Trailblazing Americas Cup Women Abstract

Breanne Messier Austin Richard Timothy Kelleher Trailblazing Women and the America’s Cup

Women in early America’s Cup racing were much more than pretty additions to the crew and their responsibilities frequently transcended their role as timekeeper. Hope Goddard Iselin (1868-1970) and Gertrude Vanderbilt (1901-1978) both inspired future generations with their immense successes in their multiple stints aboard America’s Cup yachts. As a woman at the turn of the twentieth century, Hope wielded great power and commanded dignified respect as a sailor and expert in her own right. Hope was hailed in the media as a great and avid yachtswoman. The substantial praise she received was uncharacteristic for a woman of her time, especially due to the nature of the comments made which focused on Hope’s skill and personality, rather than her appearance or background. Hope’s legacy is significant and strongly defined. She clearly had an impact on the world of America’s Cup racing at the turn of the century and beyond. Edith Hope Goddard Iselin was and is worthy of being inducted in the America’s Cup Hall of Fame. Gertrude Vanderbilt, although often times only ever shown as a mascot or serving as a ceremonial member of the crew, offered much more to her husband and to the America’s Cup race. Many sources only present Gertie as the wife of Harold, meant to look pretty and to christen boats. The reality was that Mrs. Vanderbilt accomplished much more than just setting fashion trends while on board these America’s Cup racing yachts. While most accounts state her job as a member of the afterguard and the official timekeeper, the reality was that her duties onboard greatly varied. While she was often times the logbook keeper and timekeeper, particularly during races, she would also skipper the different yachts on occasion. Hope and Gertrude, along with other women who sailed during this period, inspired women all across the world. They became symbols to others of what women could accomplish.