All-Female Crew Sails Around the World

February 2, 2026

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A young woman from Northland, New Zealand has helped make sailing history.

Rebecca Gmuer-Hornell, aged 26, was part of the first all-female crew to sail non-stop around the world. The team completed the journey in just 57 days, 21 hours, and 20 minutes—breaking a New Zealand sailing record that had stood for over 30 years.

Rebecca, from Ōpua in the Bay of Islands, sailed aboard a large racing boat called IDEC Sport. The crew of eight women included world-famous sailors from France and the UK, as well as Olympic athletes from Spain and the Netherlands. Their record-breaking voyage finished off the coast of France.

The team competed for the Jules Verne Trophy, which is awarded to the fastest crew to sail around the globe. Rebecca’s time was more than 16 days faster than the record set by Sir Peter Blake in 1994.

Sailing through huge ocean waves and wild winds, the crew faced many challenges. Rebecca said one of the hardest parts was navigating back up the Atlantic Ocean in winter, through what she called “liquid Himalayas”, giant 8-metre swells and 50-knot winds.

She said the most memorable moment was rounding Cape Horn, a famous and dangerous point at the tip of South America. “We call it the Everest of sailing,” she explained. Only about 25 women have ever done it.

Rebecca hopes their success will inspire young girls everywhere. “It shows women can do it too,” she said. “I’ve dreamed of this since I was little, and now it’s real.”

Article written by Milli Banbury

This article was written using AI as an assistive tool for research, writing, and proofreading.
The te reo Māori version of this article was translated with AI assistance. While care has been taken to keep it accurate, if you spot anything that doesn't read quite right, please let us know

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Learning Options

Recall Questions

Thinking questions

Digital Thinking

Last week, a group of students visited a local marae to learn more about its history and customs. They were welcomed with a pōwhiri and listened carefully as kaumātua explained the significance of the carvings, the meeting house, and the way visitors should behave. The students asked thoughtful questions and later shared kai with their hosts. Many said the visit helped them understand why respect, listening, and hospitality are important parts of marae life. Their teacher hoped the experience would help the students show greater care and understanding when attending future cultural events. The visit ended with thanks and farewells.

Which option best summarises the passage?

The visit was arranged so the students could practise their speaking skills during a school presentation. A group of students visited a marae, learned about tikanga and respect, and gained a better understanding of cultural customs. The students mainly asked questions about the carvings because they were interested in building design. The students enjoyed the kai, and their teacher ended the visit with thanks and farewells.