Lia Ditton

As one of the most successful sailors in the world, motivational speaker Lia Ditton has a wealth of anecdotes to tell. She was the only female sailor to complete the 2005 Single-Handed Trans-Atlantic Race, and recently set a new women’s world record for her solo journey by ocean, from the United States mainland to Hawaii. When booked for events, she enlightens audiences with her thrilling stories, straight from some of the world’s most challenging seas. Lia’s unique insight serves to inspire guests.

In 2020, Lia rowed from San Francisco to Hawaii on a solo expedition. After 86 days, she set a new women’s world record, breaking the previous time set by Roz Savage. Lia faced both physical and mental challenges, as well as multiple boat capsizes, a food shortage and sickness. Audiences are blown away by Lia’s steely perseverance in the face of adversity, an inspiring personal drive that leaves a transformative impact at events.

Having first sailed with a crew in the 90s, from Thailand to Europe, Lia sparked a passion for the waves. She later competed in the 2007 Transpacific Yacht Race, aboard the trimaran LoeReal, before venturing into the world of single-handed yacht racing. Faced with hurricanes and physically demanding waves, she raced in the 2006 Route du Rhum race. As a speaker, Lia tells the story of her sailing career, including how her passion for yacht racing turned into a love for ocean rowing.

In 2010, Lia was named the 53rd woman to row the Atlantic. Later training for her solo trans-Pacific Ocean-rowing world record attempt, Lia’s unwavering determination is a testament to her grit - a defining trait that she instils in audiences at events. In 2018, she circumnavigated the Farallon Islands, spending just over three days in gruelling conditions. The achievement was later immortalised with the short film, DETERMINATION: Farallon Record, as Lia was the first person to complete the challenge.

From sleep deprivation to 100 degrees Fahrenheit winds, Lia’s 2018 trip from San Francisco to Santa Barbara tested her to her limits. The experience was later retold through PERSEVERANCE: California Coast Row, a Four Seasons Film Festival shortlisted film. Only a year later, she took to the waves once more, rowing from Portland to San Francisco – a staggering 828-mile journey. When booked for events, Lia invites audiences into the lonely, challenging yet rewarding world of a solo rower.

With over 150,000 nautical miles under her belt, Lia was named in Forbes 2018 Women in Sports to Watch list. She is carving a carer unlike any other, as the 64th woman ever to row the ocean Lia is an inspiring role model to young girls across the world. Having completed The Toughest Rowing Race on Earth and Captained the Le Route du Rhum, a boat from the film Waterworld, her speeches are packed to the brim with thrilling anecdotes. As detailed in her book, 50 Water Adventures To Do Before You Die, Lia leaves audiences excited to go on their own adventures.