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Kay Cottee

Kay Cottee became the first woman to complete a solo, non-stop and unassisted circumnavigation of the globe on June 5th 1988. Facing dangers such as icebergs, whales, and breaking seas, Kay took just six months to sail more than 22,000 nautical miles in her 11.2 metre yacht.

From early childhood Kay went sailing aboard her father's yacht and helped him build an 11 metre racing sloop in the backyard. She later built her own yacht, Blackmores First Lady, a set of fibreglass mouldings, finally preparing it to undertake the circumnavigation. Kay overcame some of the most formidable odds to complete the voyage, realising her compelling dream in just 189 days. Kay's topics are adapted to audience needs, and are motivational and inspirational.