Sea Style

Maria Galati Hill spends her days how most of us wish we could—on yachts.  

While there is some play involved, the majority is work, as her family owns the respected yacht brokerage Galati Yacht Sales.  

When her grandparents, Michael and Anna Maria Galati, moved from New York to Florida to open their yacht business in 1970, they likely didn’t imagine a time where a considerable portion of customer interest would stem from videos posted on social media by their granddaughter. But goodness, are they grateful.  

In a tweed dress and ballet flats, Galati Hill, takes watchers on a virtual tour of one the company’s most prestigious yachts with the expertise of a longtime salesman or the most studious owner. In another video reel, she interviews a longtime staff member, tying in the heart of the company—the familial aspect.  

Most content features gorgeous boats setting sail in even more stunning locations set to music popularly used on TikTok.  

Galati Hill knows how to market a company.  

Photos by Savvibelle Photography

After graduating from Florida State University in 2017, Galati Hill had other job opportunities. But even without the family ties, she recognized that Galati Yacht Sales has a globally recognized name and is a well-oiled business machine.  

She joined her 12 cousins in making up the company’s third generation, finding her place in the marketing department. Her first role was designing ads for print and online. She was integral in the company’s rebrand to an upscale luxury level.  

As a digital presence became increasingly important, she was asked to take over Galati’s social media platforms. She agreed to the position under the condition that she could have complete control, making it as large and successful as she envisioned in her head.  

When Galati Hill sets her mind to something, she’s fully invested, which includes doing her research. Knowing the boating industry is male dominated, she sought industry influencers who were female and making an impact. She credits Alex Hirschi aka Supercar Blondie, a luxury car influencer, as inspiration for content.  

“Her content is short, sweet, to the point, and highly informed,” says Galati Hill. “She paved the way for cars in the way I hope to for yachts while keeping her look professional yet fun.” 

In four years, Galati Hill has increased Galati Yachts’ Instagram account from 2,000 followers to 162,000. 

“My strategy is purposeful: Catch the men’s attention with the beautiful boat and the stats on it as the wife walks by, stops over his shoulder and asks him to rewind so she can see my outfit,” Galati Hill says with a laugh.  

Photos by Savvibelle Photography

While Galati Hill grew up on boats and already held more knowledge than most, she’s taken the time and made the effort to educate herself on all the company’s products.  

“It’s really exciting and a huge compliment when people assume I’m a broker,” says Galati Hill. “I’ve learned these products inside and out, so I can be a resource to our customers.”  

Galati Hill was recognized in the January 2025 issue of Boating Magazine in their 40 Under 40 awards for her accomplishments and expertise in the industry.  

Knowing thousands of eyes are on her every time a reel is posted, Galati Hill has adopted a fashion persona inspired by Jackie O.  

“My looks are classy, classic, timeless, and vintage with some nautical nods,” says Galati Hill. 

This equates to mini dresses with bold gold-button detailing, matching tweed sets, leather ballet flats, and her recent fixation with kitten heels.  

Galati Hill loves a good scroll session to online shop or harvest inspiration, but she typically enlists the help of her trusted local boutique Kiki Risa in Destin to style her. The store associates have her number on file and often call her when a look arrives that “feels like her.”  

Photos by Savvibelle Photography

Outside of dressing for the job, Galati Hill opts less for timeless and more for trends. A night on the town outfit might include a pair of ripped baggy jeans, a tailored top, a trendy shoulder bag, and her trusted kitten heels. Most often, you’ll find her in an athletic dress, sneakers, and a baseball cap, dressed for chasing around her 3-year-old and 5-year-old daughters.  

“My daughters are my whole world, my best friends,” says Galati Hill. “Every weekend, we take out our 22-foot center console. Sitting next to my husband, cuddling our girls in their life jackets while watching the sunset, is the happiest I’ll ever be.”  

Galati Hill takes pride in being genuine as a social media presence. On camera and off, her world revolves around the water.  

Fun Facts about Maria

⎥ She hates the beach. While not a fan of sand, she loves being out on the water.  

⎥ She’s passionate about Pilates, attending XForm30A
at least three times a week.  

⎥ Her creative outlet is art, making personalized paintings for friends and family.  

⎥ She has known her husband since middle school, and they’ve been together
for 17 years.  

⎥ Her first book, a children’s book about boating, will be published later this year.