Cruising Association honours Kirsten Neuschäfer with The Duchess of Kent Trophy
by The Cruising Association 16 Jan 06:08 NZDT
Kirsten Neuschäfer reflects on her 2022 Globe Race win at Point Yacht Club © Rogan Ward Images
History-making sailor Kirsten Neuschäfer has been awarded the prestigious Duchess of Kent Trophy by the Cruising Association in recognition of her extraordinary victory in the 2022 Golden Globe Race and heroic rescue of fellow sailor Tapio Lehtinen.
The Duchess of Kent Trophy is awarded to 'any sailor, not necessarily a member, who has achieved something exceptional in or around small boats.' Kirsten's achievements embody this spirit, making her an exceptional addition to the distinguished list of past recipients, including Jimmy Cornell, Pip Hare and Jeanne Socrates.
Kirsten's victory on Minnehaha, her Cape George 36, in the Golden Globe Race stands as an extraordinary accomplishment in ocean racing history. She completed the gruelling solo, non-stop and unassisted round-the-world race in an official time of 233 days, 20 hours, 43 minutes, and 47 seconds. Her triumph was not only a win for the record books but also for gender and geographic representation, as Kirsten became the first woman and the first South African sailor to win a solo round-the-world race.
In addition to her win, Kirsten's race was marked by a courageous rescue. Deep in the Indian Ocean, she altered course to save Finnish competitor Tapio Lehtinen after his yacht sank. Kirsten took Tapio aboard Minnehaha until he could safely transfer to a passing cargo ship, after which she resumed her race. Out of seventeen starters, Kirsten was first among only five finishers of the Golden Globe Race.
"Kirsten's courage, skill and determination exemplify the very best of the sailing community," noted Robin Baron, President of the Cruising Association. "The CA is immensely proud to celebrate her extraordinary accomplishments. Kirsten has been a trailblazer and inspired countless sailors worldwide."
The Golden Globe Race is known for its extreme difficulty, permitting only 1968-era boats and technology as per the inaugural race.
Trophy Presentation
Kirsten was unable to attend the presentation in person due to her current voyage to Cape Town, positioned some 80 nm south of Tristan da Cunha at the time.
Mark Daniels, her sponsor, accepted The Duchess of Kent Trophy on Kirsten's behalf from Sir Robin Knox-Johnston at the CA's Flag Officers' Lunch on 11 January 2025 at CA House, London. In winning the 1968/1969 Golden Globe Race, Sir Robin became the first person to sail single-handed and non-stop around the world.
After sharing words from Kirsten expressing her appreciation for the accolade, Mark reflected on Kirsten's achievements, saying, "My association with Kirsten has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, filled with many emotions. She dared to dream, and that dream became a reality when she won the 2022 Golden Globe. When we agreed to sponsor her, she confidently told me, 'Mark, I'm in the race to win it.' She then brought together a remarkable team whose support gave her the confidence to succeed. For 233 days, we lived vicariously through her journey. Kirsten's tenacity, compassion and grit have earned her widespread recognition, yet she remains grounded - not by land, but by the sea she loves and protects. For Scipio SA, we are proud to have supported such an incredible sailor. Watch this space!"
About The Duchess of Kent Trophy
The Duchess of Kent Trophy was bequeathed to the Cruising Association by B.H. LePine Williams. Originally awarded to Vice Admiral Bertram Ramsay for his pivotal role in the Dunkirk evacuation in 1940, the trophy continues to celebrate extraordinary achievements in or around small boats.
Notable recipients include:
- Jimmy Cornell (2023): honoured for his unparalleled contributions to the cruising community, including three circumnavigations, the founding of the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC) and authorship of the best-selling World Cruising Routes.
- Pip Hare (2021): recognised for completing the Vendée Globe race aboard her 21-year-old IMOCA Medallia, becoming the first British skipper to finish the 2020-21 race and one of only eight women to ever complete the event.
- Jeanne Socrates (2012 & 2019): In 2012 the trophy was awarded following her successful single-handed circumnavigation of the world at the third attempt. It was awarded to Jeanne again in 2019 for being the oldest person to sail non-stop, solo and unassisted around the world.
About the Cruising Association (CA)
Founded in 1908 specifically to meet the needs of cruising sailors, the Cruising Association has been a home to many of the great names in sailing. It is a non-profit mutually supportive association and is acknowledged as a leading organisation for sail and motor cruisers, with over 6,400 members around the world.
The CA provides services, information, help and advice to sailors worldwide using a variety of communication platforms including its website, CAptain's Mate app, forums, rallies, seminars and events, newsletters and the members' quarterly magazine 'Cruising'.
Well-known names associated with the CA include HRH The Princess Royal and the CA's Patron, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston. Supporters also include Tom Cunliffe, Mike Golding and Jeanne Socrates, amongst others.