Detail

Della Pearce’s early years laid the foundation for a lifelong passion in the yachting industry. Her journey illustrates how personal drive and unconventional paths can lead to remarkable careers.

Igniting the Maritime Flame

Della Pearce has travelled all over the world. She regularly rubs shoulders with global movers and shakers, and deals with superyachts worth hundreds of millions. But her glamorous story begins right here in Singapore.

It was through a family friend’s business at Raffles Marina that a young Della was first introduced to the world of superyachts. She would spend weekends during her holidays in secondary school working parttime for them and helping them with all the superyachts passing through Singapore. This exposure, coupled with the allure of diverse cultures and the grandeur of luxury yachts, planted seeds of fascination that would guide her future choices.

“It was fun, it was outdoors and I love doing things outdoors. And I got to meet a lot of interesting people at the age of 14. That experience really sparked my interest in this business, so when I learned about the Singapore Maritime Academy, I enrolled as soon as I was able to.”

Charting Her Own Course

Della’s academic voyage at Singapore Polytechnic’s Singapore Maritime Academy (SP SMA) was marked by bold decisions and a clear vision. Her switch from Marine Engineering to Maritime Transportation Management highlights her determination to align her studies with her passion for the superyacht sector.

“I was still interested in the maritime industry. I appreciated what I had learned in Marine Engineering, but I wanted to refocus on what truly captivated me—the yachting and superyacht industries."

Steering Through Internships

Proactive in shaping her educational experience, Della sought out an internship on her own in her second year, which more closely aligned with her interests. Instead of the position at a commercial shipping company offered by SP SMA, she found an opportunity with Marina@Keppel Bay.

“The school said, okay, this is completely new to us, but we will allow it. And they came and checked on me every month and they saw how well I was progressing. They also saw that there was this whole other sector in the maritime industry: leisure shipping, so it’s not just commercial shipping.”

With SP’s full support, Della’s time at Marina@Keppel Bay not only distinguished her from her peers but also enriched her practical knowledge, positioning her at the forefront of maritime certification and training.

Learning from the Best

Della is very thankful for the support of her lecturers at SP SMA, not least for indulging her independent streak. She feels that this was because they all came from seafaring backgrounds, so they could understand what she was trying to do.

“Even today, I’m still in close contact with a lot of my lecturers. Some became my clients, some became my partners. We are still doing a lot of work in the pleasure yachting industry because of my connection with SP SMA.”

Sailing into a Professional Future

The transition from academia to the professional world saw Della ascend to notable roles within the industry, breaking barriers and setting new standards in a male-dominated field. Her work with Simpson Marine and later Hong Seh transformed her from a pioneering student to a respected leader.

“I would say that my time in SP SMA prepared me to excel in the industry. More than just academic knowledge, it was the experiential lessons that I cherish: SP SMA gave me a foundation to build on, it gave me credibility to further my career.”

Della advises young alumni to embrace every educational opportunity offered by the school, whether they are lessons in the course or extra-curricular activities.

“Participate in as many relevant events and seminars as possible to broaden your understanding and network within your field. These experiences are invaluable and can significantly enhance your career readiness and industry connections.”

Looking to the Horizon

As Della continues to influence the maritime sector, her story serves as an inspiration for those who dare to dream differently. Her career path demonstrates the value of resilience and adaptability, proving that true passion can craft not only a job but a vibrant, fulfilling life.

“I don’t measure success by earnings alone. True success, for me, comes from pursuing passions and achieving personal goals set early in life; it’s about the enriching experiences gained along the way.”

Ms Della Pearce
Yacht Sales Advisor (Singapore), Camper & Nicholsons
Diploma in Maritime Transportation Management (2011)