[3] She became co-director of the Swanwick Shipyard (Hamble River Yacht & Engineering Co.) The shipyard worked on craft powered by sail, steam or motor, generated its own electricity and pumped its own water, and had a slipway for boats up to 250 tons.

She was succeeded in the role by Caroline Haslett and her vice president was electrical engineer Gertrude Entwisle.

Douglas… starts work most days round about 8 a.m. in Southampton ship-building yard which belongs to the company of which she a director.

In a blue flannel suit and old yachting cap, this handsome, dark-eyed woman directs gangs of men and organises the business of the yard”.

Even though yachts do float, they are potential homes and as such should be planned from the woman’s point of view.”[6] Edith Douglas was a successful competitive sailor and yachtsman and won many prizes in regattas, owning a sloop named 'Enid'.