Celebrating the women who keep our boats moving

(Pictured from left to right, Emily, Charlotte, Erika, Agnes, Karen, Sapphy and Cath - striking the give to gain pose)

At Windermere Lake Cruises, we are incredibly proud to mark International Women’s Day 2026.

This year, we’re celebrating the women in our company who embody the global theme, “Give to Gain.” From the heritage decks of our steamers to the heart of our boardroom, our female colleagues are essential to the experiences we create for the millions of visitors who join us on the water every year.

Every journey we take across Windermere is made possible by our people. While our roles vary—from navigating the waves to managing the fine details behind the scenes—we all share a common thread: when we support one another and share our skills, everyone benefits.

You’ll find this spirit in every corner of our business. We have team members coordinating thousands of bookings, colleagues welcoming families onto our piers, and leaders shaping our long-term strategy. Each role is different, but together, we create the seamless experience our guests know and love.

Meet Some of Our Team

Among those we’re recognising this year is Jennifer Cormack, our Sales and Marketing Director. Jennifer has been part of our story for over ten years and also sits on the board of Cumbria Tourism. Her commitment extends beyond her role, contributing her expertise to the wider visitor economy. She truly represents the “Give to Gain” ethos, giving her time and expertise to the wider region and gaining valuable new perspectives in return.

Anca, one of our experienced skippers who joined us in 2020, shares that same pride. Her favourite vessel to operate is Cumbria II or Queen of the Lake, she loves providing guests with a relaxing cruise. Knowing she’s provided the highlight of someone's holiday is what makes the job special for her.

Then there’s Cath, our Operations Supervisor, who has been with us for more than a decade. She describes her role—shaped by the ever-changing Lakeland weather—as both demanding and deeply rewarding. For Cath, the "gain" is simple: seeing families truly enjoying their time on the water.

With nearly 30 years of service, Karen is often the friendly, knowledgeable voice our customers hear first. Having processed tens of thousands of group bookings, she ensures our guests' journeys start smoothly long before they even step onto the pier. Her experience and dedication ensure that the guest journey begins smoothly long before anyone steps aboard.

We’re also proud of Sapphy, who started with us as seasonal staff on the MV Swan before returning to a full-time role in Admin and HR. By giving her energy to learning and supporting our wider team, she’s shown exactly how dedication and teamwork lead to professional growth.

A note of thanks

This International Women’s Day, we’re sending a huge thank you to all the women on our team. Whether they are out on the water or working in our offices, they are the ones who keep the lakes moving. It’s their skill, their resilience, and their genuine care for our visitors that makes Windermere such a memorable place to be. We’re incredibly grateful for everything they give to the team and to our guests from all over the world.