Puig Women’s America’s Cup

Women in Sailing

A Short History

When the AC40s with their all-female crews approach the starting line at the first-ever Puig Women’s America’s Cup in Barcelona in October 2024, Canada will be ready. Isabella Bertold and the team are excited to race against the world’s best female sailors. These remarkable women will inspire future sailors and break down barriers as they sail their way to glory. But before we dive into this groundbreaking event, let’s take a moment to explore the history of women in sailing and the challenges they have overcome.

1900
Making History in Paris
Representing Switzerland, Hélène de Pourtalès, was the first female Olympian and the first female Olympic medalist in any discipline when she won gold and silver racing with her husband and nephew at the 1900 Paris Olympics.
1984
Los Angeles Gold
The Windglider event was the first women-only sailing event in Olympic history at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. It was also Canada's first Olympic Gold medal in sailing, won by Karen Morch.
1989
Maiden Voyage
Tracy Edwards, a British sailor, and her crew achieved a groundbreaking milestone by becoming the first all-female team to compete in the renowned Whitbread Round the World Race, now known as The Ocean Race.
1992
Women making a splash at the America’s Cup
Dawn Riley made history as the first female sailor to compete aboard the America 3 yacht. In 1995, she took it a giant step further by helming the first all-female team. Their debut race was truly remarkable as they defeated the four-time America’s Cup winner, Dennis Conner.
2006
Solo Voyage
In 2006, British sailor Dee Caffari embarked on a groundbreaking solo non-stop voyage, sailing westward against prevailing winds and currents. Then, in 2009, she achieved another historic milestone by becoming the first woman to sail solo, non-stop, around the world in both directions during the Vendee Globe race.
2010
Youngest Solo Voyager
Laura Dekker, a 15-year-old Dutch sailor, achieved the remarkable feat of becoming the youngest female sailor to sail around the world. Her epic journey spanned 16 months and took place on her 38-foot yacht named Guppy.
2017
Promoting Gender Inclusion
In the 13th edition of the Volvo Ocean Race around the world, a new inclusion was made by introducing male/female ratios for each team. This allowed the top female international sailors to participate and compete alongside their male counterparts.
2023
America’s Cup–the Women’s Edition
Moth sailing: Isabella Bertold at a Team Canada Women's America's Cup training camp in Pensacola, Florida.