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First Lady: A History Making Solo Voyage Around the World
On June 5th, 1988, Kay Cotee fulfilled a childhood dream.
After covering more than 22,000 nautical miles in 189 days at sea she became the first woman in history to complete a solo, nonstop and unassisted voyage around the world.
Sailing her yacht, Blackmores First Lady, Kay Cottee crossed the world's great oceans, rounded the five capes of the Southern Hemisphere and was lashed by gale-force winds and mountainous seas. She battled the elements, faced natural hazards such as icebergs, whales and rocks and won the battle against the most deadly enemy of all - loneliness. For six months she grabbed no more than twenty minutes sleep at a time. For five months she had no fresh food. Her only human contact was by radio.
When Kay Cottee and Blackmores First Lady made their triumphant entry into Sydney Harbour the recognition of her courage was spontaneous and overwhelming. In a climax befitting her achievements Kay was made an officer of the Order of Australia and was then awarded the highest honour of all when she was named the Bicentennial Australian of the Year.
Kay Cottee - First Lady is the story of a remarkable voyage. Told in her own words, it is a thrilling account of Kay's historic achievement and true testament to her courage, determination and irrepressible good humour.
After covering more than 22,000 nautical miles in 189 days at sea she became the first woman in history to complete a solo, nonstop and unassisted voyage around the world.
Sailing her yacht, Blackmores First Lady, Kay Cottee crossed the world's great oceans, rounded the five capes of the Southern Hemisphere and was lashed by gale-force winds and mountainous seas. She battled the elements, faced natural hazards such as icebergs, whales and rocks and won the battle against the most deadly enemy of all - loneliness. For six months she grabbed no more than twenty minutes sleep at a time. For five months she had no fresh food. Her only human contact was by radio.
When Kay Cottee and Blackmores First Lady made their triumphant entry into Sydney Harbour the recognition of her courage was spontaneous and overwhelming. In a climax befitting her achievements Kay was made an officer of the Order of Australia and was then awarded the highest honour of all when she was named the Bicentennial Australian of the Year.
Kay Cottee - First Lady is the story of a remarkable voyage. Told in her own words, it is a thrilling account of Kay's historic achievement and true testament to her courage, determination and irrepressible good humour.
- GenresNonfictionTravel
226 pages, Paperback
First published December 31, 1989
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
April 5, 2012
As a person with no knowledge of sailing at the time I read this book I loved the whole process of learning about her special craft. A description of being becalmed and out of all contact with others is one that has stayed with me and one I would have loved to share
December 27, 2013
She survived the trip of a lifetime and achieved her goal and dream because she was PREPARED! Even with all that preparation she faced unbelievable challenges emotionally and mentally and hit her target. An inspiration in courageous tenacity.
May 5, 2014
Inspiring and a bit scary at times. I can't imagine the frightening situation of being alone, in weather so rough, your boat is not just blown flat, but rolled 360 degrees and you end up overboard.
October 14, 2025
I read this way back in 1990.
It was quite an inspirational read.
It was quite an inspirational read.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews