Can you tell us a little bit about your education and background and how that led you to become the first female Arctic captain?

I studied at the French Marine Merchant School in Marseille and began my career sailing on large commercial vessels such as ferries and container ships. In 2008, I was offered the chance to work an entire Antarctic season on a passenger ship. The moment I saw my first iceberg, I was instantly captivated. That experience sparked a passion for ice navigation.

From there, I began working on the most specialised ice ships: the Swedish icebreakers in the winter and polar expedition ships in the summer. I spent 10 months of the year at sea and found myself immersed in a whole new environment – one that was more equal, more open and more in tune with nature. That was how, at 26, I was given the opportunity to take command of my first polar vessel. It felt like I had found my element.

Can you describe what that moment meant to you and how it shaped your sense of purpose?

Commanding a ship in the Arctic isn’t just a job – it’s an adventure full of responsibilities. You navigate in unpredictable, fragile environments, which made me aware that adventure and protection must go hand in hand.

Selar is set to launch the world’s first fully sustainable fleet of luxury polar ships in 2026. What sparked the idea and how did it evolve from dream to execution?

After years of working on a wide range of traditional polar cruise ships, I began to feel a growing inner conflict. I loved the Arctic deeply, yet I was contributing to its degradation. I could no longer accept being part of the problem.

I knew the industry needed a faster, more meaningful transformation – I believed the best way to drive that change was by leading by example. That’s how the idea for Selar was born; not by tweaking the existing model but by rethinking everything from scratch.

Together with my two bold co-founders, and in collaboration with naval architects and polar experts, we redefined the spirit of the journey itself. We envisioned a low-carbon sailing ship where the future meets the past – powered by wind and sun, just as it was for the explorers who came before us.

Designing a zero-emission ship is no small feat. What were some of the biggest hurdles you faced?

The biggest challenge was unlearning the old ways. We didn’t want to adapt a cruise ship with a few sustainable improvements – we wanted to start from scratch.

Unlike other ships, Selar will use the sun and wind to power its expeditions. Using five solid sails covered in 20,000 square feet of solar panels, made to resist extremely cold weather, the ship will cruise in near-complete silence, vibration or smell and will reduce CO₂ emissions by 90 per cent, compared to any traditional cruise ship operating in the region.

As you can imagine, pioneering this kind of innovation comes at a cost. Building a vessel like Captain Arctic is around 40 per cent more expensive than a conventional ship, due to the cutting-edge sustainable technologies we’re integrating. But our hope is that, with time, these technologies will become more accessible across the industry, setting a new standard.

How do you balance luxury and environmental responsibility when the two values can often be at odds in the travel world?

We kept returning to one essential question: what does luxury mean in a fragile world?For us, it’s not marble bathrooms or butler service, it’s about depth, meaning and the power of a truly immersive experience. Yes, we offer comfortable design and a personalised service but with no overconsumption and no wifi – perhaps the boldest adventure of all. Everything on board has a purpose and supports the spirit of adventure: reconnecting with nature, with others and with yourself.

How do you envision the future of polar exploration?

I believe the future lies in fewer, slower and smaller journeys, led by purpose, not performance. Exploration should be about listening, not conquering. With Selar, we want to prove that it’s possible to experience the Arctic in a way that is immersive, respectful and shared.

It’s also about learning how to live in harmony with the environment. We focus on a balance of land and sea-based activities, encouraging a deeper connection to the landscape rather than limiting the experience to life on board.

Maritime leadership has long been male dominated. What challenges did you face navigating that world, and how did you overcome them?

We all have our own stories, but I think most of us would agree that at some point, we’ve had to prove our legitimacy and demonstrate that we are just as capable as anyone else. If you fail, it’s “because you’re a woman”. If you succeed, it’s also “because you’re a woman”. In my early days at sea, I rarely saw performance judged fairly on most ships.

Being a woman in this industry has never been easy. Globally, only around one per cent of seafarers are women (according to the International Maritime Organization). That means we often work twice as hard to be taken seriously and it can take much longer to rise through the ranks.

That said, I’m starting to see encouraging signs. The younger generation of men seems more progressive, and I truly hope that trend continues.

As a proud member of the LGBTQI+ community, do you feel a responsibility to create visibility and representation within the industry?

Absolutely. I do believe in leading by example. When I was starting out, I didn’t see anyone who looked or lived like me. That needs to change. Inclusion starts with visibility, but it grows through real opportunities and shared leadership.

At Selar, we’re committed to building a crew that reflects the world we want to see. Diverse, passionate and free to be themselves.

The LGBTQI+ community has often felt the need to hide in the maritime industry, which hasn’t always been known for its openness. This has to change as everyone should deserve to feel proud and welcome, at sea and beyond.

What advice would you give to young women aspiring to lead in industries where they don’t yet see themselves represented?

Hold your ground, believe in what you’re capable of and know you’ve earned your spot just like everyone else.

What’s next for Sophie Galvagnon?

For now, our focus remains on successfully launching Captain Arctic but we are already considering sister ships that could expand our reach and reinforce our vision.

On a personal note, I also feel the pull to return to the field and spend more time exploring at sea or on land.

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