What is Shaped by the Sea?

Shaped by the Sea is a blog that talks about life as a professional yacht crew. Moreover, SBTS is a small business that offers social media management for yachting companies on a small and bespoke scale.

How do I contact Shaped by the Sea

You can contact our founder melissa ramm via email or phone shapedbythesea_@outlook.com or whatsapp for business +44 07849235205.

How do I subscribe for regular blog update notifications?

Go to the bottom of our home page, fill in your first and last name and email address and hit subscribe.

Welcome to Shapedbythesea!

Welcome to my website where I share with you life’s unpredictable ebbs and flows. Shapedbythesea is a platform for everyone to learn about life at sea. I write this blog to inform others of the trials and challenges that working onboard presents but also to share the adventures and once-in-a-lifetime moments. I love having the opportunity to share my experiences and insights with my readers.

Recently, I have began to Freelance write for other blogs, social media platform etc, to inquire on a collaboration get in touch.

Get Intouch

Have you done it?

Female Yacht Crew Safety Survey

This confidential, anonymous survey has been created to establish the first clear baseline data on the safety and experiences of women working in the superyacht industry.

We are gathering insight into:
• Where incidents occur (on and off the vessel)
• Whether they are reported and how they are handled
• The real impact on crew wellbeing and careers

This is not about individual cases; it’s about identifying patterns, procedural gaps, and
weaknesses in reporting and HR systems across the industry.

Developed with input from CrewPass and supported by professional psychological oversight, the survey has been designed to protect participants while allowing their voices to be heard
safely.

The survey will run until the end of April, and we are aiming to reach at least 2,000 women.
Hitting this number is critical to ensuring the data is robust, representative, and not ignored by the industry.

Anonymous. Confidential. Industry-focused. Your voice matters.

Find the Link the comments below and in linked to @yachtpearlsofwisdom Bio!

#yachtcrew #shapedbythesea #yachtpearlsofwisdom #femaleyachtcrewsurvey

A Shaped by the Sea Vlog 🌊

International Women’s Day

A day to reflect, evaluate how far we’ve come and what we’ve got left to achieve as women in the maritime industry.

Thank you to the incredible women who build eachother up, help eachother grow and stand together every step of the way 🫶🌊

Keep Dreaming 🙏
SBTS 🫶

#shapedbythesea #yachtingworld #yachtcrew #yachting #yachtingblog

Opportunity of a life time ⛵️

I did an Atlantic crossing with @athosyacht in 2019 that landed me my first proper yacht job, that was the beginning of my career.

I’m so very glad I said Yes to that incredible opportunity, it shaped everything that came after.

If your a junior crew member starting out and an opportunity seem right and the safe thing to do, go for it! 🫶

#Lookingback #careerreflection #memories #yachtingworld

The Art of Cv Writing

The first blog of 2026 ✨

check it out https://www.shapedbythesea.org/post/the-art-of-cv-writing

Here’s a little snippet below…

“Gone are the days when being a good sailor alone got you the job. In 2026, a deckhand is expected to be a sailor, drone pilot, fisherman, entertainer, and logistics specialist sometimes all in the same week.

Then it clicked: the key to a strong CV is relevance. Something that stands out and aligns with the needs of the vessel. For example: “On my last vessel, I worked alongside the leadership team to prepare the yacht for both class and flag surveys.”
A captain recruiting for a First Mate or Chief Engineer might read that and think, Our flag survey is next year, extra experience is always valuable. That CV goes into the shortlist pile.”

Mel x

#Shapedbythesea #Yachtingworld #yachtcrew #yachtcv #yachting

Lessons from 2025

🎉What a F**king year, some huge personal wins and some difficult low points.

⛵️Some incredibly adventures with the Loveliest and kindest people.

✨Unexpected friendships made.

🌴 Memories made to last a lifetime.

🫶Qaulity time with loved ones.

⛵️Remembering to take stock of the goodness in my life, seeing the joy around me and how good this journey is.

📹- Hikkaduwa beach, Sri Lanka

#shapedbythesea #yachtcrew #yachtingworld #yachtingworld #crew

Happy International Men’s Day! 🎉

In an industry where men are everywhere, I’d like to take a minute to appreciate and honour the wonderful men I’ve had the previledge of working with over the years.

Not all of you like your photo taken or smile for a group selfie, but you know who you are and how wonderful you are.

So a big shout out to all the wonderful men out there that build safe working environments both onboard and ashore, who share their experiences, teach others around them and support yachting moving in the right direction.

Tag the men, your work day is made better by 🙌🏽

#internationalmensday #appreciation #teamwork #takesavillage #crew #allcrewmembers #yachtingindustry

New Blog Post ✍️

I wrote this blog about a year ago when I left a wonderful programme. I made a plan before I left to make the best choices for me and my career. These are the tips I’d give to any crew choosing to leave or having an earlier departure than you expected.

#1 Plan a trip, somewhere you’ve never been! Go exploring! 🌍

#2 Plan to catch up with friends. 👯

#3 Organise your time and create a new routine.

For the rest you’ll have to go read the blog 😉

Follow the link in my bio 🙏https://www.shapedbythesea.org/post/overcomin-post-boat-blues

Keep smiling, laughing and loving the sea xo

#shapedbythesea #yachtcrew #yachting #postboat #postboatblues #itchyfeet

Hi!!!

Here we go, first 5Km of 42Km as a part of @marathonfor_mentalhealth, never heard of it?

It’s a event spaced over three weeks to raise money for @iswan_org that provide the yacht crew helpline.

The support they offer is incredible and from personal experience they are excellent.

Over the next 10 days I’ll be smashing out KM’s to raise money for this exceptional charity. I hoping I’ll “Feel Good” all the way!

How to donate?

Follow the link below or head to my Bio for the link!

As always keep smiling, laughing and loving the sea!

🔗https://marathonformentalhealth.enthuse.com/pf/melissa-ramm

#shapedbythesea #marathon4mentalhealth #yachtcrew #yachtcrewmatter #yachtingblog

✨Thoughts whilst Floating ✨

Of late, I’ve been a little lost, I achieved a dream but lost a dream with in a week of eachother. The thing about dreams there’s always another.

So for now we float, freelance, regroup and find the next right thing. After a week of freelancing, pulling winches apart, grease, pawl oil, laughs and some good old teaching. It was time for some slowness and reflection.

Writing is slowly coming back to my everyday and spending time with loved ones helps to find direction of what is next.

In the meantime, I’m hoping to sail with friends, build precious memories with family and continue to shape this journey of life by the sea.

Another exam or two along the way because I wouldn’t be me without a challenge.

As always,keep smiling,laughing and loving the sea xo

#miniblog #shapedbythesea #floating #freelancing #yachtcrew #newdirection #oceanvibes

Yesterday I smashed a goal I’ve had for the last seven years. I couldn’t be more proud of this.

It was the most nerve racking but satisfying thing I’ve done to date.

A massive thank you to the team at Whitehorse Maritime Academy as well as Ross at Flying Colours Maritime and every single Captain and first officer I’ve worked with over the last seven years you all taught me things to get to this point.

Blog post pending
…
#shapedbythesea #oow3000GTyachts

Rig check

Just like that we’re almost ready to get cracking for the season. Going aloft something I used to dislike now I love it.

Why do we do it?
We look for anything out of the ordinary, chaff, breakages, test navigation lights and make sure our rig is seaworthy and ready for sailing.

T’s crossed and I’s doted were good to go 🙌🏽

#shapedbythesea #Femalemate #yachting #palma #rigcheck

Wave Wellness & Doyle Sail Ice Bath and Breath work Morning! 🧊

@wavewellnesss held a fabulous free yacht crew event this morning. Xanthe the founder of Wave Wellness and all round amazing human hosted yacht crew at the fabulous location @transcend.health.optimisation.

The focus of the event was to connect with yacht crew who are present with their health and wellness.

A great event for all crew, I love an ice bath so for me it was the perfect start to a Sunday morning.

If you don’t know @wavewellnesss you should head to their website to find out what amazing services they provide to yachts to support crew.

#Wavewellness #yachtcrew #crewhealth #crewwellbeing #shapedbythesea #abeamcrewagency #doylesails #breathwork #icebaththerapy #yachtingblog

Hey, Hola, Caio!

Happy sunday, to read the latest edition of Shaped by the Sea head to https://www.shapedbythesea.org

A light hearted and easy read on all things Shaped by the Sea ⛵

#Shapedbythesea

Yard Period Done ✔️

Back in the splash… almost go time.

#Deckcrew #awlcaredhull #sailyachts #stp #shipyardperiod #funtimes #summerpending #Shapedbytheseablog

Summer is Here ☀️

A fun week back onboard with the other half doing what I love.

Rudder in, hours sitting a winch, teak well loved, a bit of teaching, carbon repairs and a lot of laugh’s.

Spending a winter in Northern Europe does not prepare one for the sun again so if you need me I’ll look like this 🤣

Next Stop Palma… @abeamcrew

#shapedbythesea #boats #sailyachts #wally #doylesails #yachting #yachtingworld #yachtcrew #sailingcrew #deckcrew #oakleys #sunprotection

Jumping on the Trend…

Not that much of Chat GPT fan but I think it’s got me figured out 🌊

#Shapedbythesea #chatgpt #makemeanactionfigure #laracroftorasailor #casualdocklook #sailingblog #seafarers

Hiiiiii!

Over the last few months I’ve been pretty quiet and this is why “Back to Boat School” I’ve been studying module’s for Officer of the Watch 3000GT.

The blog explores working with @abeamcrew and signing up to do @marathonfor_mentalhealth which I could not be more excited for! 🏃

Check out the blog for all the details!

Keep smiling, laughing and loving the Sea xo

#Shapedbythesea #blogging #yachtingblog #yachtingindustry #yachts #yachtingschool #Uksa #abeamcrew #marathonformentalhealth #yachtcrewhelpline

⛵️ meets 🎿⛷️

Basically just tacking on ski’s…. What a Trip, my first two black runs and discovering that some Red’s are way more Spicy than Blacks!

I think I’m obsessed with skiing! Enjoy the tumbles 🤣

📹 @aidan_whiteley

#shapedbytheseagoesskiing #skiqueen #skiing #chatelskiresort #Châtelskiing #skiweekend #greatfriends #noinstagramtrends #portdesoliel

Pov I miss the Sea ⛵️🌊

Land loving for a few months now and whilst the road to OOW is an exciting process I can’t help but feeling I’m missing the sea.

Hopefully I’ll be back out there soon doing what I love with great people and awesome boats!

Ps Fred’s Nav and Radar prep is Amazing for all you lovely humans studying for the big one!⛵️

#shapedbythesea #yachting #yachtcrew #yachtbosun #girlsinsailing #futureeducation #careerdevelopment #growth #yachtingworld #careeradvice #yachtie #yachtieworld

This week on the blog!

Discover Exciting Opportunities for Seafarers!

There are many options to support seafarers in progressing with their careers, if your a British seafarer this post is worth a read for some extra information and insight.

Many thanks to the team MSSC (Marine Society & Sea Cadets) for supporting seafarers like me in progressing to the next step in their career.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to shapedbythesea_@outlook.com for more information 🙌🏽

Follow the linktree in my bio to read the full blog 🖊

#shapedbythesea #blogging #blogsofinstagram #yachtcrewlife #sailingblog #Yachtcrew #yachting #yachtingworld #blogger #newblogpost

Discover exciting opportunities for Seafarers 🌊

This blog post delves into the next few months of shaped by the sea and what can be an option to seafarers for progressing in their careers!

#Shapedbythesea #Slaterfund #blogpost #yachtingblog #blogs #blogger #yachtcrew #progression #uksa #sailing #sailingyachts

What a start to the New Year✨

Yesterday Aidan Whiteley and I had the pleasure of a VIP tour on Belfast harbour pilot vessel, with my father John Ramm at the helm.

It was lovely to explore Belfast harbour from the perspective of a pilot vessel, to see and understand the role of which the coxswain of a pilot vessel entails. There’s never a day I don’t learn something new from dad.

A interesting and insightful afternoon for two Yachtie’s. It’s interesting to experience other opportunities within the maritime industry.

Thank you to the team Belfast Harbour and the deputy harbour master for allowing us to ride along for the afternoon.

A very proud daughter ✨🙏

#yachtcrew #commerialboats #pilotvessels #exploringthemaritimeindustry #sailorsgonepower #coxswain #dayoutwithdad #proudofhim

Goodbye 2024… Hello 2025

Wow, what a year it’s been. Thank you to everyone who reads the blogs and supports me in the background to make writing the blogs such a joy.

I look forward to moving into 2025 to keep smiling, laughing and loving the sea xo

Watch this space …✨

#newyearseve #2025 #goodbye2024 #blogging #blogger #yachtingblog #yachting #yachtcrew #superyachtworld #writing #contentcreation #brandmanagement

🧑‍🎄Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 🎄

I’d like to say a massive thank you to everyone who contributed to the blog this year.

A few highlights of this year;

>Interviewing ladies from across the industry to share their stories 💃🏻

>Writing about my family time on the island 🏝️

>Interviewing for @yachtpearlsofwisdom podcast

I can’t wait to see what 2025 brings for shaped by the Sea✨

New posts to come in January, but for now… keep smiling, laughing and loving the sea xo

#Shapedbythesea #yachting #yachtingblog #yachts #sailingyachts #yachtcrew #blog #blogging #writingaboutthesea

Happy Christmas 🎄🧑‍🎄

This weeks blog post is about making the most of Christmas time onboard, it can be a difficult time of year to be away from loved ones.

📝This blog is all about spreading Christmas cheer onboard and keeping crew morale high ✨

🔗Follow the link in my Linktree to read the blog.

#shapedbythesea #yachtingblog #christmasonboard #crewmorale #yachtingchristmas #yachtingindustry #crewwellbeing #christmascheer #buddytheelf

Merry Christmas ⛵️🎄

Spending Christmas onboard this year, with or without guests onboard Christmas can be a hard time of the year to work onboard.

Check out the link to this blog in my bio 🔗 follow the Linktree ✨

#shapedbythesea #christmastime #blogpost #yachtingblog #sailingyachtcrew #yachtingworld #yachtingindustry #christmasonboard

Nose Patches that Actually Unclogged Pores ✨

My partner ordered these for me as I’m always giving off about having clogged pores and they really work.
The team at @vue.swiss have created something that really works.

You get 8 in a pack and they don’t don’t irritate the skin and mines super sensitive.

These are perfect for ladies who work full time onboard and don’t get a chance to go to the spa often, once you’ve used these your skin feels so clean and really soft with no irritation.

See the link in my bio or on my story for 20% off.

https://www.vueswiss.com/MELISSA94846

#vueswiss #vueswissskincare #uncloggingpores #shapedbythesea #funemployed

November Recap✨

November flew by before I realised I'd barely written or posted anything for Shaped by the Sea, Sometimes life takes over and the blog takes a back seat.

Fun employment has officially started and I'm back to writing blogs, hopefully on a much more regular basis, to read what November held for Shaped by the Sea, check out this blog post.

https://www.shapedbythesea.org/post/november-recap-the-latest-from-sbts

As always, keep smiling, laughing and loving the Sea xo

#shapedbythesea #Yachtcrew #sailingblog #yachting #adventuresofyachties #blogsofinstagram #blogger #yachtingworld #blogging #yachtcrewlife #funemployed

SBTS Update!

Latest blog is out now! Www.Shapedbythesea.org

📍 Canelli, Peidmont

I’m fully in funemployment at the moment and excited to have some downtime over Christmas to then hits the books to study in January.

In the meantime, Shaped by the Sea will be kept more regularly updated with the industries trials and tribulations.

#shapedbythesea #yachting #yachtcrew #yachtieonland #peidmont #yachtingblog #newblog #blogging #yachtingblog

SBTS Est-ce que Paris✨

Blog post pending…

#Paris #SBTS #riverseine #funemployment #familytime #yachtcrewashore #blogpost #blogger #blogging #bonjour #travelblog #yachties #yachtieworld #socialmediamarketing #shapedbythesea #goprohero #goproquick

.pro-gallery-wix-wrapper {display: block !important;} .pro-gallery-wix-wrapper .gallery-item-container {opacity: 1 !important; display: block !important;}

Follow us on Instagram

@shapedbythesea__

Search

Seeking True Balance: How to Empower Your Mind, Body, and Soul according to George Robinson

Shaped by the Sea's first book review on a self-help guidance book written by a yachtie for other yachties.

Welcome to Shapedbythesea!

​

Follow us on Instagram

Seeking True Balance: How to Empower Your Mind, Body, and Soul according to George Robinson

Inside the World of Yachting : A Conversation with Captain Ella Johnson

"Why Daily Support for Women Matters: Moving Beyond International Women's Day"

Inside the World of Yachting: Exclusive Interview with the Founder of Girls on Deck!

Navigating Love Across Oceans: Is Dating Possible Whilst Working Onboard?

Inside the World of Yachting: Exclusive Interview From Crew Member Turned Crew Agent Jessica-Thomas Green.

Bodies, Bikini's and Boats; My Account of Coming to Terms with Scars.

Why Your New Year's Resolution Should Be About Building Healthy Habits!

The Importance of Quick Response: Migrant Vessel Rescue Assist on SY Path

Smooth Sailing: 10 Must-Have Songs for Your Atlantic Crossing Playlist

Life on Deck: A Glimpse at a Typical Day Working on a Yacht

Yard Work Work Work Work Work....

World Mental Health Day

Yachting... For a Long Time or a Good Time

That's a Wrap...

Baltic Rendezvous... Part 1

Saint Tropez Sail GP...

Time off and Switching off….

How to have a life outside of Yachting?

How to get started in Yachting-P4 "Got my first job!"

Contact

The Art of Cv Writing

Overcoming Post Boat Blues

Long Time No Sea! 🌊 – Shaped by the Sea Roundup

Subscribe to Site

Frequently asked questions

What is Shaped by the Sea?

How do I contact Shaped by the Sea

How do I subscribe for regular blog update notifications?