Kirsten Neuschäfer makes sailing history as first woman to win Golden Globe Race 2022

After 235 days of sailing solo around the world without modern technology, Kirsten Neuschäfer has made history by becoming the first woman to win the Golden Globe Race 2022. The 39-year-old South African crossed the finish line in Les Sables-d'Olonne, France, on Thursday evening, beating 15 male competitors in one of the most challenging and prestigious sailing events.

Neuschäfer, who has been sailing since her childhood and working as a professional sailor since 2006, embarked on her epic voyage on September 4, 2022, aboard her 36-foot Cape George Cutter named Minnehaha. She faced fierce storms, high seas, equipment failures and loneliness as she navigated her way around the five Great Capes using only a sextant, paper charts and a windvane for self-steering. She also performed several acts of heroism along the way, such as rescuing a fellow competitor whose boat sank in the Indian Ocean and assisting a film crew documenting the wildlife of South Georgia and Antarctica.

Neuschäfer said she was drawn to the race by its simplicity and authenticity, as well as by the challenge of sailing alone. "The single-handed aspect was the one that drew me," she told NPR in February. "I really like the aspect of sailing by celestial navigation, sailing old school."

The Golden Globe Race is a tribute to the original race of 1968, which was the first nonstop solo circumnavigation of the globe. Only one sailor, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, completed that race, while several others dropped out or died. The race was revived in 2018 to celebrate its 50th anniversary and has been held every four years since then. Neuschäfer is now the fourth person and the first woman to win the Golden Globe Race.

Neuschäfer was greeted by a large crowd of supporters and admirers as she sailed into the harbor, where she was congratulated by Knox-Johnston and other sailing legends. She said she was overwhelmed by the reception and by her achievement. "It's surreal. I can't believe it," she said. "It's been such a long journey, such a roller coaster of emotions. I'm so happy and so grateful."

Neuschäfer's closest rival, Abhilash Tomy, an Indian navy commander, arrived a day later in second place. Another competitor, Austrian sailor Michael Guggenberger, is still at sea and is expected to finish in third place in a few days.

Neuschäfer said she plans to take some time off to rest and recover from her ordeal, but she also hinted at future adventures. "I love sailing and I love exploring," she said. "There's always something new to see and learn."

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Thank you for reporting this story. Her achievement and saving the life of someone should be reported on all Networks.

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Surely she's the only woman to win the Golden Globe Race 2022?