James, Naomi (1949–)

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James, Naomi (1949–)

New Zealand sailor. Born Naomi Power, Mar 2, 1949, in Gisborne, New Zealand; m. Rob James (yachtsman drowned while sailing, 1983); married once more, 1990, and moved to Washington DC; children: (1st m.) daughter (b. 1983).

After 9 months at sea, became the 1st woman to sail solo around the world via Cape Horn, known as the Clipper Route (Sept 9, 1977–June 8, 1978) and broke the round-the-world sailing record of Francis Chichester by 2 days; competed in the single-handed Transatlantic race, setting a record for a female competitor (1979); suffering from seasickness, gave up sailing (1982). Made DBE (1979); inducted into New Zealand Hall of Fame (1990).

See also memoirs At One with the Sea (1979) and At Sea on Land (1981).