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Lynne Jewel Shore, born in 1959 in Burbank, California, is an American sailor and Olympic champion who has left an indelible mark on the sport. She was named Yachtswoman of the Year in 1980 and became the champion of the International Yacht Racing Union in 1980 and 1984. In the 1988 Olympics, she won a gold medal in the 470 Class, solidifying her place in sailing history.
Timothea “Timmy” Larr, a naval architect and three-time winner of the United States Women’s Sailing Championship, is a renowned figure in the sailing community. Her dedication to designing innovative boats and her numerous victories in different championships have solidified her reputation as one of the most accomplished female sailors of her time. Larr’s contributions to the sport continue to inspire women and contribute to the rich history of women in sailing.
Dawn Riley (born July 21, 1964) is an American sailor and a pioneering figure in the sport of sailboat racing. With her numerous achievements and trailblazing efforts, Riley has become a respected icon in the sailing world.
Galia Moss, the first Latin American sailor to solo cross the Atlantic Ocean, embarked on her awe-inspiring journey in 2006, covering a staggering nine thousand miles in just 41 days. Her determination and fearlessness earned her a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records. Moss’s tenacious spirit and philanthropic efforts make her an inspiration for future generations of women adventurers.
Kay Cottee AO made history in 1988 as the first woman to perform a single-handed, non-stop and unassisted circumnavigation of the world. She faced numerous challenges, including being washed overboard in the treacherous Southern Ocean. Cottee used her voyage to raise over $1 million for a worthy cause and has since become a respected figure in the realm of solo sailing.
Jennifer J. Isler, a highly accomplished American yachtswoman, began her sailing journey at the age of 7 and quickly rose to prominence in the sport. As the first female captain of the Yale sailing team, Isler’s exceptional skill and leadership set her apart. With numerous championship wins and Olympic medals, she was a trailblazer in women’s sailing and her contributions continue to inspire future generations of female sailors.
Allison Jolly, an American sailor and Olympic champion, began her sailing career at the age of 10. After winning the Inter-Collegiate Sailing Association National Championships in 1975 and 1976, she became the youngest woman to win the US Sailor of the Year Awards in 1976. Jolly’s dedication to sailing led her to success, including winning a gold medal in the 470 Class at the 1988 Summer Olympics, making her the only American female sailor to achieve this feat. She continues to contribute to the sport as the head coach of the Bulls sailing team at the University of South Florida.
Þuríður Einarsdóttir (Thuridur Einarsdottir), commonly known as Foreman Thuridur or Þuríður formaður, was an Icelandic sea captain born in 1777. She is best known for her groundbreaking career as a fisherman and for her instrumental role in identifying the perpetrators of the infamous Kambur robbery in 1827. Throughout her life, Thuridur defied societal norms and became a highly respected and skilled captain in Iceland.
Elizabeth “Betsy” Gelentis Alison is an American sailor who has made significant contributions to the world of sailing. Born and raised in the United States, Alison discovered her passion for sailing at a young age.
Marion Rice Hart (10 October 1891 – July 2, 1990) was an American sportswoman, writer, and trailblazer for women in engineering and exploration. She became the first woman to graduate in chemical engineering from MIT and achieved notable accomplishments in various fields throughout her remarkable life. Marion’s accomplishments in a male-dominated field were groundbreaking, setting the stage for future generations of women in engineering. Her relentless pursuit of her passions, fearless exploration of uncharted territories, and unwavering commitment to breaking barriers have left an indelible mark on history, making her a truly remarkable and enduring figure in women’s history.
Gráinne O’Malley, also known as Grace O’Malley, was a formidable figure in Irish history. Born around 1530, she defied societal norms to become the head of the Ó Máille dynasty. Known for her exceptional leadership and fearlessness, she commanded her own fleet and engaged in battles along the western coast of Ireland. Her story resonates as an example of a powerful and resilient woman in history.
Shirley Ann Robertson, OBE DL, born on 15 July 1968, is a renowned British sailor and Olympic gold medalist. She has etched her name in the annals of history by becoming the first British woman to win an Olympic gold medal at consecutive games, capturing glory in Sydney 2000 and Athens 2004.
Dame Ellen MacArthur, born in 1976 in Whatstandwell, Derbyshire, developed a deep passion for sailing at a young age. Overcoming financial challenges, she pursued her dreams and went on to break the world record for the fastest solo circumnavigation of the globe. Her achievements and contributions have made her a role model for many, inspiring them with her determination, resilience, and commitment to creating a more sustainable future.
Dame Naomi Christine James, DBE, made history as the first woman to sail single-handedly around the world via Cape Horn. Overcoming obstacles and defying the odds, she completed her incredible voyage in 1978, solidifying her place in sailing history and bringing attention to women’s capabilities in solo sailing. Her pioneering spirit and remarkable achievements continue to inspire generations of women around the world.
Laura Dekker, a New Zealand-born Dutch sailor, became the youngest person to circumnavigate the globe single-handedly. Her seafaring journey began in Whangarei, New Zealand, during her parents’ seven-year sailing trip. Dekker embraced her diverse heritage and spent the first five years of her life at sea. She embarked on various sailing ventures, culminating in her remarkable solo circumnavigation at the age of 16. Her achievement was a testament to her courage and skill, leaving an indelible mark in sailing history.
Krystyna Chojnowska-Liskiewicz (15 July 1936 – 13 June 2021) was a Polish naval engineer and sailor, known for being the first woman to have sailed single-handed (solo) around the world. Her remarkable accomplishment mirrored that of Joshua Slocum, who achieved the same feat earlier. Chojnowska-Liskiewicz embarked on her journey on 28 March 1976, departing from the Canary Islands, and returned there on 21 April 1978, completing a challenging circumnavigation of 31,166 nautical miles (57,719 km) in 401 days.
Frances McElwain Wakeman, known as Frannie Wakeman, was a trailblazing sailor in the early 20th century. With her exceptional skills and dedication, she won the prestigious Adams Cup for women’s sailing championship four years in a row and inspired aspiring female sailors. Wakeman’s legacy continues to be recognized, with championships named after her and her induction into the New England Women’s Sports Hall of Fame in 2003.
Jeanne Socrates, born on August 17, 1942, is an esteemed British yachtswoman hailing from Lymington. Throughout her remarkable sailing career, she has achieved numerous accolades and set multiple records, solidifying her prominent position in the world of solo circumnavigation.