Trailblazers
At Just 20 Years Old, Isla Gale is Breaking Barriers at Sea
When most teenagers are still deciding what to do after their GCSEs, Isla Gale was already charting her course…quite literally. Now 20 years old, the young deckhand is not only forging a name for herself in the Isle of Man’s maritime industry, but also reshaping what’s possible for women at sea. It’s no surprise that Isla was named a winner in the 2025 Gef 30 Under 30 Trailblazer category, supported by Boston Multi Family Office.
Her journey began during school holidays and weekends, when she spent time on the water and quickly fell in love with life offshore. It wasn’t long before her dedication caught the eye of professionals in the field, and she was headhunted for an apprenticeship. From there, the sea became more than a calling: it became a career.
‘It’s been full of hard work and pushing through the tough moments’, Isla says. ‘It hasn’t always been easy, but it’s all been worth it’.
Life on the Water
Today, Isla works as a deckhand for West Coast Sea Products Limited, operating aboard fishing trawlers. It’s a world few outside the industry truly understand – a life lived in tight quarters, at the mercy of the elements, and surrounded by people from all over the world.
‘Most people don’t realise how strong the bonds get when you’re living and working so closely with people from such different backgrounds’, Isla explains. ‘You learn quickly to respect differences, communicate well, and trust each other. It becomes like a second family’.
That sense of camaraderie, she says, is just as important as the technical side of the job. ‘It’s not just about catching fish. It’s about living and working together in a way that most jobs never require’.
Navigating Challenges
While the work itself is tough, Isla also had to navigate the less visible hurdles of a male-dominated industry. Some resistance even came from unexpected places.
‘It wasn’t always the older generation’, she says. ‘Some of the younger fishermen on the island seemed threatened by my progress. Instead of supporting me, they tried to undermine it’.
But Isla didn’t let that stop her. She stayed focused, worked hard, and built the respect of key skippers who recognised her commitment.
‘Those skippers backed me when it mattered most’, she says. ‘They helped open doors that might have otherwise stayed closed’.
Trailblazing for the Future
Isla recently became the first woman to secure the Deck Officer Class 2 Fishing Certificate, a major milestone that sends a clear message: women belong at sea too.
‘I never set out just to fit in’, she says. ‘I’ve always wanted to pave the way for more women to follow and help shape a more inclusive industry’.
Her long-term goal? To progress through every role on board, eventually achieving her Class 1 certification and becoming the best skipper she can be.
Wisdom from the Wheelhouse
Isla credits much of her resilience to the advice she’s picked up along the way, especially from her first skipper, Alan Woodbridge.
‘The one that sticks with me is: “What is for you won’t go past you, so don’t stress”’, she says. ‘That mindset helps me stay grounded’.
She also wishes she had known earlier just how much being at sea is not just a job but a lifestyle.
‘Some days are hard, but the good ones make it worth it’, she says. ‘And I’ve learned not everyone’s opinion matters. What counts is that you’re happy with who you are and where you’re headed’.
Leading with Inspiration
Among Isla’s role models is Captain Sandy from Below Deck Mediterranean – a figure who, like Isla, has thrived in a male-dominated space by combining professionalism with compassion.
‘I admire how she leads, firm but fair’, Isla says. ‘She’s taught me a lot about what it means to be a strong and effective leader’.
Hoping for Change
Looking ahead, Isla wants to see more accessible pathways for young people, especially women, to enter maritime careers. She believes the sector is filled with potential, offering far more than just fishing roles.
‘We need to show young people all the options out there’, she says. ‘There are so many opportunities if we make them visible’.
She’s also passionate about supporting anyone interested in joining the industry. ‘I’m always happy to chat or answer questions’, she adds. ‘I want to help guide people and point them to the right opportunities’.
Island Roots, Island Support
For Isla, one of the most important reasons to stay on the Isle of Man is the strength of the local community.
‘People genuinely want to see you succeed here’, she says. ‘I’ve also had incredible support from the Isle of Man Government and Isle of Man Maritime, especially with my studies. That backing has made it possible to progress’.
A Win That Matters
Winning a Gef 30 Under 30 award is more than a personal achievement for Isla – it’s recognition for an entire lifestyle built on perseverance.
‘It means a lot to have those tough days and long hours acknowledged’, she says. ‘It motivates me to keep going, to keep breaking barriers, and to hopefully inspire others to do the same. You never know who you might inspire by sharing your story. These awards show what’s possible, and that your dreams really are within reach’.
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