Clarisse Crémer, a leading French solo sailor and former fastest woman to circumnavigate the globe, faced significant challenges when her sponsor, France’s Banque Populaire, terminated its support in 2024 after she took maternity leave. The sponsor cited her leave as placing her in a position unlikely to accrue the qualifying points needed for the Vendée Globe race. The decision, which occurred while Crémer was breastfeeding her two-month-old infant, sparked public criticism and highlighted ongoing gender barriers in professional sailing. Despite the setback, Crémer secured alternative sponsorship and competed in the race before having a second child, emphasizing that motherhood and high-level athletic performance can coexist.
Crémer’s experience underscores persistent cultural and structural challenges faced by women in sailing, a sport historically steeped in maritime superstitions branding women as bad luck. A survey conducted by The Magenta Project, a charity dedicated to diversity in the sailing and marine industries, reveals that although female participation is increasing, two-thirds of respondents identified gender imbalance as a significant issue. Moreover, women in sailing earn substantially less than their male counterparts—29% less annually and 22% less daily on average—due in part to disparities in experience and access to key roles.
Professional sailors Nikki Henderson and Abby Ehler have spoken about the heightened scrutiny women face in the industry. Henderson, the youngest skipper to lead a team in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, described the environment as “still living in the dark ages,” noting that it remains rare to see women commanding vessels and that men are typically assumed to be captains. Ehler, a four-time competitor in The Ocean Race, described a career marked by pressure to avoid mistakes amid pervasive skepticism.
Financial concerns have also strained women’s participation in top-tier competitions. Swiss offshore sailor Elodie-Jane Mettraux left the Alinghi Red Bull Racing team ahead of the 2024 Women’s America’s Cup, citing unsustainable financial terms for female sailors. Victoria Low, chief executive of The Magenta Project, attributes much of the gender imbalance to the sport’s private ownership model and cultural traditions, stating that progress will require more female boat owners and regulatory measures.
Despite these challenges, recent developments suggest gradual change. International competitions are increasingly promoting gender equity. The Ocean Race Atlantic introduced a 50:50 gender-balanced crew mandate in 2024, the America’s Cup initiated a women’s tournament the same year, and the Paris 2024 Olympic Games featured an equal split of male and female sailors for the first time in history.
In recreational and adventure sailing, companies such as Panexplore and 59° North have actively encouraged female participation by organizing women-only trips and reserving entry-level positions for women. Co-founders of 59° North, Andy Schell and Mia Karlsson, have implemented family-friendly scheduling and equal pay policies, highlighting the scarcity of mothers in professional sailing contrasted with the abundance of fathers. Programs such as SheHelms, founded by professional sailor JoJo Pickering, provide supportive communities to help women navigate the industry’s challenges.
Industry insiders acknowledge ongoing hiring disparities, with women often feeling compelled to provide more extensive justification for their qualifications compared to men. Sandra Marichal, manager of Panexplore and a late entrant into professional sailing, noted the difficulty women face in obtaining roles despite their skills and passion for the sport.
As the sailing world grapples with these systemic issues, advocates emphasize that changing entrenched cultural norms and expanding opportunities for women — from sponsorship to leadership roles — remain critical for creating a more inclusive future.