Women have taken the world by storm on different occasions, for different reasons. Sadly that has never stopped world from judging them as ‘weaker’ sex. But that only means women have sought even greater pleasure in proving their mettle time and again. Marine world was a world considered way out of a woman’s domain.
However, the notion changed when woman sailors arrived and arrived big. Here is a list of top woman sailors who changed the history forever.
1. Grace O’ Malley
Considered one of the best female sailors of the world, her life presents a tale of heroism, sailing skills and determination. She was born in Ireland and took over sailing after her father’s death. But when she did that, she not only set out to do what she loved but also to prove to the world that she was just as fine as any of her male counterparts when it came to sea life.
Even though history refers her as the greatest female ‘pirate’ of the world, there is no denying the fact that her sailing skills were better than most of the male sailors at the time, hence making her such an efficient pirate. Also it indicates the extent of traditional norms that she broke through her life and earned her current status. Pirate or not, Grace O’ Malley continues to be one of the best female sailors of the world.
2. Skipper Thuridur
One of the world’s earliest woman sailors, Skipper Thuridur was a celebrated fishing captain in Iceland. Considered to be a pro at sailing and all its aspects especially rowing and steering of heavy wooden open boats, her skills made her one of the most efficient fishing captains in the area.
Her sailing career started at a young age of eleven years when she first joined her father’s fishing crew, never to leave it again. It was then that she discovered the true love of her life and paved way for many more female sailors to come in the future.
3. Krystyna Chojnowska- Liskiewicz
On 21st April, 1978, the world history changed for better and forever. A young woman sailor docked her ship ‘Mazurek’, a Conrad in Poland becoming the first female sailor of the world to have single handedly circumnavigated the earth.
She completed her voyage in a span of 401 says without any break. Her trip was eventful, journey was difficult but the ultimate reward was sweeter than entire toil.
4. Naomi James
A young sea ‘fearing’ but determined woman set out to test waters of the world’s oceans and returned a meager 272 days later on 8thJune, 1978.
The reason this span has been referred to as meager is because her trip was around the world! Completing a circumnavigation of earth in 272 days, this young woman sailor broke the earlier record for the same held by Sir Francs Chichester by two days. Add to it the fact that she made this trip on her own and you shall be able to appreciate extent of her skill and prowess at sailing much better.
5. Kay cottee
This Australian sailor made the world sit and notice her presence when she completed a single handed voyage around the world in a span of 189 days.
In 1988, at an age of 34 years, she set out from Watsons Bay to travel across the globe in her yacht named ‘ Blackmore’s first lady’. 189 days later, she made an entry into the Sydney Harbor and the world history for ever. Securing her name in the list of top female sailors of the world, she became an inspiration for many more like her.
Female sailors have made their presence felt. These are only five of such women who changed the world but there are numerous such women who have contributed to the marine world by breaking the norms and just going for what their hearts desired.
Do you think there are more fabulous female sailors that are worth mentioning? If yes, we would love to hear about them.
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