The first woman to solo circumnavigate the world celebrates a very special anniversary.
June 5, 2008 marked the 20th anniversary of Kay Cottee’s ground-breaking voyage around the world. On June 5, 1988, Kay sailed into Sydney and into the history books, becoming the first woman to successfully complete a solo, non-stop and unassisted circumnavigation of the globe.
She said: “I was just a woman with a dream. Yes I had to work hard, and overcome many setbacks to achieve it. But I could never have done it without the people, especially Marcus Blackmore, who believed in me and supported me from the very idea”.
After six months, or 189 days at sea, Kay returned safely to Sydney in her 11 metre yacht, the Blackmores First Lady. Having faced mountainous waves, violent storms and drifting icebergs she was cheered on by 100,000 people at Darling Harbour, with Admiral Tony Horton the first to congratulate her. Kay was officially welcomed by Hazel Hawke, Sir Eric Neil, and NSW Premier Nick Greiner.
Having successfully overcome fatigue, danger and loneliness, Kay captured the hearts and minds of the Australian people. She was honoured for her remarkable achievement by being named 1988 Bicentennial Australian of the Year and was made an Officer of the Order of Australia.
Twenty years on Kay remembers the epic voyage fondly, and hopes that many Australians have been inspired by her story to get out there and give it a go.
Kay believes herself to be “one of the luckiest people in the world” having been able to combine her dream of sailing around the world, with her fundraising efforts. In the first two years after her return – with Blackmores continued support – she raised over $1 million for the Ted Noffs Life Education Program – hopefully enabling many more Australian children to go on and pursue their own dreams rather than abuse drugs and alcohol.
Marcus Blackmore, Kay’s long-time friend said: “Kay’s pioneering spirit and determination has left a legacy for Australians to be proud of for generations to come. It is not only her drive to be the first that should be remembered but how she used her achievements to help others that should be commended. ”
The voyage was made possible not only through Kay’s unstoppable determination and hard work, but also through the support of a dedicated ground crew. Her many supporters included Blackmores who provided financial and logistical assistance for the boat and voyage, Showboat Productions who assisted with communications, and many friends and family who provided the much-needed emotional support.
Since her return, Kay has gone on to write two books, become an accomplished artist and a mother. Kay now resides in the northern NSW seaside town of Yamba with her husband, Peter Sutton, and has recently opened a small fine art gallery at Yamba Marina.
Kay was guest of honour at a dinner to held at the Australian National Maritime Museum to mark the event, where her boat, the Blackmores First Lady, is on display and is still one of the most popular exhibits at the museum.