Women sailors have made history by leaving their mark on the sailing world. They have achieved amazing accomplishments and demonstrated their resilience in the most challenging scenarios. Here is our compilation of some of the most inspirational women in the sailing world. They have demonstrated their best skills to achieve excellence as sailors.
Naomi James
At the age of 23, she decided to venture to Europe in search of a new life. Her interest in the sea and sailing came from her husband, who was a well-known sea captain. It was in 1977 that she decided to sail single-handed around the world. She set sail on the 9th of September, and after 272 days she returned, breaking the record for completing her voyage within two days of the previous trip. Naomi was an active sailor until 1982 and was elected to the New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame in 1990.
Skipper Thuridur
Thuridur was born in 1777 in an Icelandic fishing village. She joined her father’s fishing crew at the age of 11. From an early age, he showed a remarkable natural ability in sailing and in the management of ships. She was one of the most renowned fishing captains in the world. Thanks to her skills at navigating tricky conditions, she never lost a single crew member during her career. She is one of the most important figures in Icelandic maritime history.
Galia Moss
Galia Moss from Mexico became the first Latin American woman to sail across the Atlantic Ocean single-handedly. It took her only 41 days to cross the ocean, which earned her a place in the Guinness Book of World Records. Her journey had a noble cause, donating one house for every eight nautical miles she sailed, thanks to the collaboration with an NGO. Throughout the voyage, she donated more than 600 houses to Mexican families.
Isabelle Autissier
Isabelle Autissier is a French sailor and writer. She is best known for being the first woman to complete a solo world regatta. From a very young age, her father taught her all her nautical knowledge and taught her how to sail. Her passion for boats was strong, and she completed her studies in naval engineering. During a competition in 1999, her boat capsized off Cape Horn, but she was quickly rescued by her partner Giovanni Soldini.
Jeanne Socrates
Jeanne is currently the only woman who has solo circumnavigated the globe at the age of 70. In 2013 she became the oldest woman to circumnavigate the world non-stop departing from North America. It was a 259-day voyage that earned her the Cruising Club of America’s Blue Water Medal and the Royal Cruising Club’s medal for her sailing skills.
Laura Dekker
Laura Dekker at the age of 13, insisted on becoming the youngest person to circumnavigate solo. The authorities were against it, and the judges were not confident that it was up to the task. After a 10-month battle, she managed to convince everyone to allow her to participate. Laura underwent training for her journey and was provided with the best boat and equipment. In August 2010, she set sail in her two-masted boat and in January 2012, she reached her final destination, breaking the world record.
Tracy Edwards
When Tracy Edwards was 23, she led the first all-female crew in the Whitbread Round World Race aboard Maiden. She and her sailing crew won two stages and came second in the competition. It was one of the best performances in a British race at the time. Nowadays, Edwards uses all she has learnt being a woman athlete, and has become a successful motivational speaker, author and has helped start a number of charities.
Noémie Catalano
Noémie is hands down, the team’s favourite sailor and an exceptional human being. She is an energetic woman who loves the great outdoors and has a taste for adventure. Noémie is gradually forging her story in the world of sailing. She is currently preparing to sail single-handed across the Atlantic Ocean. She is a persevering woman who will achieve her goals without a doubt. A true inspiration to us all! Go Noémie!
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