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 Cottee 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, from a set of fibreglass mouldings, finally preparing it to undertake the circumnavigation.
It was a childhood dream and a love for the sea that drove Kay Cottee towards her goal of being the first woman to sail alone, non-stop and unassisted around the world. Kay Cottee's voyage was not simply an achievement for herself. She wanted others to benefit and so decided to dedicate the voyage to raising funds for the Rev. Ted Noff's inspired Life Education Centres. To date, Kay Cottee has raised in excess of $965,000 for this worthy cause.
Kay Cottee's story is all about dedication, planning and preparation - the key ingredients to success in every way, shape or form. Kay Cottee's story is remarkable, but best of all it's true.
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.
In 1988 Kay Cottee was named Australian of the Year, not only for her sailing exploits, but for her untiring efforts to benefit other Australians through her courage, tenacity and determination. Perhaps this is her greater achievement. Many companies and non-profit organisations have benefited from hearing Kay's story, which she tells with great simplicity and humility. She is an excellent motivational speaker and presenter and through her story she can inspire an audience to excel in their own particular field.