On Board ENDEAVOR, 1937

Phyllis Sopwith was the second wife of Sir Thomas Octave Murdock Sopwith, the owner and skipper of America’s Cup challengers Endeavour (1934) and Endeavour II (1937).  She was at his side on deck as timekeeper, reporting minutes until the start and timing maneuvers and sail changes. She received a great deal of press attention for her contributions and her jaunty dress. Although not the only woman to sail in the America’s cup, she was certainly among the most memorable and set an example for future women sailors.