Lisa Clayton

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

On September 17, 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." Clayton returned on June 29th, 1995 after 285 days at sea. Kay Cottee from Sydney, Australia in 1988 became the first women ever to sail Single-Handed and Non-stop around the world. She left on November 29th, 1987 from Watsons Bay and 189 days later, on June 5th 1988, she cruised back into Sydney Harbour.

Her thirty-eight foot yacht, the Spirit of Birmingham, Lisa survived the 31,000 mile journey, despite capsizing seven times. Her vessel was named after her home city and the university which contributed over £40,000 and inestimable expertise to make it possible for Clayton to realise her dream.

Lisa married the 11th Viscount Cobham, the owner of Hagley Hall in Worcestershire, on 1 August 1997. He died in 2006.