The Most Famous Sailor, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the sailor you think is the most famous!

Updated on May 8, 2024 07:15

Sailors have long captured the human imagination, steering through uncharted waters and facing daunting challenges along the way. Their stories are not just about navigating seas but also about discovering new horizons and understanding different cultures. Ranking these figures helps acknowledge their contributions and keeps their legacies alive for future generations. By participating in this ranking process, you contribute to a collective appreciation of maritime history and its influential figures. Every vote casts a spotlight on the achievements and adventures of these sailors, allowing others to learn about and be inspired by their journeys. Your involvement ensures that the most impactful stories continue to be celebrated and remembered.

Who Is the Most Famous Sailor?

1

41
votes
Sebastiano del Piombo · Public domain

Christopher Columbus

He is known for discovering America and his voyages across the Atlantic Ocean.
Christopher Columbus in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous European explorer
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous sea captain
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous pioneer
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous traveler
- Position 4 of 10 in Most famous adventurer
- Position 9 of 10 in Most famous Italian person
2

19
votes
Captain James Cook

He was a British explorer and navigator who made three voyages to the Pacific Ocean, mapping many areas and discovering new lands.
Captain James Cook in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous captain
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous sea captain
3

21
votes
Alexf at English Wikipedia · CC BY 3.0

Ferdinand Magellan

He was a Portuguese explorer who organized the first circumnavigation of the Earth.
Ferdinand Magellan in other rankings
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous sea captain
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous European explorer
4

10
votes
Marcus Gheeraerts the Younger · Public domain

Sir Francis Drake

He was an English sea captain, privateer, slave trader, and explorer who helped defeat the Spanish Armada.
Sir Francis Drake in other rankings
- Position 7 of 10 in Most famous sea captain
- Position 8 of 10 in Most famous European explorer
5

21
votes
Vasco da Gama

He was a Portuguese explorer who was the first European to reach India by sea.
Vasco da Gama is one of the most popular soccer teams in Brazil. Founded on August 21, 1898 by a group of Portuguese immigrants, the team is based in Rio de Janeiro. Vasco da Gama has a rich history and has achieved numerous successes throughout the years.

Club colors: Black and white

Home stadium: São Januário

Nicknames: Gigante da Colina (Giant of the Hill), Bacalhau (Codfish)

Crest: A black shield with a white diagonal stripe, a golden star, and the initials CRVG

National titles: 4 Campeonato Brasileiro Série A, 1 Copa do Brasil
Vasco da Gama in other rankings
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous Portuguese person
- Position 5 of 10 in Most famous European explorer
- Position 6 of 10 in Most famous traveler
- Position 6 of 10 in Most popular soccer team in Brazil
6

5
votes
Hollinger & Co. · Public domain

Joshua Slocum

He was the first person to sail single-handedly around the world.
Joshua Slocum in other rankings
- Position 8 of 10 in Most famous Joshua
7

15
votes

Amplified2010 · CC BY 2.0

Ellen MacArthur

She is a retired British sailor who set the world record for the fastest solo circumnavigation of the globe.
8

6
votes

GeorgeCaulfield · CC BY-SA 4.0

Robin Knox-Johnston

He was the first person to sail solo non-stop around the world.
9

9
votes

Unknown photographer · CC BY 3.0 nz

Sir Peter Blake

He was a New Zealand yachtsman who won the America's Cup and was a global advocate for environmental conservation.
10

7
votes

Dame Naomi James

She was the first woman to sail single-handedly around the world via Cape Horn.

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Ranking factors for famous sailor

Achievement and Skill

Consider the sailor's accomplishments, such as victories in significant races, records set, or notable achievements in their sailing career.
Recognition and Awards

Take into account any awards, honors, or titles earned by the sailor, such as Olympic medals, world championships, or being inducted into a sailing hall of fame.
Popularity and Influence

Look at the sailor's popularity among fellow sailors, fans, and the general public. Consider factors such as fan following, social media presence, and media coverage.
Impact and Legacy

Assess the impact a sailor has had on the sport of sailing and their lasting influence on future generations of sailors. This can include contributions to the advancement of sailing techniques, innovations in boat design, or inspiring others to take up the sport.
Global Reach and Competitiveness

Consider the sailor's participation and success in international sailing events, such as the America's Cup, Volvo Ocean Race, or major ocean crossing challenges. Evaluate their ability to compete and succeed on a global scale.
Longevity and Consistency

Take into account the sailor's longevity in the sport and their ability to maintain a high level of performance over an extended period.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous sailor. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Seaman is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

1946 views
156 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Seaman once every 24 hours. The rank of each Seaman is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most famous sailor

Sailors have always been an essential part of human history, enabling global trade and exploration. From ancient mariners like the Phoenicians and Vikings to modern-day sailors, these seafarers have undoubtedly left their mark on the world. But who among them is the most famous? The answer to this question is subjective and depends on various factors such as time period, nationality, and accomplishments. However, some sailors have left an indelible mark on history, including Christopher Columbus, Magellan, Captain Cook, and Sir Francis Drake. These legendary sailors are known for their voyages of discovery, navigation skills, and bravery on the high seas. Whether you are a history buff or just curious about the most famous sailors in history, StrawPoll has thousands of polls and rankings on various topics, including this one. So, cast your vote and see who comes out on top as the most famous sailor of all time!