Woman at the helm (From Daily Echo)

Woman at the helm

4:31pm Tuesday 4th May 2010 in

• Skip social links
• Print
• Email
• Comments(0)

In an overwhelmingly, male dominated world, where women were once considered bad luck, Sarah Breton is master of all she commands. Sarah is Britain’s first female captain of a British cruise ship and, while she is on board the Southampton based vessel Artemis, her word is law.

Through total dedication to a life at sea, Sarah has climbed her way up the many rungs of the promotion ladder to achieve her goal, an ambition she has held since childhood.

“It takes time to build up experience so rising to this position takes many years, and there is no short cut to experience,’’ said Captain Sarah.

“I have had terrific feedback from colleagues around the fleet and I received 50 emails almost as soon as the announcement was made.

“The support from officers, crew and passengers has been really special.

On Sarah’s shoulders rests the heavy responsibility for the lives of more than 1,700 passengers and crew, together with the safety of her 44,000ton, P&O Cruise ship, Artemis.

For centuries, seafaring was a fiercely male domain where the captain’s rule was absolute, his orders were to be obeyed to the letter, and any crew member who did not carry out his duty discovered the master was also judge and jury when it came to discipline.

In the days of the sailing ships, women were not tolerated on board as it was said they brought bad luck, such as rough seas and storm-force winds, and there are even accounts of females being thrown overboard by scared and superstitious matelots.

Although all those out-dated attitudes have long been left firmly behind in the wake of history, it is only now, after 173 years of the company’s history, that a woman has finally been given the ultimate position in charge of her own ship.

Today’s captains still remain in total command but, in the 21st century, they are the leaders of a team of highly-skilled crew members, each with the expertise and specialist knowledge for the smooth running of a complex and sophisticated vessel.

Captain Sarah, said: “It is made even more special to become captain of the first cruise ship I ever served on, after joining P&O Cruises as third officer back in 1989.”

Here, Captain Sarah answers key questions about her role as master of Artemis: Q: You’ve said being made the first female captain of a cruise ship in Britain has fulfilled a lifelong ambition, so when did you first feel the pull of the sea?

A: I think I was about 12 when I decided I was going to join the merchant navy and go to sea. Even as a child I loved being out on the water in one of my parents’ boats and I have been a member of my local yacht club for many years.

Q: Did it surprise you that you have become the first British woman captain of a cruise ship?

A. No, it had to happen one day so it has always been possible that it would be me. It is no harder for me than any other person given command – the responsibility is the same male or female. Working on a modern cruise ship is not such a male-dominated environment, although it is a shame we don’t see more female officers deck and technical departments.

Q: Have you become use to the title of “Captain” yet?

A: I’m getting used to it, but as I was a staff captain before, the title itself is not that different.

Q: What are the perks of being a captain?

A: The perks are working with such wonderful people, who are passionate about what they do and the career they have chosen.

Q: What is going to be the hardest part of being a captain?

A: Being away and missing friends and family is one of the drawbacks, but when you are at home you get real quality time with them and, on average, I probably see family more than those who work a standard working week. At sea when you see dolphins or fantastic sunsets, and when there is no land in sight you don’t have to convince me this is the best job in the world.

Q: How has the crew of Artemis reacted to your promotion?

A. This has been very special. Returning to a ship I know so well and finding so many of the crew still here and so supportive is great. I have a really strong team behind me and we have a terrific crew on Artemis. Everyone keeps telling how chuffed they are!

Q: Do you suffer from sea-sickness?

A: No, not so far!