Sharon Ferris-Choat (born 17 January 1974 in Scarborough, Ontario, Canada) is a New Zealand-Canadian professional sailor, Olympian, and offshore racing skipper. She has competed in multiple Olympic Games, set world sailing speed records, and became one of the first women to win a round-the-world yacht race. Over her career spanning more than three decades, Ferris-Choat has been a trailblazer for women in competitive sailing, advocating for sustainability, mentorship, and increased female participation in the sport.
Sharon Ferris-Choat was born in Canada and traveled to New Zealand with her Kiwi parents when she was a young child. Sharon grew up in the Bay of Islands, where she discovered sailing as a teenager. She was inspired by the 1989–90 Whitbread Round the World Race, particularly Tracy Edwards’ all-female team aboard Maiden, which fueled her ambition to pursue professional sailing.
Encouraged by early regatta successes, Ferris-Choat balanced sailing with education. With determination and perseverance, she rapidly progressed in the sport, earning top results in youth and national sailing competitions.
Olympic Career
Ferris-Choat represented New Zealand in two Olympic Games:
1996 Summer Olympics (Atlanta, USA) – 5th place, Europe class.
She also competed in numerous Olympic-class regattas, including the ISAF World Championships and World Cup events, securing podium finishes. In 2004, her crew won a silver medal at the Yngling World Championships, ranking them at the top of the Yngling class world rankings.
Olympic Sailing Results
World Sailing Olympic Results – Sharon Ferris-Choat
Offshore and Round-the-World Racing
Ferris-Choat has completed three round-the-world races, accumulating over 107,000 offshore miles【6】.
Jules Verne Trophy Attempt (1998)
Crewed aboard Royal & SunAlliance, Tracy Edwards’ all-female team attempting the non-stop round-the-world record.
The attempt was unsuccessful due to a dismasting in the Southern Ocean, but the crew's endurance and teamwork gained international recognition.
Volvo Ocean Race (2001–2002)
Crewed aboard Amer Sports Too, one of the few all-female teams in the Volvo Ocean Race, completing 12,342 nautical miles.
Volvo Ocean Race Archive
Oryx Quest (2005) – First Woman to Win a Round-the-World Race
Sailed aboard the maxi-catamaran Doha 2006, winning the Oryx Quest in 62 days.
Alongside Karine Fauconnier, she became the first woman in history to win a round-the-world yacht race.
Oryx Quest Official Report (2005)
The Maiden Factor World Tour (2019–2022)
Co-Skipper and Skipper of Maiden for The Maiden Factor, a campaign raising awareness for girls' education and women’s empowerment in sailing.
Led training and mentoring programs for young female sailors.
The Maiden Factor Official Website
High-Performance Sailing & Extreme Sailing Series
Ferris-Choat has competed in some of the world’s most demanding high-performance sailing events, often as the first and only woman in the fleet.
GC32 Racing Tour & Extreme Sailing Series
2015–2016: Skippered Thalassa Magenta Racing, the first all-female team in the Extreme Sailing Series, breaking new ground for women in high-speed multihull racing.
GC32 Racing Tour: Skippered Armin Strom Racing, achieving 3rd place overall.
GC32 Racing Tour Official Results
Hamilton Island Race Week (2018)
Skippered Ave Gitana (a solar-powered trimaran) to victory in the Multihull Division.
Won the Gun Boat Trophy for most line honors across all divisions.
Skippered Magic Miles Blue division winner 2024
Hamilton Island Race Week Results
IMOCA 60 Racing (2019–2024)
Competed with Team Malizia (IMOCA 60) on offshore endurance races.
Awen double handed races (SSANZ) 2019
2024: Competed in the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race aboard Awen (IMOCA 60), finishing 14th across the line.
Sydney to Hobart Official Results
Records & Notable Achievements
First woman to win a round-the-world yacht race (Oryx Quest 2005).
Set five World Sailing Speed Records aboard Maiden II (2003).
Multiple podium finishes in offshore and Olympic-class regattas.
First all-female skipper in the GC32 Extreme Sailing Series.
Mentored and trained female sailors globally.
Sustainability and Mentorship
Ferris-Choat is a strong advocate for sustainable sailing and ocean conservation.
Leads offshore expeditions focused on marine conservation, upcycling, and beach cleanups.
Promotes sustainable racing practices through eco-friendly yacht design and carbon-neutral sailing initiatives.
Mentors young sailors, particularly women in offshore racing and the marine industry.
She is currently a Skipper and Team Development Manager at Ocean Sailing Expeditions, overseeing training, sustainability programs, and offshore passages.
Ocean Sailing Expeditions Official Website
Personal Life & Qualifications
Ferris-Choat holds dual New Zealand-Canadian nationality and continues to sail professionally. She holds multiple maritime and safety certifications, including:
Yachtmaster Ocean (Commercially Endorsed)
Advanced Sea Survival & First Aid
RYA Diesel Engine and Radar Certificates
Fire Fighting and Prevention Certification
Certificate of Proficiency in Medical First Aid and Person in Charge of Medical Care on board Ship
This page is based on this Wikipedia article Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply. Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.
