First All-Female Crew Completes Nonstop World Sail in 57 Days
A Historic Voyage: The First All-Female Crew to Sail Around the World
Two British women have made history by becoming the first all-female crew to sail around the world without stopping. Dee Caffari, 53, and Deborah Blair, 23, were part of an eight-woman team that completed the journey in 57 days, 21 hours, and 20 minutes. Their arrival at Brest Harbour in France marked a significant milestone in maritime history.
This achievement is particularly notable as it is the first time in 26 years that such a feat has been attempted. The crew managed to complete the voyage without any outside assistance, making their accomplishment even more remarkable.
Dee Caffari shared her feelings about the achievement, stating, "I think there are very few firsts left in the world, so to achieve one is really special, and I think it's going to take a little time to process it." Her words reflect the magnitude of what the team accomplished.
The journey began on November 28 near Ushant, off the coast of Brittany, which is also the starting point for the around-the-world Jules World Trophy. The crew navigated through various challenging waters, including the Atlantic Ocean, the southern Ocean, and the Pacific Ocean. They also circled Antarctica, showcasing their endurance and skill.
Throughout the trip, the team traveled south down the Atlantic, skirted the coast of Portugal, and passed between west Africa and South America. They then looped around the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa before heading east through the southern and Pacific Oceans. The crew continued their journey by circling Antarctica and rounding the south of Cape Horn at the tip of South America.
Instead of making stops to replenish supplies, the team relied on the food and drink stored on board the trimaran. Their living conditions were modest, with bunk-style hammocks and a small kitchen. Despite these challenges, the crew faced gale-force winds and other obstacles with determination.
The team was led by skipper Alexia Barrier and included two Olympic medallists. Their ability to overcome the difficulties they encountered was a testament to their strength and teamwork. When they arrived in Brest, cheering crowds lined the docks, marking the first time the crew had set foot on dry land in two months.
Caffari expressed her pride in the achievement, saying, "I think the highlight is to have the opportunity in the first place, so crossing the start line, and then reaching our second objective which was to cross the finish line. We've had our challenges along the way and we've overcome them all, and that makes me feel very proud."
Other members of the historic team included Spanish 2012 Olympic champion Tamara Echegoyen, Dutch 2008 Olympic silver medallist Annemieke Bes, American-Italian Molly LaPointe, New Zealander Rebecca Gmuer-Hornell, and Australian Stacey Jackson. Each member brought unique skills and experiences to the journey.
The Royal Yachting Association praised the efforts of Dee Caffari and Deborah Blair, stating, "Congratulations to British sailors Dee Caffari and Deborah Blair on inspiring future generations, and writing their names in the history books."
Notably, no all-female team has attempted this voyage in the 21st Century, with the last attempt in 1999 ending in failure. This recent achievement highlights the progress and determination of female sailors in the maritime world.
The impressive feat comes just days after a crew led by French sailor Thomas Coville completed the fastest ever journey around the world, finishing the journey in just 40 days, 10 hours, and 45 minutes. This sets a new benchmark for speed in global sailing.
The story of this all-female crew serves as an inspiration to many, proving that with perseverance and teamwork, anything is possible. Their journey not only breaks barriers but also paves the way for future generations of female sailors.
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