Captain Maiwenn Beadle, affectionately known as the “Accidental Ice Queen”, has carved a unique path in the world of super-yachting. With over 30 years of maritime experience, she holds a <3000 GT license and has led multiple vessels through the Northwest Passage and Arctic waters as a Class 2 Ice Navigator.

From Sailboats to Sea Ice

Her journey into polar exploration began unexpectedly. After commanding the 30M Frers sailboat Vesper, she sought to expand her ship-handling skills and joined Uncruise, a small passenger expedition company. Starting as a Second Officer, she quickly rose to Captain, navigating icy waters towards glacier fronts and learning from seasoned guides how to track whales and bears in their natural habitat. A Historic First In 2022, Captain Beadle made history as the first woman to captain a superyacht through the Northwest Passage — a feat accomplished by only a handful of seafarers since Roald Amundsen charted the route over a century ago.

The Role of an Ice Navigator

Captain Beadle’s work goes far beyond steering ships. As an Ice Navigator, she:

• Fulfils Polar Code Manning requirements
• Advises on safe navigation in poorly charted regions
• Trains crews to operate in extreme, ice-laden environments

Science at Sea

Her expeditions aren’t just about navigation — they’re also about contributing to global science. She has led major research voyages on ice-classed vessels, enabling data collection in regions that are typically inaccessible due to environmental or regulatory constraints. As an advocate for Yachts For Science, she encourages yacht owners to:

• Donate spare cabins for researchers
• Collect environmental data during voyages

“Exploration isn’t just about where we go — it’s about how we contribute along the way.”

Artistry at Sea

Beyond her maritime work, Captain Beadle is also a fine artist, capturing the motion and elegance of yachts and the ocean in her watercolour paintings.

Partnering with Panoblu

Her collaboration with Panoblu represents a milestone in marine safety and tech integration. In challenging polar conditions, traditional tools often fall short — and that’s where advanced imaging steps in. With firsthand experience in these environments, Captain Beadle stresses the importance of technology like Panoblu’s 360° Thermal Infrared Night Vision System and SeaView cameras. These tools offer:

• Real-time visual awareness
• Obstacle detection in low light and fog
• Environmental monitoring for safer voyages

The Future of Exploration

This partnership is more than a tech upgrade — it’s a look into the future of superyacht navigation, where innovation meets exploration. With insights drawn from her decades at sea, Captain Beadle continues to shape how vessels interact with some of the most challenging waters on the planet.

Watch Her Story

For a deeper understanding of Captain Beadle’s experiences and her work with Panoblu, you can watch her detailed presentation below.