Lisa Blair to share her record breaking adventures at the 2024 Sydney International Boat Show

by Sydney International Boat Show 29 Jul 2024 08:28 BST 1-4 August 2024

Australian solo sailor, Lisa Blair has become a household name with numerous world records to her name, including three new records set earlier this year for the fastest time Sydney to Auckland and first woman solo monohull record, slicing off an incredible four days; and the first person to sail solo, non-stop and unassisted around New Zealand, in just under 17 days.

Lisa will join the 55th Sydney International Boat Show line-up to share her adventures and the many challenges and triumphs faced with daily guest appearances and presentations at the Discover Sailing & Paddling Hub.

Lisa has also been appointed as Sustainability Ambassador with the Boating Industry Association (BIA), where she will work with the peak industry body to champion the pressing issues around sustainability and Climate Change.

BIA President, Adam Smith said "the Sydney International Boat Show has become much more than a trade and consumer show, it has become a celebration of the Australian boating lifestyle and a significant platform for discussions involving governments and key stakeholders to drive positive change across our industry and communities."

"We feel strongly about sustainability and Climate Change and the impact that it is having on our oceans, waterways and thus industry, and our boating public, so with Lisa's invaluable knowledge, experience and guidance we hope to use this internationally recognised Show as a platform to unite and inspire our stakeholders and community to tackle these issues together," Mr Smith said.

Lisa is also the driving force behind Climate Action Now, a project which is designed to focus on actions taken towards solutions, rather than the problem itself.

Lisa said "over the last decade of my career I have noticed the impact that climate change has had on our environment. The storms are more aggressive and less predictable, the absence of wildlife when years earlier those seas were brimming with life and the increased risk of collision with ice as the glaciers keep melting. These are all symptoms of climate change. What we know is that a greater awareness needs to be reached and action needs to be taken."

She continues, "I wholeheartedly believe that together we can deliver a very strong message which will create meaningful conversations, and then action, and what better platform to harness this than via the Sydney International Boat Show, which is expected to attract more than 50,000 people this year. For many people living in Australia the waterways are their livelihood, or their way-of-life, and we need to rally together to protect them."

When it comes to sustainability and Climate Change everyone can make a difference, here are Lisa's top tips on how to get involved:

• Install a filter on your washing machine
• Buy natural material clothing
• Be mindful of plastic pollution in the streets and waterways
• Dispose of your bottles correctly and use reusable bottles where possible
• Strive to reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions
• Invest in quality and long-lasting products
• Repair over replace
• Spend wisely - you are voting with your dollar

During the four-day event, Lisa can be found at the Discover Sailing & Paddling Hub or on her yacht, Climate Action Now (Lisa Blair Sails the World - Marina M 190). The Show will also celebrate the premiere of Lisa's feature length documentary Ice Maiden, which charts Lisa's uncompromising determination during her quest to become the first woman in history to sail solo, non-stop, and unassisted around Antarctica. Audience members will also have the chance to win 1 of 8 double passes to the premiere screenings of Ice Maiden, simply visit the Discover Sailing & Paddling Hub, scan the QR code to enter the draw to win.

Standard general admission tickets to the 2024 Sydney International Boat Show are available from AUD$29.50. Children under 16 years of age enter for free when accompanied by a paying adult. For further information including tickets and accommodation options visit www.sydneyboatshow.com.au.

The Sydney International Boat Show is presented by the Boating Industry Association Ltd (BIA) with delivery partner Mulpha Events and proudly supported by partner in safety - Transport for NSW, along with official event partners Century Batteries, GMSV and Walcon Marine, and media partner Ocean Media.