Women’s History Month is the perfect time to recognize trailblazers who changed the world—and on the water, there are plenty to celebrate. From female sailors who circumnavigated the globe to industry leaders reshaping recreational boating today, women have always been a force on the water.
So, who are the women who made boating history? Here’s a look at some of the most inspiring women in boating history, the leaders making waves right now, and the organizations helping more women find their sea legs.
Who are some women who made boating history?
Across centuries and seas, bold women have set sail, broken barriers, and rewritten maritime history. These famous women boaters didn’t just participate—they paved the way.
Tracy Edwards—Skipper of the First All-Female Crew in the Whitbread Round the World Race (1989–1990)
Told that women didn’t belong on offshore racing boats, Tracy Edwards built her own team. At just 26, Edwards skippered the first all-female crew in the 1989–90 Whitbread Round the World Race (now The Ocean Race). They not only finished but won two legs of the race, silencing critics and inspiring a generation of women sailors. Edwards was named Yachtsman of the Year by the Yachting Journalists' Association—the first woman to earn the honor.
Jeanne Baret—The First Woman to Circumnavigate the Globe (1766–1769)
Jeanne Baret holds a remarkable place in maritime history. In the 18th century, Baret disguised herself as a man to join a French expedition, becoming the first woman to circumnavigate the globe. Her journey remains one of the earliest examples of women pushing beyond societal limits to explore the world by sea.
Mary Lacy—One of the First Women to Build Warships (1759)
Mary Lacy was a shipwright who, like Baret, disguised herself as a man to pursue her passion. She joined the Royal Navy as "William Chandler" and spent years working in British shipyards, eventually becoming a skilled shipwright. She later received an Admiralty pension, a remarkable achievement in 18th-century England, and a testament to her talent and tenacity.
Rear Admiral Grace Hopper—The Woman Who Sailed into Computing History
Grace Hopper's legacy spans both the sea and Silicon Valley. As a Rear Admiral in the U.S. Navy, she was one of the first women to hold that rank. She's also the computer science pioneer credited with developing the first compiler and is widely known as "the mother of computing." Hopper proved that naval service and intellectual greatness go hand in hand—and she remains an icon for women in both the military and STEM fields.
Who Are Some Women Currently at the Helm in Recreational Boating?
Today, women are building marine businesses, captaining vessels, and mentoring the next generation of boaters.
Jenny Anderson—Outdoor Content Creator, Girl of 10,000 Lakes
Jenny Anderson is the Minnesota-based outdoor content creator behind Girl of 10,000 Lakes, a blog celebrating lake life, fishing, and everything the great outdoors has to offer. A self-described “adult-onset outdoorser,” Jenny didn’t grow up on the water—she found her love of boating and fishing in her mid-20s and never looked back. Her relatable, adventurous storytelling has made her a go-to voice for getting more women and families out on the water.
Captain Nashawn Taylor—USCG Master Captain & Founder, Be You! Charters
Captain Nashawn Taylor is a U.S. Coast Guard Master Captain and the founder of Be You! Charters, the DMV’s premier paint, sip, and sail experience. Noticing the near-total absence of Black women as Master Captains, she earned her license and built a one-of-a-kind charter business near the National Harbor in Washington, D.C. Captain QT, as her clients know her, is living proof that boating is for everyone—and she’s making sure more people know it.
Alanna Keating—Director of Outreach, BoatUS Foundation
The recipient of Boating Industry's 2025 Women Making Waves Award, Keating has spent more than two decades advancing boating safety, environmental stewardship, and education. She spearheaded the nationwide Life Jacket Loaner Program, launched initiatives like fishing line recycling programs that protect waterways and wildlife, and secured a $10 million NOAA grant for abandoned vessel cleanup. Keating is a prime example of how one person's passion for the water can ripple far and wide.
Captain Sandy Yawn—Certified USCG Master 200-ton Captain & Television Personality
A seasoned superyacht captain and television personality, Captain Sandy is one of only a handful of women to hold the Master 200-ton Captain certification globally. She uses her visibility to actively mentor women pursuing careers in the maritime industry, reminding them that the wheelhouse has room for everyone. Her message: hard work, knowledge, and confidence are the only credentials that matter on the water.
What Organizations Empower Women on the Water Today?
Support networks and mentorship programs are accelerating progress and ensuring boating is accessible to everyone. Whether you’re a first-time boater or an experienced sailor, these organizations are building community, providing education, and opening doors for women across the boating world.
- National Women’s Sailing Association—Offers education, scholarships, and the annual Women’s Sailing Conference.
- International Women’s Fishing Association—Promotes conservation, fishing education, and competitive angling opportunities for women.
- SaferBoater’s Women Making Waves—Provides women-only, on-the-water boating courses taught by U.S. Coast Guard-licensed captains. These hands-on classes help women build real skills and gain confidence at the helm in a supportive and empowering environment.
- Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing—Dedicated to educating and empowering women through hands-on fishing seminars and build skills and foster community on and off the water.
These organizations celebrate women in boating not just during history month—but year-round.
Why Does Women’s History Month Matter in Boating?
Because visibility matters.
For every woman who has circumnavigated the globe or set a world record, countless others are learning to dock for the first time, joining sailing clubs, or teaching their kids to fish.
By celebrating women sailors and leaders:
- We inspire the next generation to sail around the world—or simply around the lake.
- We normalize women in roles once considered off-limits.
- We expand participation in recreational boating.
And that strengthens the entire boating community.
Q&A: Women in Boating
Q: Who was the first woman to circumnavigate the globe?
A: Jeanne Baret, a French botanist and explorer, was the first woman to circumnavigate the globe. She completed the journey from 1766 to 1769 as part of Louis Antoine de Bougainville's expedition, traveling disguised as a man since women were prohibited from serving on French Navy vessels at the time. Her contributions to botany and maritime history were extraordinary.
Q: Why is Women’s History Month important for the boating community?
A: Women’s History Month is a chance to recognize the many contributions women have made to life on the water—from historic explorers and record-setting sailors to today’s leaders in the boating industry. By celebrating these achievements, the boating community helps inspire more women and girls to get involved, build their skills, and see themselves at the helm of the next chapter in boating history.
Q: How can women get involved in boating?
A: Start local. Join sailing clubs, take a boating safety course, or connect with organizations like the National Women’s Sailing Association. Whether you’re interested in fishing, cruising, or competitive sailing, there’s a pathway to get started.
This Women’s History Month, we celebrate the women who made boating history—and the many more who are just getting started. We applaud every woman who has ever set sail, taken the helm, cast a line or simply fallen in love with life on the water. The boating world is richer, bolder and more vibrant because of you.
