Born: 1949 (New Zealand)
Biography:
Dame Naomi Christine James, DBE (née Power; born 2 March 1949) is the first woman to have sailed single-handed around the world via Cape Horn, making her the second woman to ever complete a solo circumnavigation. Born on a landlocked sheep farm in New Zealand, Naomi did not learn how to swim until the age of 23. She initially worked as a hairdresser until she embarked on a life-changing journey to Europe.
It was in the summer of 1975, in Saint-Malo, France, that Naomi met her future husband, Rob James, who was skippering yachts for Chay Blyth. Rob had just come into port with a charter boat, and Naomi was instantly captivated by his world of sailing. As she waited for him to return from an ocean race and marry her, Naomi made the daring decision to sail single-handedly around the world, non-stop.
Although she had only six weeks of sailing experience at the time, Naomi shared her dream with Rob on their honeymoon. Determined to make this adventurous ambition a reality, she received support from Chay Blyth, who lent her the 53-foot yacht Spirit of Cutty Sark (later renamed Express Crusader). Others helped raise money for supplies, and the Daily Express provided sponsorship.
On 9 September 1977, Naomi set sail from Dartmouth, Devon, beginning her incredible journey around the globe. Battling treacherous waters and unpredictable weather conditions, she faced numerous challenges throughout her 272-day voyage. There were moments when she nearly lost her mast, experienced a capsizing scare, and endured weeks without a working radio. However, Naomi remained resilient and determined, defying the odds.
On 8 June 1978, Naomi James successfully completed her solo circumnavigation, surpassing Sir Francis Chichester’s record by two days. Her remarkable achievement not only solidified her place in sailing history but also brought significant attention to women’s capabilities in the field of solo sailing.
In recognition of her groundbreaking accomplishment, Naomi James was appointed a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in 1979. She also received the honor of being named New Zealand’s Sailor of the Year in 1978. The following year, she became the subject of the popular television program This Is Your Life, where she was surprised by Eamonn Andrews at the Earls Court Boat Show.
After her historic voyage, Naomi and her husband, Rob James, settled in Cork Harbour, Ireland, where they found a home. In 1980, Naomi reunited with her trusted yacht, now named Kriter Lady, to compete in the Europe 1 STAR race. She became the first woman to complete the race and broke the women’s speed record for a single-handed Atlantic crossing, achieving a remarkable time of 25 days and 19 hours. Rob also participated in this race, finishing twelfth in the trimaran Boatfile.
However, tragedy struck in 1983 when Naomi’s husband, Rob James, fell overboard and drowned off the coast of Salcombe, Devon, while sailing together on the same boat that had won the Round Britain Race. This devastating loss marked the end of Naomi’s sailing career as she battled severe sea sickness during her last voyage, which was likely exacerbated by her pregnancy at the time.
Though she stepped away from sailing, Naomi James’s awe-inspiring achievements and pioneering spirit continue to inspire generations of women around the world. Her courage, determination, and indomitable willpower have left an indelible mark on the world of solo sailing, earning her a prominent place in women’s history.
Awards:
– Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE)
– New Zealand Sailor of the Year (1978)