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Meet the Team
Elizabeth Tucker, Co-Founder and Sailor
Elizabeth, known by her friends as Za, is an aspiring solo offshore sailor with a passion for pushing boundaries and embracing new challenges. After a successful career as VP Finance in the renewable energy sector, Elizabeth made the bold decision to step away from the corporate world in 2023 to follow her dream of competing in the Global Solo Challenge (GSC)—a non-stop, solo circumnavigation of the globe.
Although Elizabeth began sailing just four years ago, her rapid progress and determination have propelled her into the world of offshore racing. Within 18 months of taking up the sport, she competed in the prestigious Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, solidifying her desire to take on even greater challenges. Now, Elizabeth is preparing for the GSC 2027, a journey that will test her endurance, resilience, and skill on the open ocean.
Through her program, Za Ocean Racing, Elizabeth has developed the women's sailing program. That aims to share her GSC learning experience with others, providing opportunities for other women sailors to grow alongside her as she builds the skills necessary for the GSC. Her mission is to open offshore sailing to more women and give them the tools, support, and belief to lead. We do this by offering real-world training, offshore racing experience, and mentorship that challenges and grows each individual. Our mission is not just to increase representation. It is to build capability. Women who helm. Women who navigate. Women who lead. Women Sailing!
Elizabeth's journey is not just about racing; it's about creating a community where people can learn, grow, and enjoy the adventure of ocean sailing together.
Madeline Linwood, Commercial Manager
Madeline Linwood brings extensive experience in sports business and media to her role as Commercial Manager at Za Ocean Racing.
With a strong track record in commercial growth, strategic partnerships, and innovative marketing, Maddy has played key roles at organisations like Moore Sports International , Rugby Australia and Sky News.
At Moore Sports International, she managed commercial partnerships for major international sporting events, driving successful outcomes for sponsors and stakeholders. During her time at Rugby Australia, Maddy was instrumental in managing sponsorship sales programmes, contributing to the organisation’s revenue growth. Her passion for sport and media, combined with her leadership in revenue generation and partnerships, makes her an invaluable asset in driving Za Ocean Racing’s mission to promote women sailing and amplify the team’s ocean sailing message globally.
Alice Parker, Meteorologist and Navigator
Alice has been a massive support throughout the dreaming, planning and execution of this trip, providing daily updates and guidance and we make our way from Spain to Australia. I’m so lucky to have such a talented navigator and all round awesome human (and doggy) on the team. Thank you Alice, I’d literally be lost without you!
Alice is a navigator and weather enthusiast, currently enrolled in a science degree as she works towards a career in meteorology!
When she’s not sailing, she’s either wing foiling, walking with her sausage dog ‘Scooby Do’ or working as a physiotherapist and Pilates instructor on Sydney’s Northern Beaches.
Alice is an impressive sailor with a background in one design racing and match racing, the currently the navigator for mini maxi URM Racing. In 2023, Alice was named CYCA navigator of the year and RPAYC Club Yachtsperson of the year. Alice hates that she loves the Sydney to Hobart yacht race and you’ll often see her racing up and down the Aussie east coast pointing out cool clouds and talking about a ‘gully’ breeze.
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Bridget Calman, Mentor
Bridget Canham is a seasoned Australian sailor with over 46 years of keelboat experience, having cruised in regions including South Africa, England, France, Greece, and across the Atlantic from South Africa to the Amazon. She has participated in multiple Sydney to Hobart Yacht Races, notably with the 'Women on Water' initiative. In 2022, alongside Kathy Veel, she made history as part of the first all-female two-handed crew to compete in the Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, sailing the 30-foot yacht Currawong and finishing just before the New Year's Eve fireworks.
Beyond racing, Bridget has contributed to the sailing community by building and restoring boats, including a wooden dinghy and a 26-foot folkboat. She has also volunteered with the Making Waves Foundation and the State Emergency Service for over two decades, demonstrating her commitment to inclusivity and mentorship in sailing.
Bridget's journey from a landlocked upbringing in Ireland to becoming an accomplished ocean racer underscores her passion for sailing and her dedication to promoting inclusivity within the sport.