6 Women Sailors Who Sailed Around the World

Sailing around the world is a remarkable feat of courage, skill, and determination. Historically dominated by men, the sailing world has witnessed several women sailors who have achieved excellence in the sport. So, today we celebrate the accomplishments of five remarkable women who made history by circumnavigating the globe: Krystyna Chojnowska-Liskiewicz, Naomi James, Kay Cottee, Tracy Edwards, Ellen MacArthur and Jessica Watson. Through their stories of courage, they have left a strong mark on the sport. They continue to inspire new adventurers to follow their dreams and break barriers.

Krystyna Chojnowska-Liskiewicz (1936 – 2021) 

Krystyna Chojnowska-Liskiewicz, a Polish sailor and naval engineer, made history as the first woman to sail solo around the world. She set off from the Canary Islands on March 28th, 1976, aboard Mazurek, her yacht. She crossed the Atlantic Ocean and passed through the Panama Canal. Then she sailed across the Pacific and Indian Oceans, rounded the Cape of Good Hope and returned to the Canary Islands. After sailing for over 401 days, covering approximately 31,166 nautical miles, she completed her journey on April 21st, 1978. 

Chojnowska-Liskiewicz received the Silver Sextant, the most important Polish sailing award. She also received the Gold Medal for Outstanding Sports Achievements and the Silver Medal from the Ministry of Sport and Youth of France. Krystyna Chojnowska-Liskiewicz was crucial in popularising sailing, especially in Poland. She also served as an inspiration for countless budding women sailors.

Naomi James (1949 – present)

Naomi James is a New Zealand sailor who made history as the first woman to sail alone around the world on the Clipper Route via Cape Horn. James departed from Dartmouth, UK, on September 9th, 1977, aboard the 53-foot yacht Express Crusader. She only had about six weeks of sailing experience before embarking, making her accomplishment all the more impressive. Moreover, James overcame numerous challenges, including treacherous weather, technical issues, and extended solitude. The boat capsized and nearly lost its mast. James also didn’t have radio communication for several weeks. However, after 272 days and approximately 27,000 nautical miles, Naomi James arrived back in Dartmouth on June 8th 1978.

James achieved international recognition as a result of her record-breaking voyage. For example, New Zealand named her the 1978 Sailor of the Year, and she became Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in 1979. James retired in 1982, but her courageous spirit continues to inspire women sailors. 

Kay Cottee (1954 – present) 

Kay Cottee, a Sydney native, grew up sailing and yachting. In 1987, Cottee set off to sail solo around the world, without stops or outside assistance. She became the first woman to achieve this. She set sail from Sydney Harbour on November 29th, 1987, on her yacht, Blackmore’s First Lady. Cottee faced numerous challenges during her journey. Off the south coast of Africa, 100-knot winds hit the boat. It capsized and threw her overboard. Fortunately, two safety lines secured her, which ultimately saved her life. 

After a challenging 189-day and 22,100-nautical-mile journey, Cottee returned to Sydney on June 5th, 1988. 100,000 supporters were cheering in Sydney Harbour to welcome her back. As a result of her achievement, Cottee was propelled into the international spotlight, leading to numerous awards. This included the 1988 Australian of the Year award and her appointment as an officer of the Order of Australia. Cottee’s response to triumphing in a male-dominated sport was as follows: “I was brought up believing there is no such thing as a man’s world or a woman’s world. It’s everyone’s world!”

Tracy Edwards (1962 – present) 

Tracy Edwards is a pioneering British yachtswoman. In 1989, she skippered the yacht Maiden, becoming the first woman to lead an all-female crew in the gruelling Whitbread Round the World Race, finishing in second place. They faced immense challenges during the 32,000 nautical mile competition, including giant waves, storms, and encounters with whales and icebergs. However, the obstacles began well before the race itself. It took Edwards four years to join the race because she struggled to find sponsors for her all-female crew. Eventually, they found support from King Hussein of Jordan, enabling them to compete.

Edwards’ accomplishments in sailing and her efforts to promote gender equality have established her as a prominent figure in the sailing community. The 2018 documentary, Maiden, depicted her remarkable journey, and she became an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in 1989. Edwards was also the first woman to receive the ‘Yachtsman of the Year’ (YOTY) title in 1989 and again in 2018. More recently, Edwards established The Maiden Factor Foundation, a charitable organisation dedicated to supporting and empowering girls around the world through education.

Ellen MacArthur (1976 – present) 

Ellen MacArthur is one of the most accomplished long-distance solo women sailors. She grew up in Derbyshire, England, and discovered sailing at a young age. She soon began competing in local and offshore races. In 1998, she became the youngest Yachtsman of the Year (YOTY) recipient at 22 for her Route du Rhum Race performance. In 2001, at 24, MacArthur gained international recognition by finishing second in the gruelling Vendée Globe race. She was the youngest competitor to complete this solo, non-stop circumnavigation. This led to her appointment as MBE and a second YOTY award.

However, MacArthur’s most significant feat came in 2005. She beat the world record for the fastest solo circumnavigation of the globe. Sailing her trimaran B&Q/Castorama, she completed the journey in 71 days, 14 hours, 18 minutes, and 33 seconds. Following her return, she was the youngest person to be appointed DBE and was awarded her third YOTY. She also received the rank of Honorary Lieutenant Commander for the Royal Naval Reserve.

Following her record-breaking voyage, Ellen MacArthur focused on raising awareness about sustainability and the environment. In 2009, she created the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, a non-profit that promotes the idea of a circular economy. The foundation aims to accelerate the transition to a regenerative and restorative economic model that reduces waste and promotes sustainability. MacArthur’s incredible sailing accomplishments and dedication to sustainability have made her an influential and respected figure in sports and environmental advocacy.

Jessica Watson (1993 – present)

Jessica Watson is an Australian sailor who became widely known for her solo, non-stop, unassisted voyage around the world at just 16 years old. She departed Sydney on October 18th, 2009, aboard her 34-foot yacht Ella’s Pink Lady, sailing more than 21,000 nautical miles across the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian Oceans and around Cape Horn before returning to Sydney Harbour on May 15th, 2010, after 210 days at sea.

During her circumnavigation, Watson faced severe storms, multiple knockdowns and long periods of isolation, all while managing her boat, repairs and navigation completely alone. Her achievement sparked worldwide attention and made her a role model for young adventurers. She received numerous honours, including Young Australian of the Year and the Medal of the Order of Australia.

With their remarkable voyages, Krystyna Chojnowska-Liskiewicz, Naomi James, Kay Cottee, Tracy Edwards and Ellen MacArthur defied expectations and opened the way for future generations of sailors. Their legacies are a testament to the power of perseverance and the boundless possibilities that await those who brave uncharted territories.