'Solo Yacht-girl' back on record

Back in January I wrote about the sea-fog of oblivion which has historically blanked out the achievements of women sailors. Specifically I mentioned Nicolette Milnes Walker, the 28 year old research psychologist who set herself to be the first woman to sail across the Atlantic non-stop and alone.

The US and UK national media welcomed her success: the yachting press ignored it. Almost the single mention was a photo in the February 1972 issue of Yachting Monthly which showed her receiving a special Yachtswoman of the Year award - the first recognition for a female sailor since the awards were established in 1955. There wouldn’t be another until Tracy Edwards in 1989. Yet when I came to check the YOTY list, held by the Yachting Journalists’ Association, there was nothing. No one had heard of her. Several emails, phone calls and pieces of evidence later - she’s back! https://yja.world/awards/yoty-past-winners/ One of only four women whose achievement were recognised in a period of 45 years 1955-2000.