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City welcomes Lisa Blair back to Albany

Published on Tuesday, 24 May 2022 at 8:09:07 AM

The City of Albany is preparing to welcome Lisa Blair back to Albany following her second attempt to become the fastest person to sail solo, non-stop and unassisted around Antarctica.

Ms Blair first attempted to break the record in 2017, however after 72 days at sea her yacht mast snapped off the coast of South Africa and her trip came to an abrupt end.

On February 21 this year, Ms Blair left Albany for her second attempt and after almost three months, she is on the home straight back to Albany’s shores.

With a goal to beat the current record held by Fedor Konyukhov of 102 days, Ms Blair is on track to arrive in Albany this week and take the world record.

Mayor Dennis Wellington said whether a new record is set or not, the journey is an achievement in its own right.

“What Lisa is doing is incredible. Isolated at sea for three months with the pressure of a world record on her shoulders,” he said.

“What better place to sail into than Albany. We want to make sure she has a homecoming reception that recognises and celebrates her incredible and courageous journey.

“Lisa is incredibly inspiring and the City will be joining the Southern Port Authority and Albany Sea Rescue in welcoming her back to Albany.”

Lisa Blair is expected to arrive in Albany between the evening of Tuesday, May 24 and the afternoon of Wednesday May 25. An exact date and time will be determined closer to her arrival.

The Albany community is encouraged to attend the Albany Marina to welcome Lisa back from her trip.

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