Seamaster 2024: Kirsten Neuschäfer honoured for historic performance in the Golden Globe Race

Alone at sea for 233 days. The only woman in an initial field of 16 boats. In the middle of the race, she rescued her fellow competitor Tapio Lehtinen from extreme distress in the Indian Ocean. Winning the battle against storms, doldrums and self-doubt. All this with a 36-foot long keeler, equipped only with a sextant, paper charts and a tow log. The strict rules of the retro regatta prohibit the use of any electrical instruments for navigation in order to preserve the spirit of the legendary "Sunday Times Golden Globe Race" of 1968/69. Sir Robin Knox-Johnston from Great Britain won the race and has since been highly respected internationally for this pioneering achievement.

The performance of the petite South African with German roots cannot be honoured highly enough. YACHT was there at her finish in Les Sables-d'Olonne, France, and witnessed how the sailing world was at her feet.

• Golden Globe Race: Kirsten Neuschäfer wins race around the world

Thousands of fans celebrated the triumphant arrival of the new sailing heroine in the middle of the night. During an exclusive interview on board her ship "Minnehaha", the otherwise media-shy Neuschäfer revealed private insights into her inner life.

• After the rush of victory: On board with Kirsten Neuschäfer on "Minnehaha"

As part of the Flagship Night at the start of boot Düsseldorf, Kirsten Neuschäfer was presented with the Seamaster Award by the trade fair and the publishing house Delius Klasing, which also publishes YACHT. She had already received prestigious awards beforehand. For example, the adventurous professional skipper, who had never before taken part in a regatta, was named World Sailor of the Year 2023 at the World Sailing Awards, received the "Cape Horn Award" recently donated by Bobby Schenk and also recently won the traditional Blue Water Medal from the prestigious Cruising Club of America.

Seamaster of the Year: all previous winners

The Seamaster Award was presented for the tenth time as part of the Flagship Night at the start of boot Düsseldorf. The award honours personalities who have made outstanding achievements in water sports.