South Africa’s Kirsten Neuschäfer has made history by becoming the first woman to win a round-the-world race and the first SA sailor to win a round-the-world event.
The 40-year-old from the Eastern Cape arrived in Les Sables d'Olonne in France on her vessel, Minnehaha, on Thursday evening after about eight months at sea, winning the Golden Globe Race.
According to a post on the GGR Facebook page, Neuschäfer “officially became the first woman to win a round-the-world race by the three great capes, including solo and fully crewed races, non-stop or with stops.”
Neuschäfer, who hails from Nelson Mandela Bay, has been at sea for about 8 months since the race started on 4 September 2022.
She received warm embraces from family and friends who travelled to France to see her arrive to a tumultuous welcome.
According to the Golden Globe Race website, "Kirsten has been sailing dinghies since her childhood, but sailing since 2006 as a profession. From sailing training to sailboat deliveries, she built a diverse set of skills and experience."
"Along with sailing, she also enjoys other solitary adventures. She cycled from Europe back home to South Africa (15000 km over approximately one year) on her own when she was just 22."
Yachting Monthly said she spent “exactly 235 days at sea” arriving in France at 9 pm CEST.
