Hilary Lister, 35, the first quadriplegic to sail solo across the English Channel two years ago, yesterday became the first female quadriplegic to sail solo around the Isle of Wight.
Hilary, who is able to move only her head and neck, used a 'sip-puff' method of steering to control her boat, by breathing down two straws enabling her to steer and adjust the sails.
Hilary crossed the start line off Cowes at 08.12 (BST) in her Artemis 20, Me Too. She covered the 50 mile course in 11 hours, 4 minutes and 22 seconds.
Crossing the finish line at 19.20 (BST) she was exhausted but overjoyed to have completed this important prologue to her planned solo sail Round Britain next summer, a dream she declared at the finish of her cross Channel record.
“It has been an incredible day; I surpassed even my own expectations during this marathon solo sail,” said Hilary. “Sailing round the Isle of Wight is much further and more complex than across the Channel, which was only 22 miles compared to today's 50 miles, over double the distance, and round lots of corners!
“My new Artemis 20 was an absolute dream to sail. This was the boat's first real test since she was fitted with the 'sip puff' system which allows me to control the boat with just my breath. It's a long way to go until I will be ready to attempt my Round Britain Dream next summer, when I will circumnavigate Britain stopping off at various ports along the way.
“Today has been a really important milestone. I'd like to thank my project manager Kels Gilkison and logistics managers Ailsa Angus, who are funded by my long-time supporter Pindar, for getting me to this point and continuing to support me in all that I do.”
Hilary intends to set up a charity which will aim to helping disadvantaged and disabled people to get out on the water and experience the thrill of sailing, whilst showing that disabled people can live challenging and exciting lives.
Meanwhile Geoff Holt, the quadriplegic sailor currently attempting his Personal Everest quest to be the first disabled helm to sail solo round Britain, is currently negotiating the Caledonian Canal - approximately half way through his voyage.
Geoff, 41, who is paralysed from the breast line down as the result of a swimming accident when he was 18, left Southampton on May 20th, but his progress has been drastically slowed by this summer's bad weather and he has spent 29 days weatherbound in various ports.
Geoff's Personal Everest Project has been made possible by sponsorship from law firm Blake Lapthorn Tarlo Lyons, who are providing the funds to ensure that Geoff has the necessary back-up team and equipment to make his Personal Everest attempt safe and efficient.
