Lisa Blair set to return with record
by Debbie Green/John Curnow 10 Dec 2018 16:38 PST
Lisa Blair - New Caledonia Groupama Race © Zhik
On Monday December 17, Australian adventurer and yachtswoman, Lisa Blair, is predicted to return home from her attempt at becoming the first woman to sail solo, non-stop and unassisted around Australia. This journey has taken her around the entire coastline of Australia on an epic 6,356 nautical mile voyage.
Lisa is due to arrive at d’Albora Marinas around Midday, and it is hoped that an armada will greet her at Sydney Harbour Heads immediately prior to that. Many a yachtsman understand the significance of Lisa’s journey. The return event will feature speeches, a barbecue and champagne. Lisa’s ambitious journey began on Saturday October 20th 2018 when she set sail from d’Albora Marina (Rushcutters Bay) in Sydney Harbour.
She has been at sea for 51 days, and over the journey, Lisa faced many unexpected challenges and successfully conquered them. To keep her fans updated, Lisa wrote a daily blog, which outlines her adventure, however here are a few examples:
• A number of birds used her Lisa's deck in the night for refuge- leading her to nickname her deck 'The Feathered Inn'
• Sailing through Pandora passage in a lightening storm storm with 5 metre swells
•Entering back into those southern waters and seeing the Albatross as she did on her Antartica adventure
Although most of those who attempt this journey are part of a team, Lisa completed each challenge by herself showing her bravery and skill as a competent sailor.
Before setting out, Lisa recognised that sleep deprivation would be one of her biggest challenges. This is as she must frequently check the horizon, limiting sleep to a maximum of 20 minutes. Recognising the physical and mental stress that this may cause, the Woolcock Medical and Research Institute is studying Lisa’s heart rate; sleep patterns, moods and cognitive functioning.