Born: 1954 (Sydney, Australia)
Biography:
Kay Cottee AO (née McLaren, born 25 January 1954) is an Australian sailor, who was the first woman to perform a single-handed, non-stop and unassisted circumnavigation of the world. She achieved this incredible feat in 1988 aboard her 37 feet (11 m) yacht named Blackmores First Lady, completing the journey in 189 days.
Born as Kay McLaren in Sydney on 25 January 1954, Cottee grew up in the southern Sydney suburb of Sans Souci. She was born into a yachting family and was taken sailing for the first time when she was only a few weeks old. Cottee attended Moorefield Girls High School in Kogarah, New South Wales for her secondary education.
In the years following her education, Cottee moved to Pittwater, where she built her own yacht and established a bareboat charter business. Her love for sailing and adventure was evident, and she dedicated herself to honing her skills and mastering the art of solo sailing.
On 5 June 1988, at the age of 34, Cottee made history by becoming the first woman to sail around the world alone, non-stop, and unassisted. She embarked on her journey from Sydney Harbour, and when she returned 189 days later, she was greeted by tens of thousands of well-wishers. Cottee’s remarkable voyage on her 37 ft yacht, Blackmores First Lady, not only made her the fastest woman to sail around the world, but it also marked the first solo, non-stop, and unassisted circumnavigation of the globe by a woman.
Throughout her journey, Cottee faced numerous challenges. In the treacherous waters of the Southern Ocean, her boat was continuously knocked down, and she was even washed overboard. Nevertheless, she persevered and continued her voyage. When Cottee finally rounded Cape Horn, the southernmost tip of South America, she celebrated with a well-deserved lunch of crab, mayonnaise, and self-baked bread, accompanied by a bottle of Grange, a prestigious Australian wine.
Cottee’s historic journey was not only a personal accomplishment but also a platform for promoting a worthy cause. Alongside her major sponsor, Blackmores Limited, she used the voyage to raise over $1 million for the Rev. Ted Noffs’ Life Education Program. Cottee also embarked on an 18-month national schools tour, inspiring over 40,000 senior high school students with her message that dreams can be achieved through steady work and determination.
In addition to her sailing achievements, Cottee is also a multi-talented individual. She is an international motivational speaker, boat builder, writer, painter, and sculptor. Cottee’s passion for the sea extends beyond her voyages, as she designed and built her own yacht, the first Kay Cottee 56, in 2002. Alongside her husband Peter Sutton, she set up a boat building business near Yamba on the north coast of New South Wales to produce these remarkable yachts.
Throughout her career and beyond, Kay Cottee has received numerous accolades for her groundbreaking achievements. In 1988, she was honored with the Australian of the Year Award, recognizing her extraordinary feat of sailing around the world. Additionally, in January 1989, Cottee was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia, further highlighting her remarkable contributions to the world of sailing and her dedication to inspiring others to chase their dreams.
Today, Cottee continues to leave her mark on the world through her various pursuits and remains a revered figure in the realm of solo sailing. Her determination, courage, and pioneering spirit have inspired countless individuals, making her an important role model for women in history and a trailblazer in the field of sailing.
Awards:
– Australian of the Year Award (1988)
– Officer of the Order of Australia (1989)