Jemima Lines makes history as first woman selected for Britain’s America’s Cup team
Jemima Lines, a seasoned adventurer, is set to make history as the first woman in nearly 90 years to join Britain’s America’s Cup team, following her selection for next year’s competition in Naples, reports BritPanorama.
Lines joins the crew of GB1, which is backed by the Royal Yacht Squadron, reflecting a significant shift in the sailing world towards inclusivity, prompted by recent regulations requiring at least one female sailor on each team. Nevertheless, Lines is confident that her selection was based on her qualifications and achievements rather than merely adhering to these new rules.
“It’s totally surreal,” she remarked in a statement to the Daily Telegraph. “They kind of headhunted me. I think they had an idea of the role they wanted to fill, and I sort of ticked most of the boxes.” The 29-year-old has built a remarkable résumé, excelling in several challenging environments throughout her life.
Raised in Kent, Lines was inspired by her father, Ralph Crathorne, a former special forces soldier, who encouraged adventure from a young age. Tragically, Crathorne died earlier this year at 67 in a mountaineering accident, making her upcoming America’s Cup participation particularly poignant. “It was one of which my father would have been so proud,” Lines acknowledged.
Her background is impressive; she is a qualified engineer and elite kitefoiler, having previously represented Great Britain in kitefoiling. Lines has also tackled solo cycling expeditions in Iceland and Norway, earned a first-class engineering degree from Bristol University, and worked as an instructor for Bear Grylls’ Survival Academy.
Lines’ skills and calmness under pressure caught the attention of GB1’s skipper Dylan Fletcher, who believes her engineering expertise and ability to remain composed in challenging situations make her an invaluable addition to the team. “I think for me it’s that engineering background that’s the key,” Fletcher stated. “She’s an engineer who also understands flying and kites and she’s used to going at 40 knots.”
With this selection, Lines not only carries her father’s legacy but also steps onto a platform where women have been historically underrepresented. As she prepares for this prestigious event, Lines is about to create a legacy of her own on sailing’s grandest stage.
In a sport often defined by tradition, Jemima Lines’ journey to the America’s Cup marks not just a personal milestone, but a broader movement within the sailing community toward inclusiveness and recognition of talent regardless of gender. One can only speculate how her presence will influence the dynamics of the competition itself.
