Just six years old when she took her first sailing lessons, today, she has a permanent full-time position – the first step in a professional career with many opportunities in sight
Who could have imagined that the little girl who first discovered the world of sailing at the age of six—her gaze fixed on the blue horizon as the waves gently lapped against the shore—would one day make life on the water her profession? This is the story of Elena Schippers, the first permanent female deckhand serving on Lake Garda, following many years of experience as a sailing instructor. “My journey with Navigazione Laghi began in 2024, when I sent in my CV and successfully completed the interview process,” Elena explains. “I worked as a deckhand in Desenzano, and the following year I moved to Peschiera. From the very beginning, I felt welcomed and enjoyed working in both locations. Last year, I took part in a competitive selection process for a full-time permanent position, and as of 1 August, my new contract officially came into effect.” There are still only a handful of women working as deckhands at Navigazione Laghi, but the hope is that this number will continue to increase: “I’ve never experienced any prejudice because I am a woman,” Elena continues. “From day one, I’ve felt welcomed, supported throughout my training, and valued in my role. Every day I learn something new, work alongside different colleagues, and experience new situations. On board, every crew operates as a team, and the spirit of collaboration is incredibly strong.” Working as a deckhand is just the first step in a career path at Navigazione Laghi, where employees can pursue a variety of roles, from the engine room to deck operations. “I don’t yet know what the future holds,” Elena concludes. “For now, I’m simply enjoying a job that gives me so much in return—especially those moments when passengers recognise me and greet me with a smile: brief encounters, but they mean a great deal.”
