Description
The extraordinary stories of the fearless women who set their sights on the sea in an all-male world, paving the way for the female sailing superstars of today.
Gender issues are stark at sea. Historically a ship's crew is all male, and although vessels are referred to as 'she', women's contributions to sailing have been largely ignored, if not actively opposed. Today's sailing legends such as Tracey Edwards and Ellen MacArthur compete with men on equal terms, but they stand on the shoulders of many women before them, who had to challenge preconceptions, prejudice and even the law in their wish to sail.
Spanning the 19th century to today, Julia Jones dives into the lives of an array of incredible and unconventional women: we meet single-handed sailors, wealthy explorers, long-suffering wives and penniless chancers with a thirst for adventure. Each had to face down barriers of official exclusion, family-imposed restriction, social disapproval and often a resulting lack of self-belief.
In the 21st-century, British women wear Admiral's uniforms and break global yachting records, yet their journey to professional sailing remains challenging, and the public face of sailing remains mostly male – evident in the lack of female Commodores in prestigious yacht clubs. Even as sailing becomes more accessible, the remarkable contributions within these stories are a precious source of inspiration to all women facing their own challenges today.
Table of Contents
Introduction: Pink Shorts: women seen or unseen?
'Standing in the Shade of One's Own Hat Brim': circumnavigating for pleasure'My Mother Sewed Constantly': invisible women at sea'A Blue Gauze Veil is Useful but Not Ornamental': new designs for New Women 'One's hair returns to primitive simplicity': outdoor girls'My Red Skirt was to be the Signal': independent Irish women'We Don't Want Any Petticoats Here: pioneering women in WW1Winter Shoes in Springtime: overcoming trauma'No More Skirts!': postwar pioneers and fickle yacht owners'Clothes not fit for a girl to wear': the last of the grain ships'Elastic-Waisted Blue Serge Skirts': sailing for pleasure'I Only Joined for the Hat': WW2 WRNSThe need to travel light: women's lives disrupted by the war'I wore the Right Shoes and Didn't Interfere': unexpected jobs in wartime'I Handed Him a Bundle of Garments for a Flare': discovering courage'Using my Best Suspender Belt': adapting to the postwar world'Working Relationships': men and women together'If I'm Coming, I'm Coming in my Duffle Coat': women in offshore racingHeather at the Stemhead: sailing from the ClydeNobody Can Find You: families at sea'Enormous Biceps, Baggy Jeans and a Jolly, Yo-Ho Manner': femininity and determination'Hiring Leaky Oilskins from the Charter Company': women making their own wayWho Wears the Trousers?: the role of skipperTrouser Suits: teamwork'I Pinned a Smile on My Face and Turned Towards the Crowd': winnersDressed Like I Wanted It
Product details
| Published | 08 May 2025 |
|---|---|
| Format | Ebook (PDF) |
| Edition | 1st |
| Extent | 336 |
| ISBN | 9781399415484 |
| Imprint | Adlard Coles |
| Illustrations | Black and white photographs throughout |
| Publisher | Bloomsbury Publishing |
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