Today, we’re raising a toast to Helen McCaughran, who is celebrating 10 fantastic years with the business. To mark the occasion, we’ve gone with a fun twist: 10 questions for 10 years. From standout memories to lessons learned and hopes for the future, here’s what she had to say…

1. What do you remember about your first day at Spinnaker?

I was very nervous as I’d been on maternity leave for 18 months and felt out of the loop with the corporate world. Luckily everyone made me feel welcome and I remember feeling very grateful that there was a proper induction plan in place so I could get to know Spinnaker better and also understand the maritime industry as I had no prior shipping experience.

2. What has been your proudest moment or biggest achievement here?

I feel really proud to be a part of the Spinnaker Maritime People & Culture Conference. I put the agenda together and I always feel the pressure to make sure it’s relevant to the delegates, as many have travelled halfway across the globe to attend!
The feedback is always really positive so I’m super proud to be a part of it.

3. Who is someone who has really supported your journey here at Spinnaker?

It sounds a cliché but the Spinnaker owners Phil and Steve have been really supportive. During Covid there were changes which meant I ended up overseeing the marketing function within Spinnaker and they were both really supportive of this move.

4. What is your favourite memory about your time at Spinnaker?

It has to be the trips. In 2024 we headed to Posidonia in Greece which was fantastic- work hard and play hard seemed to be the motto! The parties were top notch. We headed to the Ambassadors reception on the first evening and then ended the trip with a private party on a beach where we paddled in the sea and watched flying fish. It was stunning. The Greek shipping contingent knows how to put on a party! This year we are hoping for an invite to the Capital Ship party – in 2024 they had Kylie fly in for the evening to perform!

5. What is one thing people may not know about your day-to-day work?

We are a relatively small team yet we all pull together and accomplish a lot in short spaces of time. My colleague Beth and I reworked the entire website in 2025 – revised all the content, worked with SEO experts and also our in-house IT specialist in producing something we are very proud of.

6. How many cups of coffee do you think you have consumed at Spinnaker in 10 years?

Hahaha great questions! I definitely ‘front load’ in that I have a tea and coffee before I leave the house, my lovely colleague Monique then makes me a nice cup of tea and then I’ll have a coffee after lunch. So, I’d say approximately 8,000 cups in 10 years – wow that sounds a lot doesn’t it!

7. Who at Spinnaker would you pick to be stranded on a desert island with and why?

Definitely Monique Turner. She’d keep me upbeat and positive and I’m sure we’d find something to laugh about. We’d make the most of the situation (and the sunshine).

8. What phrase or saying have you heard a thousand times in this job?

Another great question! There’s so much that I could say but I think I’ll go with ‘I think you’re on mute’!

9. After 10 years, what is your ultimate work survival tip?

Having a great team around you is essential. Spinnaker seems to employ people who work really well as a team and help each other out. The Conference is a real example of the Spinnaker team really coming together and working as one unit. We seem to know what each other is thinking – maybe that comes with having worked together for so long!

10. If you could sum up your 10 years in 1 word, what would it be?
    Container-loads of fun