Auslan tour - Blackmores First Lady
Transcript
In 1988, Kay Cottee became the first woman to circumnavigate the world solo, without stopping, without assistance, across both hemispheres and via the five southernmost capes in this sailing boat, Blackmores First Lady.
This boat is a production Cavalier 37. The yacht is 11.3 metres long and the mast height is almost 15 metres above the deck. Kay Cottee purchased the bare fibreglass hull and strengthened the hull and deck herself so that it was better suited to open ocean sailing in the most severe conditions.
The journey lasted 189 days. During this time, she experienced treacherous seas, amazing scenery and wild winds. Kay Cottee had to consistently check her navigation and watch for other ships. This meant that she often had to wake up every hour and sleep in short bursts of only 20-minutes! Throughout the voyage, Cottee remained in radio contact with supporters and family ashore. She also established short term exchanges with radio operators on passing ships. So that she wouldn’t get lonely, Kay Cottee took her giant teddy bear, Ted, to keep her company (which is in the nearby display case).
Imagine you were on this voyage. Think about the sights and smells. Imagine the sea spray on your skin.
How would you feel? Excited? Scared? Hungry? Sunburnt? Lonely? Cold?