Jacqueline Lyne

Yacht Management, Edmiston

Jacqueline Lyne is the Director of Yacht Management at Edmiston, which encompasses among other duties, the management of operational yachts, project management of new builds and responsibility for crew recruitment. She has been with Edmiston since 2007. Lyne’s educational background has nothing to do with yachts. She graduated with a BSc degree in Biochemistry and Microbiology from the University of Cape Town in 1984. She then spent three years doing Cancer Research, before deciding that she needed to see a little more of the world. She embarked on an Atlantic crossing from Cape Town to the Caribbean on a 60- foot sailing yacht, and has been involved with the yachting industry in one form or another since then – first as crew for 14 years (as chef and purser), then with her own project management business and finally joining Edmiston.

Q&A

What project or accomplishment do you consider to be the most significant in your career?
I have two: one was starting my own business doing new construction project management where I completed 15 new build yacht construction projects in 7 years. I was involved with Serene, Ecstasea (1 of 6 Feadship projects) and Maltese Falcon, amongst others. The second was joining Edmiston to set up their Yacht Management Division in 2007. We started with 1 yacht and 3 people, and now have a team of 24, a Crew Recruitment Division, a large operational fleet, and have also successfully delivered a number of new build projects including Madame Gu, Hampshire II, Tango, Halo and 2 significant restoration projects –the 1929-built Haida and Malahne.

What is your favorite part of your job? Why?
The favorite part of my job is the fact that no two days are ever the same. Living in a constant state of change is challenging, exciting, rewarding and sometimes frustrating – but it is never boring or mundane. I never fail to be surprised by people and events, and this keeps me interested, and on my toes.

What is the most effective daily habit you possess?
I have a well-developed and self-deprecating sense of humor. One should never take oneself too seriously.

What advice do you have for the next generation?
Be humble, stay grounded and ditch unrealistic expectations, Start by thinking what you have to offer, rather than about what you expect to get back! It is hard work that brings rewards.

What is the greatest piece of advice you’ve gotten?
Know your weaknesses, because if you don’t, you won’t ever have the ability to change them into strengths. Don’t ever give up trying – success is largely down to hard work and persistence, with a small amount of luck thrown in if one is lucky.

 

What does it mean to you to be an ISS judge?
I am extremely proud to be a member of the ISS judging team, as it gives me the opportunity to indulge my passion for yachts and the yachting industry, and the ability to interact with like-minded industry professionals who share my interests.

 

What do you like about the ISS Design & Awards Gala?
It is a very special event in the busy superyacht calendar, and provides an opportunity to showcase the superlative skills of the numerous yacht design teams that are nominated. It is also a chance to meet many old friends and colleagues in lovely surroundings and to catch up on industry news and happenings.