The Atlantic Alone: Representing Great Britain in the 2015 Mini Transat
1 stove, 2 buckets and a compass; Lizzy is all set to race solo across the Atlantic, on a boat barely twice the size of a Topper dinghy...

The Atlantic Alone: Representing Great Britain in the 2015 Mini Transat
I first took to the water at the age of three, in the bilges of an old Wayfarer. Since then I have always craved the sensations and sounds of being afloat!
I started to dream of offshore solo sailing at the age of 9, after visiting Pete Goss's Team Phillips project in Totnes, Devon. I climbed into a replica cabin of the giant catamaran that he was to race solo, non-stop around the world, and decided that one day, I would do something equally as challenging and adventurous...
In my early teens, I started to race in an RS Feva and Laser Radial, training with the SE Regional Squads. Later, the dare devil in me took to sailing a 29er solo (extendable tiller extension required!), and then an RS 700.
At 18, I began working as a 1st mate onboard a Clipper and a Whitbread 60 with Blue Box Sailing, and was also selected for the British Keelboat Academy (BKA); my first experience of Yacht racing and campaign management.
After graduating as a Speech and Language Therapist, I applied for the Artemis Offshore Academy. I was the only woman selected for the 2012 squad, which allowed me to start training and racing in both the Mini 6.50 & Figaro classes.
In 2014 I acquired a boat and just enough sponsorship along with my life savings to start competing on the Mini 6.50 circuit...
I have since gained over 4,000 nm through racing solo, and am fully qualified for the 2015 Mini Transat - a solo race across the Atlantic, in a boat just 21 foot long!
À quoi servira la collecte
After three years of hard work, support through sponsorship (Hudson Wight [title sponsor], Red Funnel, EFG Banking and The Royal London Yacht Club) and the investment of my life savings, I have confirmed my place on the starting line for the Mini Transat... but am desperately seeking the final funds to get me there!
My outstanding payments are:
Shipping back from Guadeloupe: £3,558.00
Refit (new rudders, electronics, deck repair, medical & safety kit): £3,500.00
Insurance: £1,696.00
New sails: £2,000.00
Race food: £200.00
Flight & accommodation: £1500
Weather training & routing: £250
Total: £12,704.00
If you would like to join me in this amazing adventure - and be inspired to embark upon your own, however big or small - please make a donation in return for a lovely reward.
Every penny helps and I am extremely grateful for the support received.
TOUT DROIT,
Lizzy x