26 | WATERLINE March 2025 AUSTRALIAN SAILOR LISA BLAIR, OAM CALLS FOR COMMUNITY CLIMATE ACTION Coinciding with International Women’s Day we recognise many of the talented and committed women who dedicate themselves to our industry. As the holder of eight World Records achieved on incredible and brave solo sailing voyages, Australian sailor Lisa Blair received an OAM in the Australia Day honours, saying she is grateful for the recognition to keep shining the light on her Climate Action now campaign to protect the ocean. Recognised for her services to sailing in Australia, Lisa said, “I am so incredibly honoured to be recognised in such a way alongside the other incredible award recipients.” Lisa’s sustainability journey started in 2012 while sailing around the world in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race when she encountered floating plastics in wild and remote ocean locations. She has since embarked on hugely ambitious and inspirational trips including two record sails around Antarctica on her 15.25-metre yacht named “Climate Action Now” to draw attention to, and survey ocean issues, including microplastics. “So far, together we have set eight world records in ocean sailing, completed valuable science in the Southern Ocean, reached millions with the Climate Action Now campaign and presented to over 100 schools reaching thousands of students,” she said. Announcing her new sustainability project she declared “This is just the beginning as I work towards the Arctic Impact Project where I intend to build a sustainable boat from Basalt rock and Bio resins and sail it solo, non-stop and unassisted around the Arctic Circle.” For more information, visit: lisablairsailstheworld.com SUZANNE DAVIES has had a successful career spanning over 35 years in service industries, primarily the hospitality and the marine sectors before commencing as CEO of the Marina Industries Association (MIA) in October 2020. Prior to joining the MIA, Suzanne spent 15 years in senior management roles in the marina industry. She was General Manager, Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club for 12 years before taking on the role of CEO, d’Albora Marinas in 2018. Suzanne has been involved in many industry committees over the years and also held several related directorships including, director and treasurer of the MIA 2012-2020 and served on the board of Australian Sailing 2018-2023. Prior to the marina industry, Suzanne held senior marketing roles in the international hotel sector and spent five years in the education sector delivering undergraduate lectures to students studying hotel management degrees. Suzanne enjoys getting out on the water and sails in the Women’s Twilight Series at the RPAYC.
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