The World’s Most Famous Female Sailors Literally From Around the World

For centuries, the open sea has symbolized freedom, danger, and discovery. It has also, historically, been seen as the domain of men—an arena where strength, endurance, and leadership were assumed to be male traits. But that perception has been steadily and powerfully dismantled by women who dared to chart their own course. From navigating violent storms in tiny vessels to commanding entire crews and rewriting record books, these women have proven that courage and tenacity know no gender.

In recent decades, female sailors have not only entered the sport of sailing—they’ve redefined it. Some have done so quietly, through acts of perseverance and skill. Others have captured international attention with record-breaking journeys and daring feats that pushed the boundaries of what was thought possible. Whether sailing solo across the world’s most treacherous waters or leading teams to Olympic gold, their stories are both historic and deeply inspiring.

This article honors ten extraordinary women whose names are etched into the annals of maritime history. These are not just stories of adventure—they are stories of resilience, vision, and trailblazing determination. From 16th-century sea captains to modern solo circumnavigators, these women have shaped the legacy of sailing and inspired new generations to follow in their wake.

Born on July 15, 1936, in Poland, Krystyna Chojnowska-Liskiewicz holds a historic place in maritime history as the first woman to sail solo around the world—a feat that not only demanded extraordinary endurance and seamanship, but also broke barriers in a field long dominated by men. Known as the “First Lady of the Oceans,” Chojnowska-Liskiewicz was a trained naval engineer, which gave her a deep understanding of the technical and mechanical demands of ocean sailing.

Her journey began on March 28, 1976, when she set sail from the Canary Islands aboard her 31-foot yacht Mazurek, a boat specially constructed in Poland for the voyage. Built largely by her husband and a team of Polish craftsmen, Mazurek became both her home and her test of will as she navigated vast and unpredictable waters entirely alone.

Over the next 401 days, Chojnowska-Liskiewicz sailed an astonishing 31,166 nautical miles (57,719 kilometers), crossing the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. Her route took her through the Panama Canal and around the Cape of Good Hope—no small task even by modern standards. She battled isolation, fatigue, and the perils of the open sea without the sophisticated navigation tools available to sailors today.

She returned triumphantly to the Canary Islands on April 21, 1978, completing the first female solo circumnavigation of the globe. Her return came just weeks before another legendary sailor, Naomi James, completed a similar voyage, making Chojnowska-Liskiewicz’s timing not just groundbreaking, but also historic by a narrow margin.

While she never sought the limelight, Krystyna Chojnowska-Liskiewicz became a symbol of determination and quiet bravery, showing the world that the spirit of adventure and mastery of the seas was not reserved for men alone. Her accomplishment remains a towering inspiration in the world of sailing.

Kay Cottee, born in Sydney, Australia, in 1954, carved her name into maritime history by becoming the first woman to complete a solo, non-stop, and unassisted circumnavigation of the globe—a monumental achievement that earned her international recognition and the Order of Australia. Her groundbreaking voyage, completed in 1988, was not only a triumph of seamanship but also a powerful symbol of perseverance and independence.

Cottee undertook the challenge aboard her 11-meter yacht, Blackmores First Lady, setting sail from Sydney Harbor and returning to it 189 days later, having traveled over 22,000 nautical miles. Her journey took her through the infamous Southern Ocean and around the world’s most dangerous capes, including Cape Horn and the Cape of Good Hope—routes known for punishing weather and treacherous seas.

The voyage was anything but easy. Cottee endured massive storms, equipment failures, and a terrifying moment when her yacht capsized in 20-foot waves, washing her overboard. Tethered by a safety harness and drawing on years of experience, she pulled herself back aboard and continued on. Throughout it all, she never docked, never accepted help, and never set foot on land—a true solo and unassisted expedition.

In addition to her incredible feat, Cottee used the voyage to raise awareness and funds for disadvantaged youth through the Australian Bicentennial Voyaging Project. Her mission wasn’t just about personal achievement; it was also about inspiring the next generation to dream big and persevere.

Upon her return, Cottee was celebrated as a national hero in Australia and became a role model for sailors around the globe. Her legacy is not only preserved in record books but also in her contributions to maritime education and advocacy for women in sailing.

Laura Dekker, a Dutch sailor born in New Zealand on September 20, 1995, became a global sensation when she set out to achieve what many believed was impossible for someone her age: to become the youngest person ever to sail solo around the world. Driven by a deep connection to the sea—having spent the early years of her life sailing with her parents—Dekker developed extraordinary nautical skills from a young age and was determined to set sail on her own terms.

At just 13 years old, she announced her bold plan to complete a solo circumnavigation. The proposal sparked intense public debate and legal battles in the Netherlands, with child welfare authorities and courts intervening out of concern for her safety. For over a year, Dekker remained grounded while under shared parental custody, during which time her ambition and determination never wavered.

Finally, in July 2010, the Dutch courts released her from state supervision, and on August 21, 2010, she set sail from Gibraltar aboard her beloved 40-foot, two-masted ketch Guppy. What followed was a 518-day journey across some of the world’s most unpredictable waters. Unlike some record attempts, Dekker took time to stop and explore along the way, visiting ports and experiencing life in different cultures—choosing adventure and learning over speed alone.

On January 21, 2012, at the age of 16, she completed her circumnavigation when she sailed into Simpson Bay, Sint Maarten. Although her journey didn’t qualify for the Guinness Book of World Records due to their discontinuation of “youngest” titles, her feat was nonetheless widely celebrated and remains unmatched in terms of youth and independence.

Laura’s story is not only about breaking records, but about courage, self-reliance, and the power of passion. She later documented her experience in the award-winning film Maidentrip, and continues to inspire young adventurers through public speaking and youth sailing programs.

Dame Naomi Christine James, born March 2, 1949, in New Zealand, carved her place in maritime history by becoming the first woman to sail solo around the world via Cape Horn—one of the most dangerous and revered passages in ocean navigation. She was also only the second woman ever to complete a solo circumnavigation, following just weeks behind Polish pioneer Krystyna Chojnowska-Liskiewicz. What makes James’s accomplishment even more extraordinary is the fact that she had only learned to sail two years earlier.

Setting sail from Dartmouth, Devon, England, on September 9, 1977, aboard her 53-foot yacht Express Crusader, Naomi James tackled some of the most unforgiving waters on Earth, including the icy and storm-lashed Southern Ocean and the infamous Cape Horn. Her 272-day journey was entirely solo and largely out of communication with the world—she would go weeks without radio contact, navigating and repairing equipment alone.

Her circumnavigation route was particularly grueling. Unlike other sailors who took more favorable tropical paths, James took the traditional “Clipper Route,” battling relentless winds, mountainous seas, and near-constant cold. Despite facing multiple challenges—including a damaged rudder, broken equipment, and weeks of isolation—she pressed on with remarkable determination.

On June 8, 1978, she returned triumphantly to Dartmouth, beating the previous record for solo circumnavigation set by Sir Francis Chichester by two full days. Her success was celebrated internationally, and she was knighted shortly after, becoming Dame Naomi James—the first woman in New Zealand to be so honored for achievement in sport.

Naomi James’s story is one of boldness, resilience, and grace under pressure. A former teacher with no sailing background just a few years prior, she proved that even the loftiest of goals are within reach for those with vision and grit. Her journey inspired countless women around the world to pursue their dreams—on land or sea.

Dame Ellen MacArthur, born July 8, 1976, in Whatstandwell, Derbyshire, England, became a global icon when she set the world record for the fastest solo circumnavigation of the globe in 2005. Her accomplishment not only stunned the sailing world—it captured the imagination of millions and turned her into one of the most celebrated sailors of her generation.

From an early age, MacArthur was obsessed with sailing. As a teenager, she saved her lunch money to buy her first boat and learned to sail on the reservoir near her home. Her passion and discipline propelled her into professional sailing, where she quickly rose to prominence. In 2001, she gained international recognition after finishing second in the grueling Vendée Globe, a solo, non-stop, around-the-world yacht race known as one of the toughest tests of human endurance.

But it was on February 7, 2005, that MacArthur made history. Sailing her 75-foot trimaran B&Q/Castorama, she completed a 27,354 nautical mile solo circumnavigation in just 71 days, 14 hours, 18 minutes, and 33 seconds—smashing the previous world record by over a day. Her voyage required navigating extreme weather, high-seas exhaustion, and constant maintenance, all while racing the clock with no assistance. Her incredible focus, technical knowledge, and inner strength were tested daily.

Although her record was eventually surpassed in 2008 by French sailor Francis Joyon, MacArthur’s feat stood as the fastest by any woman—and remains a testament to her unparalleled commitment and courage. For her accomplishment, she was made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) at the age of 28—one of the youngest people ever to receive the honor.

In the years following her retirement from professional sailing, MacArthur shifted her focus to environmental advocacy, founding the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, which promotes the global transition to a circular economy. Today, she is just as admired for her leadership in sustainability as she is for her legendary voyage.

Galia Moss, born in Mexico, made history in 2006 when she became the first Latin American woman to complete a solo sailing journey across the Atlantic Ocean. Her courageous 41-day voyage not only etched her name into the Guinness Book of World Records, but also showcased the power of using adventure as a force for good.

Sailing alone aboard her yacht Santo, Moss navigated the vast and unpredictable waters of the Atlantic, enduring intense weather conditions and the solitude that comes with such a monumental endeavor. Her crossing demonstrated not just skill and stamina, but remarkable mental resilience. She joined the elite ranks of solo ocean voyagers—a group still largely dominated by men—and instantly became a national hero in Mexico.

But what truly set Moss apart was her decision to turn her historic crossing into a humanitarian mission. Partnering with a Mexican NGO, she pledged to donate one home to a low-income family for every eight nautical miles she sailed. By the end of her journey, she had raised enough funds to build 644 homes for families in need, transforming her personal feat into a large-scale act of social impact.

Moss has since continued to advocate for social change and empowerment through adventure. Her efforts have helped shift perceptions of what Latin American women can achieve in fields like sailing, exploration, and philanthropy. Her story is one of determination, generosity, and breaking boundaries, inspiring countless others to dream big and give back.

Born around 1530 in County Mayo, Ireland, Grace O’Malley (Gráinne Ní Mháille in Irish) is remembered as one of the most formidable women in maritime history—a legendary chieftain, sailor, and pirate who defied the conventions of her time. While many tales of swashbuckling sailors are myth, Grace’s life was very real and remarkably well-documented for a 16th-century woman.

Following the death of her father, Eoghan Dubhdara Ó Máille, who commanded both land and sea in the rugged province of Connacht, Grace stepped into power—even though her brother remained alive. In a patriarchal society where women were rarely permitted to lead, she assumed full control of the Ó Máille fleet, fortresses, and territory, becoming both a clan leader and a maritime force.

She commanded dozens of ships and hundreds of men, operating from strategically placed coastal castles. Her domain spanned the west coast of Ireland, where she ruled the seas through a combination of trade, diplomacy, and piracy—often exacting tolls from English and Spanish vessels passing through her waters.

Nicknamed the “Pirate Queen,” O’Malley built her power at a time when England’s crown was extending its reach into Ireland, threatening Gaelic culture and autonomy. She resisted fiercely. Her most famous encounter was with Queen Elizabeth I herself in 1593, when Grace, then in her 60s, famously sailed to London to negotiate the release of her captured sons and her lands. She met the English queen as an equal, refusing to bow as a fellow sovereign, and spoke in Latin, the only language they had in common.

Despite English attempts to suppress Irish chieftains, Grace O’Malley retained her influence late into her life and became a symbol of Irish resistance, independence, and female empowerment. Today, she is celebrated in folklore, music, literature, and even statues—a towering maritime figure who commanded fleets and challenged empires.

Shirley Ann Robertson, born July 15, 1968, in Dundee, Scotland, is one of the most accomplished Olympic sailors in British history, earning a reputation as both a fierce competitor and an ambassador for the sport. In a field where consistency is notoriously hard to maintain, Robertson achieved the extraordinary: she became the first British woman to win two Olympic gold medals in sailing at consecutive games—Sydney 2000 and Athens 2004.

Her Olympic career began in 1992, but it was her dominant performance at the 2000 Sydney Games, where she won gold in the Europe class, that truly launched her into the spotlight. She followed that victory with another gold at the 2004 Athens Olympics as part of the Yngling class crew, making history and solidifying her legacy. For her outstanding performance and contributions to the sport, she was awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) and was named ISAF (now World Sailing) Female World Sailor of the Year in 2000.

Beyond Olympic waters, Robertson has continued to blaze trails in the often male-dominated world of professional sailing. She became a respected figure in the superyacht regatta circuit, notably taking the helm of the 45-meter sailing yacht Salperton—a rarity for any sailor, and particularly rare for a woman. She skippered Salperton in three high-profile Caribbean and Sardinian regattas, proving her skill not just in small competitive vessels, but also in commanding multi-million-dollar superyachts in elite racing events.

Today, Shirley Robertson is not only an Olympic legend but also a leading broadcaster, commentator, and advocate for women in sailing, using her voice and experience to champion diversity and elevate the visibility of the sport.

Jeanne Socrates, born August 17, 1942, in the United Kingdom, is a living testament to the idea that it’s never too late to chase bold dreams. At the age of 70, she completed one of the most demanding feats in sailing: a solo, nonstop circumnavigation of the globe—making her the oldest woman ever to do so. Her voyage, completed in 2013, still holds the world record.

A former schoolteacher who began sailing later in life, Socrates didn’t come from a professional racing background. What she lacked in early training, she made up for in grit, discipline, and courage. Her 38-foot yacht, Nereida, became her world for 259 days at sea as she navigated alone—without setting foot on land and without assistance—around some of the most treacherous waters on Earth.

Her journey began and ended in Victoria, British Columbia, making her the only woman to ever complete a solo nonstop circumnavigation starting from North America. Along the way, she battled massive storms, equipment failures, and the mental toll of extreme isolation. Despite it all, she pressed on with unwavering focus and seamanship honed through years of trial, error, and passion for sailing.

For her extraordinary voyage, Socrates was awarded two of the sailing world’s most prestigious honors: the Cruising Club of America’s Blue Water Medal and the Royal Cruising Club’s Medal for Seamanship—awards given only to those whose voyages exemplify endurance, bravery, and exceptional skill.

More than a record-setter, Jeanne Socrates has become an inspiration to sailors and adventurers of all ages, proving that determination and spirit can defy expectations, age, and even the limits of the open sea.

Born in 1777 in Iceland, Thuridur Einarsdóttir, widely known as Skipper Thuridur, was one of the earliest known female sailors and sea captains in the world. In an era when women were expected to remain ashore, Thuridur defied tradition and carved out an extraordinary maritime career in one of the harshest seafaring environments on Earth.

At just 11 years old, she began working alongside her father on a fishing crew—learning to row, navigate, and captain heavy wooden rowboats through the stormy and frigid North Atlantic seas. Her natural aptitude quickly became evident. While most crews were led by men, Thuridur earned the respect of her fellow sailors through her sharp instincts, iron discipline, and unmatched seamanship.

Throughout her career, she commanded boats from the rugged Westman Islands and later from the south coast of Iceland. She not only excelled at fishing and navigating but also became known for her impeccable safety record—never losing a crew member during decades of service, an extraordinary achievement given the deadly conditions of Icelandic waters in the 18th and 19th centuries.

In a time when formal recognition for women was rare, Thuridur earned the title of “skipper,” a rank typically reserved for men. Her legacy is so enduring that her preserved seafaring garments are on display at the Skógar Folk Museum, and her life story is taught in Icelandic schools as a symbol of resilience, leadership, and quiet rebellion.

Thuridur passed away in 1863 at the age of 86, having spent nearly her entire life on or near the sea. Today, she is celebrated not only as a pioneer of women in maritime professions but also as one of the great unsung heroes of Icelandic nautical history.

From daring pirates to record-setting solo voyagers, the women featured in this article redefined what’s possible at sea. Their courage, skill, and perseverance shattered centuries of maritime tradition and opened the door for future generations to follow. As you reflect on their extraordinary journeys, may their stories continue to inspire boldness—not just on the water, but in all areas of life.