By Prof Dr Ian Blackshaw
It has been announced that the first British woman, in 90 years, has been selected for a team in the 38th edition of the America's Cup, which will take place in Naples, Italy, in 2027, with racing beginning in May and the final Match on 10-11 July. The event, for the first time, will require at least one woman in each five-person crew.
Jemima Lines, who is 29 years old, will be a member of the GB1 team, and remarked that:
“It has been a long time coming.”
And added that:
“It is incredible, what a moment in history and it is just so exciting, I think it is a pivotal moment for our sport really.”
Phyllis Sopwith was the last British woman to race in a British America's Cup team and took part in 1934 and 1937.
Lines has a degree in mechanical engineering and has previously worked as a guide at Everest basecamp, scaled mountain summits and set altitude kite surfing records.
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