Photo: Kirsten Neuschäfer crossed the Golden Globe Race finished line and became the first woman to win the event, or any solo, non-stop, round the world yacht race for that matter.
Photo Credit: Twitter
Photo: Congratulations to our world-class sailing star Kirsten Neuschäfer. She spent 235 days in an event that required competitors to sail without GPS and other technology.
South African sailor, Kirsten Neuschäfer emerged victorious in the prestigious Golden Globe round-the-world race, renowned as the sailing world’s ultimate test of endurance.
This extraordinary race forbids the use of modern technology for navigation, demanding participants to rely solely on paper charts and sextants.
In an impressive display of skill and determination, Neuschäfer not only clinched the coveted victory, but she also crossed the finish line a full day ahead of her closest rival and undertook a rescue mission to save fellow competitor Tapio Lehtinen when his boat sank.
Pretoria-born Neuschäfer’s is the first woman in the race’s history to have taken first place and talents extends beyond her sailing prowess. Previously, she traversed Africa on a bicycle, and she devoted her leisure time on the vessel, learning the Xhosa language and reading books.
South African president Cyril Ramaphosa congratulated Kirsten Neuschäfer – the first woman to win a round-the-world solo yacht race.
Congratulating Kristen Neuschäfer, President Ramaphosa described her as ”our world-class sailing star.” In a tweet on Sunday, the South African leader said ”we are proud of you, Kirsten!” for winning the’prestigious and demanding Golden Globe Race.”
Kirsten Neuschäfer, 40, started the trip on September 4 last year, spending nearly 235 days in the solo world tour.
She completed the tour after crossing the finish line off Les Sables-d’Olonne in France on Thursday night, which coincided with South Africa’s Freedom Day.