June has been one of those months that perfectly captures why I love what I do. Every week brought a different challenge - sharing stories on stage, celebrating the launch of a new offshore campaign, witnessing sailing history in Paris, and then heading to one of the world's most spectacular destinations.
The month began with two speaking engagements delivered to very different audiences. Although their industries couldn't have been further apart, the links to leadership, teamwork, resilience and making good decisions under pressure are universal, whether you're navigating a business through uncertainty or a yacht through the Southern Ocean. I always enjoy hearing how people relate my experiences at sea to the challenges they face in their own lives, and it’s often the conversations after the presentations that make every event memorable.
I headed over to Paris to attend the official presentation of the Jules Verne Trophy to Thomas Coville and the Sodebo Ultim 3 team at the Musée national de la Marine. It was a privilege to witness such an iconic moment in offshore sailing. The Jules Verne Trophy is one of the rarest prizes in world sport, awarded only when the crewed, non-stop circumnavigation record is broken. In more than three decades it has been presented just ten times, so watching Thomas and his team receive the trophy from the previous holders was a powerful reminder of just how difficult these records are to achieve and the extraordinary teamwork required to earn a place in its history. Having recently completed our own non-stop circumnavigation with The Famous Project CIC, achieving the fastest female circumnavigation, the ceremony held a particular significance for me and was a wonderful opportunity for some of our team to reunite. As we watched the film of their journey, memories of our own circumnavigation flooded back.
Another highlight this month, was joining Oliver Heer to launch his new offshore campaign, Embrace the Challenge, and officially bless his IMOCA, Yoroshiku. Boat launches are always emotional occasions. Everyone sees the polished boat, but few appreciate the years of commitment, sacrifice and determination that are required to reach that point. Having stood on the start line of my own round-the-world campaigns, I know that a launch is not the end of a project, it's just the beginning of an incredible journey. It was a privilege to share a few words ahead of Oliver embarking on the next chapter of his adventure, which will include two circumnavigations within the next two years.
The month finished in complete contrast as I joined the award winning Cunard Insights Programme aboard Queen Elizabeth for a voyage through Alaska.
It was my first visit to Alaska, and I was completely captivated by its beauty. Towering glaciers, snow-capped mountains, dense forests and an abundance of wildlife combined to create one of the most breathtaking landscapes I've ever experienced. Watching humpback whales, bald eagles and sea otters made every day on deck feel like an adventure.
Life on board was just as rewarding. I had the pleasure of sharing stories from my seven circumnavigations and meeting so many guests who were curious about life on the world's oceans. One of my favourite parts of this voyage was being able to run a Q&A session which invited the audience to ask thoughtful questions, which often led to fascinating conversations.
As I look back over the last month, I'm reminded how fortunate I am to have a career that continues to surprise me. From celebrating one of sailing's rarest trophies in Paris, to launching the dreams of the next generation of offshore sailors and then exploring Alaska aboard one of the world's great ocean liners. It has been a month rich in inspiration.