I thought she came to fame by just finishing in one of those many solo round the world races... That got her all the pub etc etc and she then had the cash and name recognition to do the round the world passage in a custom boat. "She did not win it" per say. Her image was created and marketed in that first go and she got knighted...or whatever they do to women over there... in her second go.! There hasn't been a third go at it. Does it grow the sport of sailing in Great Britan ... I don't know. marginally perhaps.
I doubt it's a good use of USSA dues to try and grow the sport by marketing some names.

( I can't say I have noticed lots of short women sailors coming up the ladder)