Lisa Clayton Explained

Honorific-Prefix:The Right Honourable
The Dowager Viscountess Cobham
Birth Date:1958 12, df=y
Nationality:British
Spouse:John Lyttelton, 11th Viscount Cobham
(m. 1997, died 2006)
Alma Mater:University of Birmingham
Known For:First British woman to sail single-handed and non-stop around the world

Lisa Lyttelton, Dowager Viscountess Cobham (née Clayton, born 30 December 1958) is the first British woman to sail single-handed and non-stop around the world.[1] She was educated in Birmingham at the Church of England School for Girls, Edgbaston, and the University of Birmingham.[2]

On 17 September 1994 Clayton set out to attempt two world records, namely "Fastest Sail Around the World by a Woman, Single-Handed Without Assistance" and "First British Woman to Sail Single-Handed and Non-Stop Around the World." She returned on 29 June 1995, after 285 days at sea.

On her thirty-eight foot yacht, called Spirit of Birmingham, Clayton survived the 31000miles journey despite capsizing twice. Her vessel was named after her home city and the university which contributed over £40,000 and expertise to make it possible for Clayton to realise her dream. On 1 October 1996, Clayton was recognised as an Honorary Freeman of the City of Birmingham.[3]

On 1 August 1997 she married the 11th Viscount Cobham, owner of Hagley Hall in Worcestershire. He died in 2006.[4]

Notes and References

  1. News: British sailor Lisa Clayton. Star-News. 1995-06-30. 2010-05-17.
  2. Web site: His Lordship ties the knot with lady skipper. https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220614/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/his-lordship-ties-the-knot-with-lady-skipper-1243968.html . 14 June 2022 . subscription . live. The Independent. 5 August 1997 . 17 January 2015.
  3. Web site: Freedom Parades and Freedom of the City. Birmingham City Council. 17 January 2015.
  4. News: Obituary: Viscount Cobham. The Guardian. 22 July 2006 . 17 January 2015. Roth . Andrew .