Use Of English Test 11 – Yachtswoman

Lisa Clayton’s dream was to become the first woman in history to sail single-handed, non-stop and unassisted around the world. On 17 September 1994, she set sail in Spirit of Birmingham on what could have been the final journeytraveltourexcursion of her life. Here are some of her notes on the journey.

Day 182. The loneliness got worse fromatbysince the day. When you haven’t crossedjoinedpasseddiscovered a ship or land for four months, not onlywithout evennot countinglet alone talked to anyone, it really gets you offdownbackout. The sense of isolation is frightening.

Day 217. I tookhadspentstayed a lot of my trip feeling frustrated and frightened, eitherwhetherunlessif it was because of the mildlowlightweak winds, a broken heater or the sharks. I remember thinking, ‘This is crazy!’ The sun was out, the sea was flashingglowingflickeringsparkling and here I was inonfull ofdown with tears! Then I saw the most wonderful outlookscenerysightview - a 12m whale which swam alongsidebesidesaheadclose the boat for hours.

Day 286. Two days before I crossed the lastendingfinalfinishing line a helicopter came out scanning the seas for me. That’s when I finally thought, ‘I’m going to do it.’ About 50 boats escorted me into the harbor where thousands of people were waiting, screamingcryingshoutingcheering me on. And, as I docked, fireworks and cannons set offlet outbroke outwent off. It was just mad!