Sailers

Throughout history, women have continually challenged the limits of the sea — sailing solo across vast oceans, racing around the world, and redefining what’s possible in one of the toughest arenas on earth. From early pioneers who braved global voyages alone to modern-day record-breakers competing in the world’s most demanding ocean races, these remarkable sailors have made history through courage, skill, and determination.

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This page celebrates their milestones — charting the evolution of women in sailing through solo voyages, record-setting achievements, and groundbreaking races.

 

Pioneers of Solo Circumnavigation

These women paved the way for all who followed — undertaking monumental voyages at a time when solo ocean sailing was dominated by men.

 

• First woman to sail single-handed around the world — Krystyna Chojnowska-Liskiewicz (Poland) — 401 days — 21 April 1978

• First woman to sail single-handed around the globe via Cape Horn — Dame Naomi James (New Zealand) — 272 days — 8 June 1978

• First woman to perform a single-handed, non-stop and unassisted circumnavigation of the world — Kay Cottee (Australia) — 189 days — 5 June 1988

• Oldest woman to circumnavigate the world single-handed (non-stop from North America) — Jeanne Socrates (UK) — 259 days — 8 July 2013

• Youngest person to sail solo around the world — Laura Dekker (Netherlands/New Zealand) — 518 days — age 16 — 21 January 2012

 

Speed & Distance Records

These sailors set new benchmarks for endurance and performance, pushing both themselves and their boats to the absolute limit.

 

• Fastest woman to complete a solo non-stop circumnavigation of the globe (any vessel) — Dame Ellen MacArthur (UK) — 71 d 14 h 18 m — 7 February 2005

• Fastest woman to complete a solo non-stop monohull circumnavigation (Vendée Globe) — Justine Mettraux (Switzerland) — 76 d 01 h 36 m — 25 January 2025 

• First woman to sail solo non-stop around Antarctica — Lisa Blair (Australia) — 92 d 18 h 21 m — 25 May 2022

• First American woman to sail solo non-stop around the world (Class 40 yacht) — Cole Brauer (USA) — 130 d 2 h 45 m — 7 March 2024

 

Regional & Route Firsts

Women around the world continue to achieve “firsts” in their regions — blazing new routes and representing their nations on the global stage.

 

• First Latin American woman to sail solo across the Atlantic Ocean — Galia Moss (Mexico) — 41 days — 2006

• First Indian women to complete a double-handed circumnavigation — Lt Cdr Dilna K & Lt Cdr Roopa A (India) — 29 May 2025

• First All-Women Tri-Service Circumnavigation (Army, Navy, Air Force) — IASV Triveni Crew (India) — ongoing, 2025

 

Racing & Competitive Achievements

Women have made history in the world’s most challenging sailing competitions — from the Whitbread to the Vendée Globe.

 

• First woman to lead an all-female crew in the Whitbread Round the World Race — Tracy Edwards MBE (UK) — 1989

• Closest female finish to victory in the Vendée Globe — Dame Ellen MacArthur (UK) — 2nd place — 94 d 4 h — 2000–2001 edition

• Youngest sailor to complete the Vendée Globe — Violette Dorange (France) — 90 d 22 h 37 m — 9 February 2025

• First women to participate in the Vendée Globe — Isabelle Autissier & Catherine Chabaud (France) — 1996–1997

• First woman to complete the Vendée Globe (solo, non-stop, unassisted race) — Catherine Chabaud (France) — 6th place — 1996–1997 edition

 

Olympic & Professional Sailing

Women have also excelled at the highest levels of competitive sailing — from Olympic gold medals to global recognition.

 

• First British woman to win two Olympic gold medals (Sailing) — Shirley Robertson (UK) — Sydney 2000 and Athens 2004

• Female World Sailor of the Year (ISAF) — Shirley Robertson (UK) — 2000

 

Major Races & Global Events Featuring Women

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Clipper Round the World Race

A biennial global sailing race that takes paying amateur crews on one or more legs of a circumnavigation aboard identical yachts owned by Clipper Ventures. Website

 

Vendée Globe

A solo, non-stop, and unassisted race around the world — often called “The Everest of the Seas.”

Launched in 1989, it runs every four years and covers approximately 26,000 nautical miles. Website