PEOPLE • Karen Ball

Karen Ball is a lifelong sailor whose story is rooted in the water and shaped by determination, teamwork and a deep love of sport. Raised in Hong Kong, she has been sailing since childhood, beginning with dinghy sailing and later serving as an Assistant Instructor at Hebe Haven Yacht Club in her younger years. From there, she progressed through hands‑on crewing and offshore racing to competing in demanding regional regattas that test endurance, leadership and resilience. She has also completed more than 3,500 nautical miles of yacht deliveries across the USA, Caribbean and Southeast Asia, gaining extensive real‑world experience at sea. For Karen, sailing is not just a pastime but a true sport — one where decision‑making under pressure, trust in teammates and physical skill matter as much as experience.

Throughout her career, Karen has carved out space for women in areas of sailing where they have long been under‑represented, leading by example through action and mentorship. Notably, she was among the first women in Asia to work as a yacht broker, helping to break new ground in a traditionally male‑dominated industry. She is known for her practical confidence on the water, her willingness to share hard‑won knowledge, and her commitment to supporting women and young sailors as they build skills, confidence and resilience through the sport.

Karen currently works in Hong Kong as Managing Director and Sales Broker at Asia Yacht Services Limited, alongside ongoing mentoring and informal advocacy to encourage greater female participation across sailing and the wider marine industry.

We are delighted to confirm Karen Ball as one of the featured speakers at the Opening Forum of this year’s Steering The Course at Hebe Haven Yacht Club.

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