South Boston’s Jane Matthews Makes Waves as Only Woman Sailing Aboard Racing Yacht Lynx

South Boston’s Jane Matthews Makes Waves as Only Woman Sailing Aboard Racing Yacht Lynx

South Boston’s own Jane Matthews, 22, will be the only woman sailing aboard Lynx in one of the world’s most iconic ocean races.

The Newport Bermuda Race is a 636-mile biennial ocean sailing competition from Newport, Rhode Island, to Bermuda. Established in 1906, it is the oldest regularly scheduled ocean race and one of the few major international distance races held almost entirely out of sight of land.

For Jane, the race marks another major milestone in a journey defined by drive, independence and a love of the water. A graduate of Newton Country Day and Fairfield University’s School of Nursing, Jane got her start sailing at Wild Harbor Yacht Club and has quickly become known for her determination, confidence and entrepreneurial spirit. Jane has been team racing in both high school and college and was this year’s Fairfield University’s female athlete of the year.

Jane has roots in sailing as her grandfather Robert ‘Papa’ Donovan and Great Uncle John Donovan were avid sailors from the South Boston Yacht Club.

She is about to set off on this demanding race – lets wish her luck!