According to BBC Sport, 29-year-old Jemima Lines has been selected for the GB1 team ahead of the upcoming America’s Cup, marking the first time in 90 years that a British woman will race aboard a British challenger for the trophy. The event will take place in Naples, Italy, in 2027.
Historic Selection Breaks 90-Year Drought in British Sailing
Jemima Lines has been named to the GB1 squad for the America’s Cup, ending a decades-long absence of female British crew members in the competition. According to BBC Sport, the last British woman to race aboard a challenger was Phyllis Sopwith, who made appearances in 1934 and 1937. The upcoming contest marks the first edition in the 175-year history of the event to require at least one woman in each five-person crew.
“It has been a long time coming,” Lines told BBC Sport, describing the milestone. “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.”
Did you know?
Multidisciplinary Background and Olympic Experience
Lines brings a diverse athletic and academic background to the GB1 syndicate. According to BBC Sport, she is a former kitefoiler on the British Sailing Team who served as Team GB’s back-up to eventual gold medallist Ellie Aldridge at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Beyond competitive sailing, she holds a degree in mechanical engineering. Her resume also includes working as a guide at Everest basecamp, scaling mountain summits, and setting altitude kite surfing records.
Her engineering background will directly influence the team’s preparations. According to BBC Sport, Lines will play a key role in the design team, helping to develop the tools the GB1 crew will use on board the AC75.
Ties to Family Adventure and the GB1 Crew Lineup
Lines credits her late father, Ralph Crathorne—a former British special forces soldier who died in an accident on Ben Nevis earlier this year—with instilling her sense of adventure. According to BBC Sport, when asked what her father would make of her selection, Lines stated, “He would just absolutely love it, he was an absolute legend and an incredible adventurer. Every sport I have ever done, we have done as a family and that lead me to this.”
Lines joins a high-profile roster for the campaign. According to BBC Sport, her teammates on GB1 include Bleddyn Mon, Dylan Fletcher, Ben Cornish, and Andrea Tesei.
“The anticipation is massive for this one and all I can say is that coming into this team you can feel the buzz in the air,” Lines told BBC Sport.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the next America’s Cup taking place?
According to BBC Sport, the 38th America’s Cup will take place in Naples, Italy, in 2027, with racing beginning in May and the final Match on 10-11 July.
Who was the last British woman to race in the America’s Cup prior to Jemima Lines?
According to BBC Sport, Phyllis Sopwith was the last British woman to race aboard a British challenger, appearing in 1934 and 1937.
What is the new crew requirement for the event?
According to BBC Sport, the upcoming America’s Cup is the first in its 175-year history to mandate at least one woman in each five-person crew.
Stay Updated on Sailing News
Explore more coverage of international maritime competitions and Olympic sailing updates by checking out our latest articles.
Related reading