famous yachtsmen

15 famous sailors of all time. Who is the best for you?

Who’s the best? This is perhaps the most difficult question to answer, especially when we talk about sailing.  Too many technology differences, too different boats… So we propose 15 famous sailors: we chose those that for us are the greatest sailors of the modern age. French , English, Italian … They share the challenge to the oceans.

If in our famous sailors Top 15 there isn’t your hero, do not worry: write it in the comments below the article!

Peter Blake (1948-2001) When he made the exploits: 1990, 1994 Sailor and environmentalist. Among the many exploits, Peter is one of the most famous sailors of all time. He won the Whitbread 1989/90 on board ketch Steinlager II and in ’94 the Jules Verne Trophy with Robin Knox-Johnston.

Chay Blyth (1940) When he made the exploit : 1971 His name is carved in history. He was the first in 1971 to circumnavigate the globe single-handed without stopping from east to west, against the winds and currents, onboard the 59 foot British Steel.

Franck Cammas (1972) When he made the exploit : 2010, 2012 His records list is very long. We have chosen the Jules Verne Trophy in 2010 and the victory of the Volvo Ocean Race in 2012 onboard VOR70 Groupama .

Francis Chichester (1901-72) When he made the exploit : 1966-67 Aged 65: the creator of the Ostar sails from Plymouth onboard 16 meters Gipsy Moth IV and launches in the round the world solo, who turns in 274 days. A myth.

Olivier De Kersauson (1944) When he made the exploits : 1989, 1997, 2004 The king of the multihulls is always a record hunter. In 1989 he establishes the primacy of the round the world solo, in 1997 and in 2004 he won the Jules Verne onboard the trimaran Geronimo.

Michel Desjoyeaux (1965) When he made the exploits : 2001, 2009 “ The professor” won everyhing He made history by triumphing twice at Vendée Globe, the only sailor in the world (in 2001 and 2009 onboard Open 60 Foncia).

Alessandro Di Benedetto (1971) When he made the exploit : 2009 In 2009, Alessandro Di Benedetto has been around the world in solitary without stopping on the smallest boat ever, a 6.5 m Findomestic, employing 268 days.

Bernard Gilboy (1852-1906) When he made the exploit : 1882-83 In 1882, Bernard Gilboy sailed a 19-foot (6 m) schooner that he built himself from San Francisco 7,000 miles (11,265 km) miles across the Pacific in 162 days until he was picked up exhausted and starving off Queensland, Australia after a swordfish pierced his hull and he lost the rudder.

Francis Joyon (1956) When he made the exploit : 2008 He is the fastest one. Joyon holds the record of the round the world solo , completed in 2008 on the trimaran Idec (57 days, 13 hours and 34 minutes).

Robin Knox-Johnston (1939) When he made the exploits : 1968, 1994, 2007 In 1969 he became the first man to perform a single-handed non-stop circumnavigation of the globe and was the second winner of the Jules Verne Trophy (together with Sir Peter Blake). For this he was awarded with Blake the ISAF Yachtsman of the Year award. In 2006 he became at 67 the oldest yachtsman to complete a round the world solo voyage in the VELUX 5 Oceans Race.

Bernard Moitessier (1925-1994) When he made the exploits : 1965, 1968 Maybe he is the most famous sailors of all time (together with Eric Tabarly). In 1968 Moitessier participated in the Sunday Times Golden Globe Race, the first round the world yacht race. With the fastest circumnavigation time, Moitessier was the likely winner but he elected to continue onto Tahiti again and not return to the start line in England, rejecting the idea of the commercialization of long distance sailing.

Loïck Peyron (1959) When he made the exploits : 2012, 2014 In 2012 he won the Jules Verne Trophy onboard Banque Populaire V. In November 2014, he won the Route du Rhum single-handed transat on Banque Populaire VII maxi trimaran. He set the new record, travelling from Brittany to Guadeloupe in 7 days 15 hours 8 minutes and 32 seconds (22.93 kts average speed).

Ernest Henry Shackleton (1874-1921)  When he made the exploit : 1916 He was a polar explorer who led three British expeditions to the Antarctic . He needed to the crossing of Antarctica from sea to sea, via the pole. To this end he made preparations for what became the Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition, 1914–17. Disaster struck this expedition when its ship, Endurance , became trapped in pack ice and was slowly crushed before the shore parties could be landed. The crew escaped by camping on the sea ice until it disintegrated, then by launching the lifeboats to reach Elephant Island and ultimately the inhabited island of South Georgia, a stormy ocean voyage of 720 nautical miles.

Joshua Slocum 1844-1909 When he made the exploit : 1895-98 He was the first man to sail single-handedly around the world. In 1900 he wrote a book about his journey Sailing Alone Around the World, which became an international best-seller. He disappeared in November 1909 while aboard his boat, the Spray.

Eric Tabarly 1931-1998 When he made the exploits : 1964, 1980 Maybe he is the most famous sailors of all time (together with Bernard Moitessier). In 1964, Tabarly raced in the Single-Handed Trans-Atlantic Race on Pen Duick II and won, with a time of twenty-seven days and three hours. In 1980, Tabarly sailed the trimaran Paul Ricard for a transatlantic race, beating Charlie Barr’s transatlantic record. He has been the first sailor to experience the foils.

Uncharted Waters: Krystyna Chojnowska-Liskiewicz’s Solo Voyage Around the World

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TABARLY OF COURSE AND BY FAR.OLIVIER DE KERSAUSON IS A JOKE.

You´re missing the Argentinian Vito Dumas, born september 26th, 1900 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. In june 1942 he circunnavigated the globe from Buenos Aires, around the 40th paralel, in an Argentinian designed and built 8mts boat, arriving in Buenos Aires, september 1943 He explained his trip with these words (my translation) “I´m going in this materialistic age, to a romantic adventure, as an example for the youth”

Absolutely. Vito Dumas sailed across the world within the roaring forties in a small boat in a time where only compass and sextant were available. His stories are thrilling and his courage humongous.

But he didn’t actually do anything to deserve to be on this website?

Captain Bligh of the Royal Navy, is a logical candidate, as is Magellan.

And yes, I consider them modern, not ancient.

Pete Goss – without a doubt – ask Raphael Dinelli!

Eric Tabarly. No doubt. By far.

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The Top 6 Greatest Sailors Living Today

#6 robin lee graham, #5 jessica watson, #4 ben ainslie, #3 ellen macarthur, #2 robin knox-johnston.

#1 Paul Elvstrøm

A Danish sailing legend who's achievements will be hard to match, Paul Elvstrøm is regarded not only for his successes, but also for his skill and integrity. Winning his first gold medal at the age of 20, Elvstrøm still stands as one of the few athletes to have won four consecutive golds within a single Olympic discipline, and he is still the only sailor in the world to win the world championship in five different classes. Renowned for more than just his ability on board a boat, his series of books on the rules of racing were gospel for many decades, whilst his Elvström self-bailer and Elvström Lifejacket were designed for and used by active sailors in the sport. Inducted into the International Sailing Federation (ISAF) hall of fame alongside names like Ellen MacArthur and Robin Knox-Johnston, many claim Paul Elvstrøm as the greatest sailor living today; a mainstream opinion we're happy to flow with.

For all future blogs on sailing and its heroes, keep an eye on the Seachest  Facebook page, our  Twitter  or at  Google+ .

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Top ten most inspirational sailors.

Hi Ted . . . When a list has to be reduced to only 10 I understand it is diffuclt to chose, but I believe you left out one of my sailing heros, Robin Knox Johnston. Sir William Robert Patrick "Robin" Knox-Johnston, CBE, RD and bar (born 17 March 1939) is an English sailor. He was the first man to perform a single-handed non-stop circumnavigation of the globe and was the second winner of the Jules Verne Trophy (together with Sir Peter Blake). For this he was awarded with Blake the ISAF Yachtsman of the Year award. In 2006 he became at 67 the oldest yachtsman to complete a round the world solo voyage in the VELUX 5 Oceans Race.

David - RKJ is certainly worthy of my list, but as you said, I had to cut it off somewhere. (FYI - While Ted Brewer has written several guest posts on my blog, unless otherwise noted, all the content here has been authored by me, Kevin Walters.)

OK Kevin, I misunderstood whose blog it was. Ted Brewer sent me the link. Now I understand . . . anyway, it is a great blog. Thanks for sharing. I was captain of the yacht Mystic for two different owners, including the original owner Marvyn Carton. You can see my biography at http://www.inteconlaw.com/about/index.htm

I, personally, was touched by Robert Manry.

Ah yes, Manry and his boat Tinkerbelle. He's definitely worthy of mention on a list of inspirational sailors. Thanks for sharing!

I'm sorry, Mr. Walters, but I can't help noticing that every person you have on this list is white. You would be wise to either revise or give reasons as to why this is.

As I menionted in the opening paragraph, these are merely the sailors who have influenced and inspired my own life. I didn't mean to put this out there as a definitive list for all people, but rather my opinion on the matter. Feel free to share your own most influential and inspirational sailors here in the comments. In any case, thanks for reading and commenting!

A sailor is a sailor........who cares about the skin colour....!

Don't forget about the legendary Vito Dumas

Thanks for the addition! I hadn't heard of Vito before, but I just read the Wiki page and wow...single handed circumnavigation of the Southern Ocean a 31-foot ketch in 1942...very cool!

1) Piri Reis

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The Yachting World hall of fame: 50 yachts that changed the way we sail

• Helen Fretter
• May 13, 2020

We asked historians, round the world race winners and legendary sailors to name the yachts that changed the sport for good. In no particular order, these are the 50 yachts that shifted how we sail...

Built: 1977 Design: Bill Lee

Weight saving is the holy grail of yacht design today, but it wasn’t until the late ’70s that the first Ultra Light Displacement designs, or ULDBs, were launched.

Among them was Bill Lee’s 67ft Merlin, at 12.5 tonnes and just 12ft wide. Merlin smashed the 1977 Transpac course record, setting a time which stood for 20 years.

Officials, concerned that ULDBs were not robust enough for ocean racing, changed the Transpac rule in an attempt to limit it to slower IOR designs.

Merlin was heavily modified, but still managed to win the ‘Barn Door’ trophy for the fastest crossing twice more. The record was finally broken by the sled Pyewacket , also designed by Lee, two decades on.

12. Monitor

Built: 1955 Design: Gordon Baker

Legendary offshore sailor Loick Peyron nominates this futuristic design from the ’50s: “I think Gordon Baker’s Monitor is the one, which in the 1950s did a lot for the present and future of sailing.”

The 26ft Monitor is quite unlike anything else, made of glued mahogany with hollow, stainless steel hydrofoils which look more like windmill vanes than yacht foils – unsurprisingly, as that is what Baker Manufacturing had previously focused on. The early hydrofoiling yacht was reported to have a top speed of around 30 knots, using battened cotton sails.

13. Infiniti 46

Built: 2015 Design: Hugh Welbourn/Gordon Kay

The DSS-enabled Infiniti 46 is the first yacht to be designed around the twin retractable foil system (rather than have them retrofitted) to increase lift, reducing drag and heeling angle.

Since 2016 she’s been campaigned hard, winning class in the Middle Sea Race and RORC Transatlantic Race.

14. Vestas Sail Rocket II

Built: 2011 Design: Malcolm Barnsley

For two decades speed sailing was dominated by the race to top the 50-knot barrier. Yellow Pages Endeavour got to 46.52 knots over 500m in 1993, then ten years later windsurfers and kitesurfers upped the ante, finally pushing over 50 knots in 2008.

Macquarie Innovation became the first sailing vessel to nudge over 50 knots in 2009. Then in 2014 Paul Larsen on Vestas SailRocket II knocked all previous attempts out of the park with an incredible 65.45 knots in Namibia. Nobody has even got remotely close since.

15. Maltese Falcon

Built: 2006 Design: Dykstra/Perini Navi

At the time the most grandiose yacht ever to be built, the 289ft Maltese Falcon was a technical triumph. Her three-masted ‘Dynarig’ system was created by Perini Navi at the behest of technology investor Tom Perkins , and  is a modern day development of a 1960s concept created by Wilhelm Prølss.

Her gold and granite styling is not to everyone’s tastes, but the 2,400sq m sail area saw Maltese Falcon sail across the Atlantic in ten days. The systems proved so successful she was spotted sailing off her mooring in some venues – quite a feat for a 1,200-tonne vessel .

16. Speedboat

Built: 2008 Design: Juan Kouyoumdjian

Launched as Speedboat  in 2008, this 100-footer was initially designed with the express intention of setting records, specifically the transatlantic record. Following on from Juan K’s successful Volvo 70 designs, she was exceptionally wide at the transom with a deep canting keel and water ballast, but record successes were few and far between.

Re-optimised for IRC as Rambler 100 she had some race victories before losing her keel and capsizing in the 2011 Rolex Fastnet Race , with five crew swept away from the boat.

All were rescued safely, but the incident intensified the focus on reliability in canting keel designs.

When owner George David commissioned the replacement Rambler 88 , his new yacht includes fibreoptic patches on the keel fin and load sensors on the pin, with data continuously fed to the navigation station

17. Pen Duick IV

Built: 1968 Design: André Allègre

“Built by Eric Tabarly, this was the first large ocean-racing multihull, which led the trend towards large multihulls in ocean races,” Robin Knox-Johnston nominates Pen Duick IV.

“For example, it encouraged us to ask Rod Macalpine Downie to design the 70-foot catamaran British Oxygen in 1973.”

Pen Duick IV  took victory in the 1972 OSTAR with Alain Colas, who went on to sail her solo around the world – the first solo multihull circumnavigation.

18. Class 40

Built: 2005 Design: Various

The Class 40s have provided a first step into ocean racing for many skippers. Less than a year after the class was formed, 25 lined up for the 2006 Route du Rhum .

Pro navigator Campbell Field explains: “ It would be easy to nominate ‘Swiss Army knife’ foilers, or the super high tech IMOCAs. However, the Class 40s are complete in many ways. Affordable, bulletproof, ultra high performance, safe, and sexy [they can be sailed] one, two or four-up. They are simple, dynamic, rewarding, and guaranteed to thrill.

“A shortfall is their inshore capabilities, however what other class of yacht brings accessibility to top level ocean racing to a broad audience? They outstrip the performance of many much larger yachts offshore .”

Photo: Jacques Vapillon

19. Pierre 1er

Built: 1989 Design: Van Peteghem & Lauriot Prévost

Beautiful and radical, the golden Pierre 1er was the first ORMA 60 and won the 1990 Route du Rhum with Florence Arthaud.

Vincent Lauriot Prévost recalls: “I think in ocean racing the first big change was to fly the hull with a trimaran as if with a catamaran.” Pierre 1er was swiftly followed by Primagaz , the first big tri to sail on one float.

20. America

Built: 1851 Design: James Rich Steers & George Steers

The yacht which famously won around the Isle of Wight one August day some 169 years ago, America was also radical. Marc van Peteghem comments: “The schooner America brought something new. She was the first really wide beamed racing yacht to win against really narrow boats. It was a first really big step.”

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Are these the 8 most beautiful classic sailing yachts of all time?

Moonbeam of fife iii, 1903.

The 30 metre, gaff cutter Moonbeam of Fife III epitomises beautiful classic yachts at their finest. Launched in 1903, Moonbeam of Fife is still going strong on the classic yacht regatta circuit despite being more than a hundred years old. The William Fife-designed yacht is constructed in wood with an oak hull and superstructure, while her interior joinery is well-kept mahogany. The historical yacht Moonbeam of Fife III is currently for sale .

Tuiga, 1909

Built by the renowned William Fife shipyard in Fairlie on the Clyde estuary in Scotland, Tuiga was commissioned by the Duke of Medinaceli, a close friend of the King of Spain, Alfonso XIII, and has had 10 owners in 106 years. HSH Prince Albert II decided to buy her in 1995.  Tuiga  has been participating in classic yacht regattas ever since and is now the flagship of the Yacht Club de Monaco, crewed by YCM members.

Mariette, 1915

The classic 42 metre twin-masted schooner _ Mariette of 1915  _was built by Herreshoff in the United States 100 years ago. Age has not withered her, but  Mariette of 1915  has undergone a few refits in the Pendennis yard at Falmouth in recent years: in 2010 and again in 2012 in preparation for the Pendennis Cup, in which she took first prize in the St Petroc Traditional Class as well as being crowned overall winner. In 2014 she returned to Falmouth once more for minor works.

Creole, 1927

Now owned by the Gucci family, this beautiful wooden schooner has had a colourful history. Commissioned by wealthy American Alan Cochran and launched in 1927,  Creole  has had a number of different owners and also been called Vira. When she was known as  Magic Circle , she was transformed into a minesweeper during the Second World War, having previously competed in a number of regattas and attended previous America’s Cup events. In the 1970s she was used by the Danish government for sailing training in the rehabilitation of drug addicts before being bought by the Gucci family in 1983.

Endeavour, 1934

Arguably the world’s most famous J Class,  Endeavour  was the British challenger in the 1934 America’s Cup , but was beaten by the Harold Vanderbilt-owned Rainbow . Endeavour was commissioned by Sir T.O.M. Sopwith, who was keen to ensure that this yacht was the most advanced design possible. With his experience designing aircraft, Sopwith applied aviation technology to Endeavour ’s rig and winches and spared nothing to make her the finest vessel of her day.

She swept through the British racing fleet and into the hearts of yachtsmen around the world, winning many races in her first season. Though she did not win the America's Cup she came closer to doing so than any other challenger.

Since 1934, she has often led a perilous existence, even being sold to a scrap merchant in 1947 only to be saved by another buyer hours before her demolition was due to begin. In 1984, American yachtswoman Elizabeth Meyer bought Endeavour and she was transformed and rebuilt by Royal Huisman. Endeavour sailed again on June 22, 1989, for the first time in 52 years. J Class yacht  Endeavour  is now for sale .

Elena, 1910

In 1910, Morton Plant commissioned 55 metre  Elena to be designed by American naval architect Nathanael Herreshoff, the so-called “Wizard of Bristol”, who made his name designing sailing yachts for America’s elite. Plant's brief was to the point: he wanted a schooner “that can win”.

Herreshoff gave Elena a slightly deeper keel than preceding designs of that time, lowering her centre of ballast, which improved her windward ability. Elena won most of her early races against the cream of the American schooner fleet and in 1928 came her crowning glory, victory in the Transatlantic Race. In 2009, she was rebuilt using the original plans for the first Elena.

Black Swan, 1899

Originally designed by Charles Nicholson and built in 1899 at Camper and Nicholson in Gosport, England, Black Swan started life as Brynhild with a yawl rig. She won a number of races at the beginning of the 20th century, including the King’s Cup. Over the years, she has undergone several changes and different rig configurations, and at one stage she was renamed Changrilla . She was rechristened Black Swan in the 1960s and, today, after an extensive restoration project at the Beconcini yard in La Spezia, Italy, she is now carrying a gaff-rig, designed by the Faggioni Yacht Design Studio and built by Harry Spencer.

Mariquita, 1911

Another beautiful classic yacht from Fife, Mariquita was launched in 1911. The 38.16 metre sailing yacht was designed and built for the industrialist Arthur Stothert. As part of the 19 metre Big Class racing that re-emerged in 1911, this gaff-rigged cutter is said to have inspired the J Class yachts that came after her.

She raced competitively against her brethren from 1911-1913, but by the 1950s, Mariquita was the last in the 19 metre class remaining. She was restored in 1991 and received a further refit in 2004. A star on the classic yacht racing scene, Mariquita is now for sale .

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‘Japan’s most famous yachtsman’: 83-year-old attempts solo Pacific crossing

Kenichi Horie became the first person to make a non-stop solo crossing of the Pacific in 1962 and has made multiple crossings

An 83-year old man is set to sail from San Francisco on Saturday and voyage alone across the Pacific Ocean to his home country, Japan.

Kenichi Horie, also known as “Japan’s most famous yachtsman”, became the first person to make a non-stop solo crossing of the Pacific in 1962. On that trip, he was still a 23-year old amateur seaman. Horie set off from Osaka and sailed across the ocean for 94 days, surviving on canned food and rice before arriving in San Francisco.

The voyage has been widely regarded as a “one-man olive branch of post-war diplomacy” between Pacific powers, the San Francisco Chronicle reported.

“Even in the states, yachtsmen are inspired by his story,” said Morgan Smith, manager of Interpretation, Education and Volunteers at San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park.

Upon arriving in San Francisco, Horie was briefly arrested as he had traveled without a passport or money and little knowledge of English. However, then Mayor George Christopher soon released him and gave him a visa in honor of his bravery.

In the 60 years since then, Horie has made multiple Pacific crossings. The boat Horie used in 1962 has been on display at San Francisco’s Maritime Museum. Named “Mermaid,” the boat lives in the museum’s foyer and is the “superstar” attraction, John Muir, the museum’s small craft curator, told the San Francisco Chronicle.

Horie has voyaged across the Pacific on a variety of vessels, including ones made from aluminum cans and powered by solar panels and another propelled by foot pedals. In 1999, he sailed from the west coast to Japan on a catamaran made out of beer kegs. Three years later, he sailed the other way around via whiskey barrels.

For his upcoming journey on Saturday, Horie’s vessel is a 2,182lb and 19ft long sailboat made out of pale aluminum, customized to fit his build.

At 5ft tall, Horie does not physically train for his voyages, telling the publication, “I’m always fine, always in shape … No overeating, no over-drinking”.

When asked whether he had any concerns for his trip, Horie said, “Nothing at all. Maybe just being old.”

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The top 10 British solo round the world sailors

2 Sir Francis Chichester Francis Chichester proved the doom merchants wrong when, in May 1967, he stepped ashore on famously wobbly legs after completing the first one-stop, single-handed circumnavigation of the world. At the age of 65 and in remission from cancer, he sailed round the world on his 53ft ketch Gipsy Moth IV. Chichester covered 29,630 miles from Plymouth to Plymouth during 226 days at sea. He was away for nine months and one day, including a stopover for repairs and re-provisioning in Sydney. He completed his voyage, including rounding Cape Horn in a fearful storm, in the knowledge that many believed he would die in the attempt. Chichester was knighted by the Queen in Greenwich in June 1967, with the same sword Elizabeth

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Celebrity sailing: five famous yachtsmen

Yachting is a real therapy not only for ordinary yachtsmen. Interparus will tell you about five famous people who love to go to sea under sail.

Most celebrities prefer to go to sea on luxury yachts. But among the world's stars there are also many who love to travel under sail on small boats. 

Jeremy Irons and his yacht Shannon 43

Oscar-winning actor Jeremy Irons is known for his outstanding acting work on stage and on the big screen. But few people know that Jeremy is an avid yachtsman. The passion for sailing permeates almost his entire life.

Irons is not just interested in sailing, he spends a lot of time alone with nature and the elements. He owns a Shannon 43 yacht, which he has been traveling on for a long time. 

Jeremy shares his memories: “I've been sailing since I was five years old, when I was a boy. Now I have my own yacht, a wooden ketch, on which I travel along the coast of Ireland.” In 2001, Irons even briefly joined the LG FLATRON crew in the BT Global Challenge round-the-world yacht race. He spent 7 days as part of the team and walked a dangerous section across the Tasman Sea to Sydney.

Morgan Freeman

The ageless (or ageless) Morgan Freeman is also on the list of famous yachtsmen. Interestingly, Morgan discovered the world of yachting after 30 years. The actor spent a lot of time sailing along the North American coast.

Freeman prefers small sailing yachts. At different times the actor owned: 

On Shannon 43, Freeman explored the Caribbean, reaching Trinidad. Soon after, he sold the yacht and donated all the proceeds to charities. 

John Lennon and his last dream

One of the founders of the legendary The Beatles not only achieved world fame as a musician, but also had the soul of a true sailor. Exhausted by the constant attention of journalists and the public, John sought solitude.

His father, Alfred Lennon, worked as a sailor in the merchant marine. Little John often visited the port of Liverpool, dreaming of one day going sailing to get away from school everyday life, classmates and household worries.

Decades later, while in a creative crisis, Lennon remembered his childhood dream. In 1980, he sailed on a 13-meter yacht straight to the British Virgin Islands. Along the way, he managed to enjoy beautiful weather, take control during a storm and, having reached the islands, finally write his first album in five years.

Crossing the Atlantic on a sailing yacht was the last dream of the great musician. He dreamed of returning to his native Liverpool on board his own boat, but fate had its own way.

Antonio Banderas

Another Hollywood actor with a special interest in yachting is Antonio Banderas. Unlike other celebrities on this list, Banderas doesn't limit himself to simply relaxing on board a yacht. He regularly competes in Spanish regattas with his wife Melanie Griffith.

Banderas owns several sailing yachts, one of which is moored in his hometown of Malaga, Spain. Interestingly, Banderas maintains friendship with the Spanish King Philip VI, who sold his yacht to the actor, wanting it to be “in good hands.”

Antonio's brother, Javier Banderas, is also a famous billionaire and a passionate regatta enthusiast. Javier prefers to take part in regattas on T52 class yachts.

Catherine, Princess of Wales

Kate Middleton, better known as Catherine, Princess of Wales, began sailing as a child. Together with her husband, Prince William, she regularly participates in regattas, including the famous 2019 King's Cup regatta, organized by the Royal Foundation.

Both spouses share a passion for yachting and sailing. Catherine also passes on her knowledge and love of the sea to her children, George, Charlotte and Louis, teaching them the basics of seamanship. In the British maritime community, the Princess of Wales is considered an experienced and competent yachtsman.

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Jessica Watson's story continues to inspire people around the world to get into yachting. Sasha Goron will talk about a young girl's non-stop trip around the world!

Don't forget to rate the content! Other interesting articles can be found at the links below or in the "News" section.

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13 Top female sailors

Here's our pick of some of the most inspiring yachtswomen. Who's your inspiration?

These 13 women have all achieved excellence as sailors, accomplishing astonishing feats of bravery, stamina and skill at the helm.

From single-handed circumnavigations of the globe to Olympic gold medals, these are some of our favourite female trailblazers in the world of sailing. Who would you add to the list of top female sailors? Tweet us on @ybw

Dame Ellen MacArthur “Courage is not having the energy to go on, it’s going on when you do not have the energy.”

Dame Ellen MacArthur broke the world record for the fastest solo circumnavigation of the globe, completing the 27,354 nautical mile trip in 71 days, 14 hours, 18 minutes and 33 seconds. She beat the previous record by one day, eight hours, 35 minutes and 49 seconds.

The retired British sailor loved life on the water from a young age and has previously competed in the Mini Transat solo transatlantic race and the Vendee Globe solo round-the-world sailing race.

Since then, Ellen has launched two charities, the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust and the Ellen MacArthur Foundation .

Follow EllenMacArthur on Twitter

Shirley Robertson, MBE and OBE

This Scottish sailor made it into the history books when she became the first British woman to win two Olympic gold medals at two consecutive Olympic games, Sydney 2000 and Athens 2004 competing in the Yngling class. She went on to be named female World Sailor of the Year by the International Sailing Federation and was awarded an MBE in 2000 and an OBE in 2005.

Shirley worked hard to raise the profile of the sport, presenting and producing CNN’s Mainsail programme and as a BBC Olympic sailing commentator in Weymouth during the London 2012 Olympics. She is also the only woman to take the helm on the superyacht circuit steering the stunning 45-metre Salperton in three regattas in the Caribbean and Sardina.

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Dame Naomi James “What I did was completely different. Ellen is a professional racer; I was an adventurer.”

Dame Naomi James was the first woman to sail single-handed around the world via Cape Horn. She left Dartmouth in Devon on 9 September 1977 and returned 272 days later on 8 June 1978.

New Zealand-born Naomi was made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1979 in recognition of her achievements.

Crazy voyages: sailors who took to the sea without any sailing experience

Tracy Edwards

Credit: Tanya Visser/PPL

Tracy Edwards , MBE, entered her first Whitbread Round the World race at the age of 23. She made history by leading the first all-female crew to the finish line of the Whitbread Round the World Race on board Maiden in the 89-90 race. Her 12 crew won two legs and finished second in its class, the best performances in the race by a British boat since 1977. Edwards is currently busy restoring her beloved Maiden to her former glory.

Tracy Edwards’ iconic yacht Maiden is coming home

Clare Francis

Clare Francis, MBE, was working in marketing when she decided to sail singlehandedly across the Atlantic in 1973.  A year later she took part in the Round Britain Race with Eve Bonham, finishing in third place. The high achiever went on to be the first woman to skipper a yacht in the 1977-1978 Whitbread Round the World Race. She and her Swan 65 finished in 5th place. To add to her impressive achievements, the former yachtswoman is now an international bestselling author with 12 fiction novels under her belt and four non fiction. She is also a trustee of the charity Action for M.E., which raises money and awareness for sufferers of chronic fatigue syndrome.

Laura Dekker “There were moments where I was like, ‘What the hell am I doing out here?,’ but I never wanted to stop.”

At the age of 13, Laura Dekker announced she wanted to become the youngest person to circumnavigate the globe single-handedly, prompting the Guinness World Records to stop recognising records for “youngest” sailors.

The Dutch authorities objected to her plans and she fought a 10-month court battle to follow her dream. She eventually persuaded judges to allow her departure after agreeing to upgrade to a bigger boat with better navigation equipment, undertake training in first aid and learn how to cope with sleep deprivation.

In August 2010, she set sail on her epic journey onboard her two-masted ketch and arrived, 5,600 nautical miles later, at Simpson Bay on St Maarten in January 2012 – breaking the world record. She was only 16 years and four months of age.

Jeanne Socrates “I’m not really an armchair and slippers person.”

In 2013, British sailor Jeanne Socrates became the oldest woman to sail solo round the world non-stop. This was the 70-year-old’s third attempt to complete the 25,000-mile circumnavigation on her 38ft yacht Nereida.

After 259 days at sea, Jeanne returned triumphant back to British shores. Earlier this year she was awarded with the Cruising Club of America’s Blue Water Medal following her successful voyage.

Read Jeanne Socrate’s blog

Pippa Wilson, MBE

Pippa Wilson continues to be one of the UK’s best female sailors. She won a gold medal in the Yngling sailing class at the 2008 Beijing Olympics along with Sarah Webb and Sarah Ayton, gold in two World Championships and gold in one European Championships.

Follow Pippa on Twitter

Sarah Ayton, OBE

Olympic gold medallist Sarah Ayton is another of the UK’s most successful British female sailors. With two Olympic gold medals under her belt, along with two gold World Championship medals and one gold European Championship medal.

Sarah won an Olympic gold medal alongside Shirley Robertson and Sarah Gosling in the Yngling sailing class in 2004, and again in 2008 with Pippa Wilson and Sarah Gosling.

Follow Sarah on Twitter

Sarah Gosling, OBE

This Olympian is another of Britain’s great female sailors, having won two Olympic gold medals, two gold World Championship medals and one gold European Championship medal.

Sarah won all her medals in the Yngling sailing class alongside Shirley Robertson, Pippa Wilson and Sarah Ayton. Already an MBE, Sarah was awarded an OBE in the 2009 New Year Honours list.

Denise “Dee” Caffari, MBE

Record-setting Dee Caffari came to sailing relatively late after spending five years as a physical education teacher. In 2006, Caffari became the first woman to single-handedly circumnavigate the globe against prevailing winds and currents after 178 days at sea, having started in late 2005.

Just under three years later, in February 2009, Dee Caffari completed the Vendee Globe race, setting a new record and becoming the first woman to sail around the world in both directions.

Follow Dee on Twitter

Kay Cottee, AO 

Awarded the Order of Australia, Cottee was the first woman to successfully complete a solo, non-stop, unassisted circumnavigation of the globe. Cottee achieved the feat in 1988 in her 11m yacht Blackmores First Lady, and she did it in just 189 days.

Cottee established the trip that is routinely tried by sailors chasing speed records and completed it alone, without stopping and without assistance. She was even washed overboard when her yacht capsized in 20 foot waves. Her achievement is as impressive as it is daunting to imagine, and fortunately she didn’t celebrate the achievement alone: nearly 100,000 Australians were awaiting her in Sydney Harbour when she returned.

Krystyna Chojnowska-Liskiewicz

And last, but certainly not least, the first woman to circumnavigate the globe is also a sea captain and shipbuilding engineer. Krystyna Chojnowska-Liskiewicz set off on February 28, 1976 from the Canary Islands on her own in her 10m yacht Mazurek, returning 401 days later on April 21, 1978.

The Polish sailor has been called the “First Lady of the Oceans” and was inducted into the elite Explorers Club in New York. She narrowly beat New Zealander Naomi James (above) who completed her own circumnavigation on June 8, 1978.

Have Fun With History

13 Most Famous Yachts in the World

Super yachts are enormous and opulent boats owned by wealthy individuals, most of whom are billionaires or celebrities. They are intended to provide their owners and guests with a luxurious and exclusive marine experience.

These yachts are frequently custom-built and include cutting-edge technology, high-end facilities, and distinctive looks.

Many legendary yachts have gained popularity as a result of their sheer size and outstanding characteristics. They are frequently utilized as symbols of wealth and luxury, and they are known to attract media and public attention.

Some well-known boats have also been used for charitable purposes, such as organizing charity events and raising donations for various charities.

Famous yachts include Azzam, Eclipse, Serene, and Le Grand Bleu, which are all owned by billionaires and are among the world’s largest boats.

These boats have gotten a lot of attention because of their remarkable features, which include concert halls, basketball courts, and even submarines.

Famous Superyachts

Azzam is the world’s largest private yacht, reaching 590 feet (180 meters) in length. It was built in Germany by Lürssen Yachts and debuted in 2013 for Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates.

Azzam has a sleek and modern design by Nauta Yachts and a strong engine that allows it to attain top speeds of more than 30 knots. The yacht has various luxurious features, including a big swimming pool, helipad, movie theater, and spa.

Also Read: Famous Sailboats

The inside of Azzam, designed by French interior decorator Christophe Leoni, is one of its most remarkable characteristics. The yacht can accommodate up to 36 guests in 18 staterooms and has a crew of more than 50 people to guarantee that visitors are well cared for during their stay.

Azzam has gotten a lot of attention since its debut, not only because of its size and luxurious amenities, but also because of its rumored price tag of more than $600 million. It has also served as a venue for high-profile events such as the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and the Abu Dhabi Yacht Show.

Roman Abramovich, a Russian billionaire, owns the luxury yacht Eclipse. It was previously the world’s largest private yacht, measuring 536 feet (163 meters), but it has since been overtaken by Azzam.

Eclipse was launched in 2010 by the German shipyard Blohm + Voss. Terence Disdale designed the sleek and modern structure, which includes two helicopter pads, a swimming pool, a movie theater, and a spa. It also has a missile defense system and an anti-paparazzi shield that utilizes lasers to block neighboring photographers’ cameras.

The yacht can accommodate up to 36 guests in 18 staterooms and has a crew of more than 70 people to guarantee that visitors are well cared for during their stay. Abramovich has used it for a number of high-profile events, including the Cannes Film Festival and the World Cup in Brazil.

Eclipse has also made headlines due to its speculated price tag of more over $1.5 billion. Despite its high price, it is nevertheless a popular draw for yacht fans and has come to represent luxury and excess.

Yuri Scheffler, the Russian vodka entrepreneur, commissioned the luxury yacht Serene. It was built in 2011 by the Italian shipyard Fincantieri and is the world’s ninth largest yacht, measuring 439 feet (134 meters) in length.

Serene was designed by Espen Oeino and includes two helipads, an indoor climbing wall, a movie theater, a spa, and a seawater swimming pool. The yacht can accommodate up to 24 guests in 12 staterooms and has a crew of more than 50 people to guarantee that visitors are well cared for during their stay.

Serene’s underwater observation chamber, which allows guests to see marine life and the ocean floor in real time, is one of its most distinctive attractions. The boat has also served as a venue for high-profile events such as the Cannes Film Festival and the Monaco Grand Prix.

Serene has gotten a lot of attention since its debut, not just for its remarkable features, but also for its alleged price tag of more than $330 million. Despite its high price, it is nevertheless a popular draw for yacht fans and has come to represent luxury and excess.

While on vacation in the south of France in 2014, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman purchased the vessel from Yuri Shefler for roughly €500 million.

The Sultan of Oman, Qaboos bin Said Al Said, owns the luxury yacht Al Said. It was launched in 2008 by the German shipyard Lürssen Yachts. It is one of the world’s largest boats, measuring 508 feet (155 meters).

Espen Oeino designed Al Said, which has a sleek and modern design and a lot of spectacular amenities such as a concert hall that can hold an orchestra of up to 50 players, a helicopter, a swimming pool, and a spa. The yacht can accommodate up to 70 people in 36 bedrooms and has a crew of over 150 to assure visitors’ comfort during their stay.

One of Al Said’s most distinctive features is its concert hall, which has hosted a variety of musical acts and events. The yacht has also served as a venue for high-profile events such as the Muscat Festival and the America’s Cup.

Since its debut, Al Said has garnered a lot of attention, not just for its remarkable features, but also for its owner’s philanthropic endeavors. The Sultan of Oman has used the boat to conduct a number of charitable events and has donated millions of dollars to various charities.

Octopus is the late Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen’s luxurious yacht. It was launched in 2003 by the German shipyard Lürssen Yachts. It is one of the world’s largest yachts, measuring 414 feet (126 meters).

Octopus is designed by Espen Oeino and boasts a number of outstanding amenities, including two submarines, a recording studio, a theatre, and a helicopter pad. The yacht can accommodate up to 26 guests in 13 bedrooms and has a crew of more than 60 people to make sure guests are well taken care of during their stay.

One of Octopus’ most distinctive characteristics is its submarine hangar, which can accommodate two submarines and allows guests to explore the underwater depths. The yacht has also been used for research trips, including a 2012 effort to collect the bell from the sunk British frigate HMS Hood.

Octopus has gotten a lot of attention since its debut, not just because of its remarkable characteristics, but also because of its owner’s charitable actions. Paul Allen utilized the yacht to conduct a number of humanitarian events and to contribute millions of dollars to ocean conservation and research programs.

Alisher Usmanov, a Russian billionaire, owns the luxury yacht Dilbar. It was launched in 2016 by the German shipyard Lürssen Yachts. It is the world’s sixth largest yacht, measuring 512 feet (156 meters).

Dilbar has a modern and streamlined design by Espen Oeino with a range of amazing amenities such as a helipad, a swimming pool, a movie theater, a spa, and a gym. The yacht can accommodate up to 40 guests in 20 bedrooms and has a crew of more than 80 people to guarantee that visitors are well cared for during their stay.

Dilbar’s internal pool, which is one of the largest on any yacht, is one of its most stunning features. In addition, the yacht boasts a one-of-a-kind propulsion technology that allows it to attain a top speed of 22.5 knots.

Dilbar has gotten a lot of attention since its debut, not just for its amazing qualities, but also for its rumored price tag of more than $600 million. Despite its high price, it is nevertheless a popular draw for yacht fans and has come to represent luxury and excess.

Gulbahor Ismailova was identified as the owner following investigations by the German Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) and the tax investigation office. Alisher Usmanov, a Russian businessman and Putin confidant, is her brother.

Till then, Ismailova’s name was not on any suspension list. The BKA notified the German Foreign Ministry of the new findings, and Ismailova was sanctioned in April 2022. The yacht was seized by German police.

Dilbar was valued at “as much as $750 million” when confiscated as an asset of Usmanov in June 2022.

German authorities are looking for Usmanov’s additional property and assets that could be frozen or seized. The oligarch is claimed to own several mansions on the Bavarian Tegernsee.

7. Rising Sun

The luxury yacht Rising Sun is co-owned by media billionaire David Geffen and Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison. It was launched in 2004 by the German shipyard Lürssen Yachts.

It was previously the world’s third largest yacht, measuring 453 feet (138 meters).

Rising Sun has a sleek and modern design by Jon Bannenberg with a number of spectacular amenities, including a basketball court, a movie theater, a spa, and a retractable roof swimming pool.

The yacht can accommodate up to 16 guests in 8 bedrooms and has a crew of more than 40 people to make sure guests are well taken care of during their stay.

Rising Sun’s basketball court, which can also be utilized as a helipad, is one of its most distinctive characteristics. The boat has also served as a venue for high-profile events such as the Cannes Film Festival and the Monaco Grand Prix.

8. Lady Moura

Nasser Al-Rashid, a Saudi Arabian businessman, owns the luxury yacht Lady Moura. It was launched in 1990 by the German shipyard Blohm + Voss. It was originally one of the world’s largest yachts, measuring 344 feet (105 meters).

Lady Moura has a one-of-a-kind design by Italian designer Luigi Sturchio and a plethora of spectacular amenities, including a sand-covered hydraulic platform that can be utilized as a beach, a helicopter, a swimming pool, and a movie theater.

The boat can accommodate up to 30 guests in 15 staterooms and has a crew of more than 60 people to guarantee that visitors are well cared for during their stay.

Lady Moura’s sand-covered hydraulic platform, which can be extended to provide a beach-like setting for guests to enjoy, is one of its most distinctive characteristics. The boat has also served as a venue for high-profile events such as the Monaco Grand Prix and the Cannes Film Festival.

Lady Moura has gotten a lot of attention since its debut, not only because of its amazing qualities, but also because of her owner’s charitable initiatives. Nasser Al-Rashid has used the yacht to organize humanitarian events and has donated millions of dollars to organizations such as education and healthcare.

9. Sailing Yacht A

Russian millionaire Andrey Melnichenko owns the luxury sailing vessel Sailing Yacht A. It was launched in 2015 by the German shipyard Nobiskrug. It is one of the world’s largest sailing yachts, measuring 468 feet (142 meters).

Philippe Starck designed Sailing Yacht A, which is outfitted with a number of outstanding amenities such as an underwater observation room, a swimming pool, a helipad, and a movie theater.

The boat can accommodate up to 20 guests in 9 staterooms and has a crew of more than 50 people to guarantee that visitors are adequately cared for during their stay.

One of Sailing Yacht A’s most distinctive features is its underwater observation area, which allows passengers to watch marine life and the ocean floor in real time. The boat also has a hybrid propulsion system that allows it to sail at a top speed of 21 knots.

Since its debut, Sailing Yacht A has drawn a lot of attention, not only for its remarkable features, but also for its unusual and unconventional design. The yacht has received multiple design honors and has come to represent innovation and modernity in the world of sailing yachts.

The boat was confiscated by Italian officials in the port of Trieste on March 12, 2022, as a result of EU sanctions imposed on a number of Russian business people as a result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Melnichenko’s representative said the seizure would be challenged.

10. Christina O

Aristotle Onassis, the Greek shipping mogul, once owned the luxury yacht Christina O. It was built as a Canadian frigate in 1943 and modified into a luxury boat in 1954. The yacht’s length is 325 feet (99 meters).

Christina O has a one-of-a-kind and stylish design, as well as a number of amazing amenities such as a swimming pool, a movie theater, a library, a spa, and a bar.

The yacht can accommodate up to 34 guests in 17 staterooms and has a crew of more than 40 people to guarantee that visitors are well cared for during their stay.

The history of the Christina O and the notable visitors who have stayed on board, including world leaders such as Winston Churchill and John F. Kennedy, as well as celebrities such as Marilyn Monroe and Frank Sinatra, is one of its most distinguishing aspects.

The yacht has also been hired for a number of high-profile events, including weddings and celebrations.

Christina O has been restored and remodeled multiple times over the years, the most recent being in 2018. Despite its antiquity, it continues to be a popular destination for yacht aficionados and has come to represent luxury and elegance in the world of yachting.

11. Maltese Falcon

Tom Perkins, an American venture capitalist, owns the luxury sailing yacht Maltese Falcon. Perini Navi, an Italian shipyard, built it and launched it in 2006. It is one of the world’s largest sailing yachts, measuring 289 feet (88 meters).

The Maltese Falcon has a one-of-a-kind and original design by Ken Freivokh and Dykstra Naval Architects, as well as a slew of remarkable amenities such as a swimming pool, a movie theater, a gym, and a spa.

The yacht can accommodate up to 12 guests in 6 bedrooms and has a crew of more than 15 people to make sure guests are well taken care of during their stay.

The Maltese Falcon’s innovative DynaRig sail system, which uses three freestanding carbon fiber masts and computer-controlled sails to give a more efficient and nimble sailing experience, is one of its most distinguishing features.

The yacht has also been seen at high-profile events such as the Monaco Yacht Show and the St. Barth’s Bucket regatta.

Since its debut, the Maltese Falcon has drawn a lot of attention, not only for its outstanding features, but also for its revolutionary design and sailing technology.

The yacht has received numerous design and engineering honors and has become a symbol of modernism and innovation in the world of sailing yachts.

Dubai is a luxury yacht owned by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai. It is the world’s third largest yacht, measuring 531 feet (162 meters).

Dubai has a one-of-a-kind and elegant design by Andrew Winch, as well as a number of impressive amenities such as a swimming pool, a helipad, a cinema, a gym, and a spa.

The yacht can accommodate up to 33 guests in 21 bedrooms and has a crew of more than 80 people to make sure guests are well taken care of during their stay.

One of Dubai’s most distinguishing aspects is its sumptuous interior, which displays meticulous workmanship and high-end finishes throughout. The yacht has also been seen at high-profile events such as the Dubai International Boat Show and the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Since its inception, Dubai has drawn a lot of attention, not only for its impressive size and features, but also for its owner’s wealth and extravagance. In the world of yachting, the yacht has become a symbol of luxury and extravagance, and it is frequently associated with the opulence of the Middle East.

13. Black Pearl

Black Pearl is a luxury sailing yacht launched in 2016 by Oceanco, a Dutch builder. It is one of the world’s largest sailing yachts, measuring 350 feet (106 meters).

Dykstra Naval Architects created a one-of-a-kind and original design for Black Pearl, which includes a swimming pool, a movie theater, a gym, and a spa. The boat can accommodate up to 12 people in 6 bedrooms and has a crew of more than 18 to guarantee that visitors are adequately cared for during their stay.

One of Black Pearl’s most distinctive characteristics is her hybrid propulsion system, which blends traditional diesel engines with electric motors to create a more efficient and environmentally friendly sailing experience.

In addition, the boat incorporates a computer-controlled sail system that can be altered in real time for best performance.

Since its release, Black Pearl has garnered a lot of attention, not just for its remarkable features, but also for its creative design and technology.

The yacht has received multiple honors for its engineering and sustainability, and it has come to represent modernism and innovation in the world of sailing yachts.

Fred Hecklinger, Annapolis sailing and maritime…

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Fred Hecklinger, Annapolis sailing and maritime legend, dies at age 84

At the age of 15, Fred Hecklinger built a 15-foot lumberman’s bateau from a design he found in Boys’ Life magazine and named it Pride . One year later, after dropping out of school, he left home and headed for Oxford to chase the dream of becoming a seaman.

It was the summer of 1953 and the Baltimore native found work at the Oxford Boatyard Co., where he was fortunate to meet C. Sherman Hoyt — one of the world’s most famous yachtsmen.

Hoyt hired the eager teenager as a mate to assist with campaigning an 8-meter yacht named Hurrying Angel around the Chesapeake Bay that summer. So began a lifetime of working on and around sailing vessels.

Hecklinger, a legendary figure within the Annapolis sailing community and one of the founders of Eastport Yacht Club, died Friday night after battling the aftereffects of a heart attack for five years. He was 84.

The 40-year resident of Bay Ridge died at Heart Homes assisted living with Bobbie, his wife of 45 years, by his side.

For Hecklinger, it all goes back to that glorious summer when he helped Hoyt compete in buoy races off Annapolis and Gibson Island every weekend. During the week, Hecklinger cleaned and varnished the 8-meter, sewed sails and did whatever was necessary to get Hurrying Angel ready for the next regatta.

Along the way, Hecklinger taught himself marlinspike seamanship, woodworking, rigging, racing skills and yachting etiquette.

“Some people are just born with a passion. Fred realized when he was a young boy that he wanted to work in the maritime industry, so he did something about it,” Bobbie Hecklinger said. “Through ambition and determination, Fred made his own path.”

Hoyt, who served as helmsman aboard Enterprise and Rainbow and helped skipper Harold Vanderbilt defend the America’s Cup in 1930 and 1934, wrote Hecklinger a glowing letter of recommendation, which opened doors that found him as mate aboard a wide range of sailing vessels. He raced with Henry B. DuPont aboard a 45-foot sailboat and joined the crew of the 96-foot schooner Caribee , which was owned by Walter Boudreau.

Peter Boudreau grew up on that gaff-rigger designed by Howard Chapelle and would later work with Hecklinger to build the original Pride of Baltimore .

There was a four-year stint in the Navy with Hecklinger serving aboard a destroyer during the Korean War. He arrived in Annapolis during the mid-1960s and helped establish a Northrop and Johnson Yacht Brokerage office.

Al Gundry was hired as a salesman there in 1969 and soon became close friends with his boss as they were roommates in a house overlooking Weems Creek. Gundry had gotten to know Hecklinger as a rival racer when the latter crewed aboard Storm Petrel , an Aage Nielsen-designed 51-foot aluminum ketch owned by Jim Rider.

“Fred, in many ways, was a larger-than-life individual and the consummate seaman,” said Gundry, who logged thousands of miles offshore with Hecklinger. “I always thought of Fred as being the best sailor I ever knew. He was a student of all things sailing and had an encyclopedic knowledge of yachting history from the entire 20th century.”

Hecklinger willingly shared that knowledge and was a gifted storyteller, holding court at Eastport Yacht Club or the Boatyard Bar & Grill during the weekly gathering of Storm Trysail Club members.

“Fred was as much at home among skipjack captains on Tilghman Island as he was with wealthy members of New York Yacht Club,” said Gundry, noting that Hecklinger was routinely invited to dredge oysters with Deal Island residents.

Hecklinger proudly held member card No. 2 as one of 11 founders of Eastport Yacht Club. He was also a long-standing member of the Cruising Club of America and Windjammers of the Chesapeake.

Bobbie met her future husband shortly after moving to Annapolis and they married in 1975. In those days, Hecklinger was working as professional captain for Al Van Metre, who owned a pair of iconic Sparkman & Stephens-designed ocean racers in Bandit and Running Tide.

“Fred realized he was never going to be the owner of a large yacht. However, he knew those owners needed someone with a wide range of expertise to help operate the boat,” Bobbie said.

Hecklinger managed all aspects of the program as the 61-foot Running Tide enjoyed tremendous success on the Southern Ocean Racing Circuit, while posting numerous victories in renowned point-to-point races such as Annapolis-to-Bermuda and Newport-to-Bermuda. Along the way, he found time to sail the Caribbean aboard the replica schooner America .

When master shipwright Melbourne Smith joined forces with fellow Annapolis resident and naval architect Thomas Gillmer to build the Pride of Baltimore , they recruited Hecklinger to help. He was integral to the rigging design and helped carve the transom of Pride, which was launched in 1977.

“Fred was very meticulous and could spot something wrong in the rigging of a vessel that no one else could,” Bobbie Hecklinger said.

Hecklinger turned down an offer to captain the Pride of Baltimore because he was happily married and did not want to travel so much anymore. He was also building a burgeoning career as a marine surveyor with particular expertise in wooden boats.

However, Hecklinger did serve as relief captain aboard Pride for a trip from the Virgin Islands to Florida. A framed photo hanging on the wall of Boatyard Bar & Grill shows Hecklinger proudly displaying a massive mahi-mahi he caught somewhere between St. Thomas and Key West. The boat would later sink in a squall in 1986.

Annapolis resident Angus Phillips was always fascinated listening to Hecklinger tell tales at the bar of Eastport Yacht Club, which on Saturday lowered its burgee to half-mast in honor of its first commodore and resident historian. Phillips, longtime outdoors writer for The Washington Post , spent many hours in Hecklinger’s basement lair — a veritable museum of nautical artifacts, gear and memorabilia.

“Fred was so thoroughly authentic and gentlemanly. He was not highly educated by traditional standards, yet was one of the most cultured people I’ve ever known,” said Phillips, who was taught splicing by Hecklinger.

Hecklinger helped establish Chesapeake Appreciation Days in 1965 and was a member of the Maryland Historical Society, Annapolis Maritime Museum and Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum.

Taylor Funeral Home is handling arrangements for Hecklinger, who suggested shortly before his death that Eastport Yacht Club hold a celebration of life in lieu of a funeral.

Hecklinger is survived by his wife.

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