Accelerating women to the top of sailing
Thank you for showing girls and women around the world that we can accomplish anything and to dream big. Your perseverance, drive and commitment to this gruelling competition is inspiring.
Billie Jean KingCreating the pathwayFollowing on from Team SCA's battle around the world in the Volvo Ocean Race, there were greater opportunities to grasp. Their success sparked The Magenta Project which aims to continue the legacy of Team SCA by providing a pathway for professional female athletes to compete at the highest level. World Sailing TV caught up with Libby Greenhalgh and Annie Lush, two key drivers of the Magenta Project.
Posted by World Sailing on Thursday, 10 March 2016
Background
In the 2014-15 Volvo Ocean Race, there was only one all-female team in a fleet of seven boats taking on the longest and most gruelling endurance event in the sport of sailing. In the early hours of June 11, 2015, Team SCA crossed the finish line first in Leg 8 of the Volvo Ocean Race creating history and sending waves across the sailing world. Team SCA was the first female team in 25 years to win a leg and secure third position overall in the stadium-style, in-port racing.
What started out as an ambition to be competitive at the highest level, resulted in providing inspiration to an enormous base of fans and female sailors across the globe. To continue the legacy, The Magenta Project was formed, a collective of passionate, committed female athletes showcasing sailing as one of the few sports where women can compete directly against men on a level playing field.
Since completing the 2014-2015 Volvo Ocean Race, The Magenta Project has lead a growing movement. Our message has been heard by key figures at the top of the sport and changes are starting to be made to enable and support greater female participation within major events, including the World Match Racing Tour, The Extreme Sailing Series and The Volvo Ocean Race.
However, there is still much to be done and we invite everyone to work with us and support us to create the opportunities and pathways that will lead to greater equality at the top of sailing.
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