What happens when a sailing adventure changes everything?
For Emily Penn, what started as a journey across the Atlantic and Pacific turned into a lifelong mission that would lead her from the water to small island beaches and into global policy rooms.
In this episode, Emily explores with Dee Caffari how a love of the ocean can evolve into an extraordinary and unexpected career.
She shares how earning her RYA Yachtmaster qualification opened professional doors, why living with a remote Pacific community shifted her purpose, and how those experiences inspired eXXpedition — her pioneering all-women sailing project tackling ocean plastic while empowering others to take action.
From hands-on science at sea to influencing decision-makers at the United Nations, Emily’s story is a powerful example of how time on the water builds not just seamanship, but leadership, resilience and a sense of responsibility.
Whether you’re already working on the water or simply driven by a passion for the sea, this episode invites you to imagine where your own sailing journey could lead — and how your unique ‘superpower’ can make a difference.
Tune in and discover how one voyage became a catalyst for global change.
The RYA 150 Podcast, hosted by record-breaking British yachtswoman Dee Caffari, marks 150 years of sailing heritage and future inspiration. You can listen to a new episode every week via your favourite podcast platform – including Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Amazon Music – or online at rya.org.uk/150-podcast
