raffellini, and Silvia Scaramuzza.
This special episode would not have come to fruition without the invaluable support, translation skills, and expertise of Gaia Brojanigo, a Milanese shipwright, content creator, author, and co-director of Women in Boatbuilding. Gaia generously dedicated countless hours behind the scenes to translate this episode, ensuring its accuracy and accessibility. She also played a pivotal role in connecting us with this close-knit, passionate network of women boatbuilders and sailmakers, helping turn this international feature into a reality.
Eric Takakjian says:
Very cool to see this!!
Andrew MacGinitie says:
thumbs up!
Mark Riley says:
Such great spirit and love for what they do. What can we do to make a career in wooden boat building more inviting for both men and women. Are the wages not the same as other trades, the product is so much nicer to work with than fibreglass or metal.
Yes I agree with Alan, they won’t live long if they don’t use masks and protective gear.
Please grow this segment of videos further, lets support those who are trying to learn new skills in a dying art.
Alan Stannard says:
Very pleasant to see the hands-on skills, just remember to look after yourself in relation to WH&S. Please when working with dry anti foul paint on the underside of any vessel, for your own health do not sand dry old anti foul paint with a machine that is not hooked up to dust extraction. There are much safer options available to use.
Alan Stannard says:
Very pleasant to see the hands-on skills, just remember to look after yourself in relation to WH&S. Please when working with dry anti foul paint on the underside of any vessel, for your own health do not sand dry old anti foul paint with a machine that is not hooked up to dust extraction. There are much safer options available to use.
Kate Coon says:
What a joyous treat. Love the boats, love the builders, love the craft and shared mission– love the sprightly and surehanded construction of the video itself. Very cool.
Robert Byers says:
Well done !!
Lots of spirit and Scott Sellick has said it all beautifully !!
Scott Sellick says:
Wow, super-enjoyable to watch. I’m glad the builders spoke in Italian (I have no doubt their English is impeccable). I’ve already sent this from Canada to my Italian cousin in Milano! Thinking she might not be aware of this small community in her own country. These kinds of things are the very types of things that will shrink the gaps we sadly still have in society. Thanks, ever-so-much.
bernard spenle says:
I loved this clip! It’s encouraging that women are jumping into the craft and making their place in this profession, overcoming the challenge of male majority with all that it implies. Thank you for a well produced piece!