N&J Crew Services Hosts Self-Defence Training for Female Yacht Crew

The Northrop & Johnson Crew Services team recently hosted a self-defence workshop in Cannes for female yacht crew, held in partnership with Smart Defence System. Twenty women from across the yachting industry came together for a focused, hands-on session covering both physical and non-physical strategies for handling real-world threats.

Led by founder and head trainer Alex O’Connor and his team, the session cut straight to what matters: awareness, positioning, confidence, and three core techniques designed for real-life situations. It was a practical guide on how to read a situation early, how to position your body, how to break grip, create space and respond when the adrenaline is high and options are limited.

We also want to thank IGY Vieux Port de Cannes for providing an ideal venue, and our Crew Services Associate Ivana Novakovic for organizing another meaningful initiative for crew.

Why This Training Matters

One of the clearest takeaways came not from the drills, but from the conversations in the room. A significant number of participants had experienced being followed, threatened, or harassed at some point in their lives. The industry doesn’t talk about this enough – which is exactly why it needs attention.

Yacht crew work in a very specific reality:

• Constant interaction with unfamiliar people
• Frequent travel across countries and ports
• Often returning to yachts late at night or via isolated areas

In these environments, even basic self-defence training dramatically improves outcomes. People who know how to assess a situation early and react with clarity are significantly harder targets.

About Smart Defence System

Smart Defence System is built on the idea that self-defence should be:

• Easy to learn
• Realistic under stress
• Accessible to all

Founded by Alex O’Connor, who combines more than 20 years of combat training with formal education credentials, SDS blends Muay Thai, boxing, jiu-jitsu, and reality-based systems into one streamlined approach. The program has already been used successfully by students in real-life situations to avoid or escape violent encounters. Based on the French Riviera, SDS delivers training across Europe and internationally.

Are You Looking For Self-Defence Training For Your Crew?

Your crew goes wherever the job takes them, often to destinations where safety cannot be guaranteed. One simple movement, learned in the right way, can change the outcome of a dangerous situation.

For those interested in arranging a basic 20-hour crew training program, we encourage you to contact Smart Defence System directly.

This workshop made one thing clear: confidence comes from preparation, and preparation saves lives.