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Family members, dignitaries and others welcome Junella King (Photos courtesy Junella King)
By Zaya Williams
Antiguan sailor Junella King was hailed as a hero upon her arrival at VC Bird International Airport on Thursday.
At just 24 years old, she achieved a remarkable feat by navigating the treacherous waters around Cape Horn as part of the Ocean Globe Race, making her the youngest woman to accomplish this milestone.
King joined a formidable crew of 12 women aboard Maiden, a 58ft racing yacht renowned for its historic voyage helmed by Tracy Edwards and her all-female team in the 1989–90 Whitbread round the world race.
The Ocean Globe Race, spanning 27,000 miles and commemorating the 50th anniversary of the inaugural Whitbread race in 1973, commenced from Cowes, England, on September 10 with 14 yachts setting sail.
After seven grueling months at sea, Maiden, with King on board, crossed the finish line as the fifth boat to complete the race.
In February, King made history by becoming the youngest woman, and one of the few people of color, to navigate around Cape Horn during the race’s third leg.
The Ocean Globe Race was divided into four legs, with stopovers in Cape Town, Auckland, and Punta del Este before concluding at the Isle of Wight.
King’s triumphant return home earlier this week was met with a warm reception from friends, family, officials, and the media.
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