Australian solo sailing record holder Lisa Blair has made landfall in Albany, shaving 10 days off the record to claim the Antarctica Cup and the World Sailing Speed Record for the fastest circumnavigation of Antarctica (to be ratified shortly by the world governing body).
The exhausted and ecstatic sailor completed the journey from Albany around Antarctica to Albany, a full circuit in 92 days, beating Russian Fedor Konyukhov’s 102-day record from 2008 and her own attempt in 2017, when she was catastrophically de-masted in a horrific Southern Ocean storm.
She will hold the title for fastest solo non-stop and unassisted journey. Lisa, 37, is only the third person to ever succeed with this perilous journey, including navigating Iceberg Alley and the remotest place on the planet, Point Nemo, and she becomes the first woman to circumnavigate below 45 degrees non-stop and unassisted.
Antarctica Cup founder Bob Williams, a hugely accomplished ocean racer from Western Australia, was in Albany to greet Lisa alongside her family and the enthusiastic Albany community, where the majestic glass cup, designed by artist Kevin Gordon, will now reside – donated to the City of Albany to be custodians of the Perpetual Trophy.
As an Australian Geographic Adventurer, Lisa has achieved many sailing firsts, including the record for the first woman sailing solo, non-stop and unassisted around Australia. She was given the Spirit of Adventure Award and has published a book about her first Antarctica voyage called Facing Fear.
However, this second mission to win the record had a further purpose as Lisa also accommodated her passion for a healthy ocean and planet, with her yacht “Climate Action Now” carrying numerous ocean science study devices and actions.
Working with the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) and Integrated Marine Observing System (IMOS) she has been able collect valuable data rarely able to be observed. Sampling and readings she has collected will be able to be studied for issues like microplastic levels.
Her Ocean Pack Race Research Unit measures CO2, Salinity levels, temperature and barometric pressure, all adding to the greater picture of the conditions in the remote ocean she has travelled.
Congratulations, Lisa.
Story supplied.
