Linda Newland has a storied sailing career as a woman pioneer sailor. In 2022 she was recognized for achivements and 50 years of groundbreaking leadership in womens sailing as the NWSA / BoatUS Leadership in Women's Sailing recipient.

Linda sailed solo, crewed, captained and delivered yachts up and down West Coast and well beyond. Notably she raced solo from San Francisco to Japan in 1981. In 1982 her and an all women crew completed a deliverery from San Francisco to Honolulu. Linda sailed as navigator, as well as captain on Transpac, San Francisco to Santa Barbara, and Newport to Ensenada races — all with women crews. She raced so much there is no where near enough space to mention her many notable achievements.

Linda and her husband Dan are the only married couple in the history of Cruising Club of America who qualified for membership independently of each other's sailing history.