On Women's Day, we pay tribute to the fearless women around the world! We thought it fitting to highlight our women captains, who defy expectations and conquer the waves with unwavering courage. Their stories of resilience, leadership, and the boundless spirit of adventure inspire us to chart our own course and embrace challenges with unwavering strength. Let's salute their remarkable accomplishments and the pioneering legacy they continue to forge on this special day.
First up we have Leslie Egnot who is the team captain of SSL Team NZL originally from the US, she moved to New Zealand when she was 10. She started sailing in Christchurch, New Zealand and had an impact on sailing at a young age. She was the first female to win New Zealand's prestigious Tauranga Cup, sailed in the class unique to NZ – the P Class. At the time, it was the most competitive junior fleet in the country. Egnot progressed to the 470 class where she went to two Olympic Games in 1992 and 1996. Leslie won a Silver medal sailing with Jan Shearer at the 1992 Olympic Games and has competed in two Americas’ Cups. She is the first woman to have skippered / helmed an America's Cup yacht. She has worked for Yachting New Zealand in a variety of roles including high performance coaching, logistics manager, an Olympic selector and a member of the Olympic Committee.
Moving on to SSL Team
Thailand’s captain Noppakao Nai Poonpat. In Thai, Nai means Boss which is fitting for many reasons, one of them being that she manages to get her way and win events. There are many accolades that follow Poonpat but most notably 2x Asian Games Gold Medals, and the Optimist World Championships. Nai also finished a noteworthy 4th at the 29er world championships after having only sailed in the boat for two weeks! She has been away from the sport for a couple of years and has recently become a fully licensed pharmacist and has opened a Pharmacy in Bangkok! However, she still actively helms the TP 52 that dominates the Asian circuit.
Our last captain is Lithuanian Captain, Gintarė Volungevičiūtė Scheidt.
Growing as a high-class sailor in a newly reborn Lithuania, Gintarė Volungevičiūtė Scheidt presented her country with the highest sailing achievements so far – an Olympic silver medal in 2008, a gold at a World championship in 2012 and a huge inspiration for future generations. Her positivity and sincerity are what makes the team tick.
Happy Women’s Day!