Krystyna Chojnowska-Liskiewicz made history as the first woman to sail solo around the world. Her story is one of determination, courage, and passion for adventure.
Krystyna was born on June 19, 1936, in Poland. She developed a love for sailing from a young age, spending much of her childhood near the water. However, her dream of circumnavigating the globe seemed far-fetched, especially considering the challenges women faced in the male-dominated world of sailing during the mid-20th century.
Despite the odds, Krystyna remained undeterred. In 1976, she set out on her journey aboard the small sailboat “Mazurek,” a 31-foot Conrad 32 ketch. She departed from Gdynia, Poland, on February 28, 1976, embarking on what would become an epic voyage spanning over 401 days.
Facing treacherous seas, unpredictable weather, and solitude, Krystyna navigated her way through the world’s oceans with remarkable skill and determination. She encountered numerous challenges along the way, including equipment failures, storms, and even a collision with a cargo ship off the coast of Australia.
Despite these obstacles, Krystyna persevered, drawing upon her seamanship skills and sheer grit to overcome each hurdle. Her journey captured the imagination of people around the world, and she became a symbol of courage and determination for women everywhere.
Finally, on April 21, 1978, Krystyna Chojnowska-Liskiewicz returned to Gdynia, Poland, completing her historic solo circumnavigation of the globe. She had sailed over 31,000 nautical miles, making her the first woman to achieve this remarkable feat.
Krystyna’s accomplishment broke down barriers and inspired generations of female sailors to pursue their dreams fearlessly. Her legacy continues to inspire adventurers and sailors worldwide, proving that with passion, perseverance, and determination, anything is possible.