COMING January 8, 2026

Betsy Alison is an American sailor who has been voted Rolex Yachtswoman of the Year five times, the first time in 1981. In 2011 Alison was in the first group of sailors elected into the United States' National Sailing Hall of Fame. In 2015, Alison won the President's Development Award from the International Sailing Federation (ISAF, known as World Sailing as of 2015) who recognized her for outstanding achievement in her work on the Para World Sailing Championships in 2015. Eleven years earlier, in 2000 BoatUS and NWSA recognized Alison as the recipient of the Leadership in Women’s Sailing Award.

Allison Bell etched her name in history as the first woman skipper to win the Transpacific Yacht Race in its 119 years when Restless crossed 2,225 miles of the Pacific to the finish line off Diamond Head on July 13, 2025. In a vintage 59-year old boat, no less. Without a professional crew. In a sport often defined by deep pockets and old networks, Bell’s win was built on community, grit, and a little luck.

We hope hearing about these leaders who broke the glass ceiling will inspire you to nominate your sailing hero for 2026.  

RSVP now. We'll send a reminder before the show airs LIVE. It is FREE and we will socialize after the stories during the Happy 1/2 Hour.