The woman who sailed solo around the world

In 1978, Naomi James became the first woman to sail single-handedly around the world via Cape Horn.

At the time, Naomi had had only six weeks of sailing experience and had never been on her own on a boat. She also suffered seasickness, and struggled with navigation.

But with the encouragement of her husband Rob James, a professional sailor, she set off from Dartmouth, England, in her yacht, the Express Crusader.

During the 43,000km journey, the boat capsized and she had to sail through a hurricane. But after 272 days, she arrived back in Dartmouth to a hero’s welcome. In 1979, she was given a damehood. She tells Jane Wilkinson about her epic adventure.

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(Photo: Naomi James checks the rigging. Credit: Evening Standard/Getty Images)