The Orange Cowra Cabonne Hub launched into 2025 with a stellar public talk and presentation on January 13th, featuring the extraordinary Australian solo sailor Lisa Blair. Lisa’s remarkable achievements include holding eight world solo sailing records, advocating for climate action through school and community education, authoring acclaimed book Facing Fear, and recently being awarded the celebrated 2025 Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for her contributions to Ocean sailing.
Cowra residents were captivated by Lisa’s talk, which provided a rare opportunity to engage with one of the world’s most intrepid adventurers. Discovering her passion for sailing at the age of 25, Lisa has since forged an impressive career, pushing the boundaries of international solo sailing while integrating scientific research and climate activism. Lisa shared anecdotes from her latest book, Facing Fear, which delves into resilience, mental agility, and overcoming challenges at sea. As a dedicated climate activist, Lisa continues to lead initiatives that promote sustainability and inspire future generations to embrace environmental stewardship. Lisa also discussed her second book based on her successful second circumnavigation of Antarctica, currently in progress, which she has been writing during a residency at The Corridor Project, who convene the Orange Cowra Cabonne Science Hub.
Among the many highlights of Lisa’s presentation was the incredible story of her record-breaking solo voyage around Antarctica. Aboard her yacht, Climate Action Now, she became the fastest person to sail solo, non-stop, and unassisted around the icy continent, cutting ten days off the previous record. During her epic 92-day expedition, Lisa contributed valuable scientific data by monitoring ocean plastics and working in collaboration with leading research organisations, including the Bureau of Meteorology, the Australian Institute of Marine Science, and the Seabed 2030 initiative. Her journey was recognised as part of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science, underscoring her efforts in deploying weather buoys, collecting ocean health data, and gathering over 180 microplastic samples.
Looking ahead, Lisa shared details about her upcoming Arctic Impact Project, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at building a sustainable boat using basalt rock and bio-resins. Once this ground breaking innovative vessel is built, she plans to embark on another voyage—sailing solo, non-stop, and unassisted around the Arctic Circle. This ambitious project aligns with her ongoing commitment to educating communities in sustainability and ocean conservation, that defines new standards in eco-friendly maritime exploration.
Lisa Blair’s visit to the Orange Cowra Cabonne Hub was an inspiring and thought-provoking event, leaving the audience with a scientific story that traverses courage, perseverance, and unwavering dedication to both adventure and climate advocacy.
To learn more about Lisa Blair and her extraordinary initiatives, visit HERE
Written by Phoebe Cowdery: Director + Creative Producer the CORRIDOR project
The Orange Cowra Cabonne Hub launched into 2025 with a stellar public talk and presentation on January 13th, featuring the extraordinary Australian solo sailor Lisa Blair. Lisa’s remarkable achievements include holding eight world solo sailing records, advocating for climate action through school and community education, authoring acclaimed book Facing Fear, and recently being awarded the celebrated 2025 Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for her contributions to Ocean sailing.
Copyright: © Corrina Ridgway
Cowra residents were captivated by Lisa’s talk, which provided a rare opportunity to engage with one of the world’s most intrepid adventurers. Discovering her passion for sailing at the age of 25, Lisa has since forged an impressive career, pushing the boundaries of international solo sailing while integrating scientific research and climate activism. Lisa shared anecdotes from her latest book, Facing Fear, which delves into resilience, mental agility, and overcoming challenges at sea. As a dedicated climate activist, Lisa continues to lead initiatives that promote sustainability and inspire future generations to embrace environmental stewardship. Lisa also discussed her second book based on her successful second circumnavigation of Antarctica, currently in progress, which she has been writing during a residency at The Corridor Project, who convene the Orange Cowra Cabonne Science Hub.
Among the many highlights of Lisa’s presentation was the incredible story of her record-breaking solo voyage around Antarctica. Aboard her yacht, Climate Action Now, she became the fastest person to sail solo, non-stop, and unassisted around the icy continent, cutting ten days off the previous record. During her epic 92-day expedition, Lisa contributed valuable scientific data by monitoring ocean plastics and working in collaboration with leading research organisations, including the Bureau of Meteorology, the Australian Institute of Marine Science, and the Seabed 2030 initiative. Her journey was recognised as part of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science, underscoring her efforts in deploying weather buoys, collecting ocean health data, and gathering over 180 microplastic samples.
Looking ahead, Lisa shared details about her upcoming Arctic Impact Project, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at building a sustainable boat using basalt rock and bio-resins. Once this ground breaking innovative vessel is built, she plans to embark on another voyage—sailing solo, non-stop, and unassisted around the Arctic Circle. This ambitious project aligns with her ongoing commitment to educating communities in sustainability and ocean conservation, that defines new standards in eco-friendly maritime exploration.
Lisa Blair’s visit to the Orange Cowra Cabonne Hub was an inspiring and thought-provoking event, leaving the audience with a scientific story that traverses courage, perseverance, and unwavering dedication to both adventure and climate advocacy.
To learn more about Lisa Blair and her extraordinary initiatives, visit HERE
Written by Phoebe Cowdery: Director + Creative Producer the CORRIDOR project
Feature Image: Lisa Blair leaving Portland © Dean Koopman
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