British quadriplegic yachtswoman, Hilary Lister (37) is to sail solo around the Kingdom of Bahrain. The ‘Sail Bahrain’ initiative has been developed to help raise awareness and funds for local disabled charity, Bahrain Mobility International (BMI).

Hilary will start the challenge in April, on board her specially adapted 20ft yacht Arty, which she controls by sipping and puffing on three straws linked to a Power Assist System.

The coastline of Bahrain is approximately 100 miles, and the voyage and is expected to take Hilary four days. She will set out from Amwaj Marina and sail clockwise, covering approximately 25 miles each day.

Hilary commented: “I am really looking forward to my visit to Bahrain and embarking on this exciting challenge. Before I was introduced to sailing in 2003, my life had reached rock bottom – I was in constant pain and even contemplated taking my own life. Since then, I have discovered a new sense of freedom on the water, which has enabled me to achieve things I never imagined possible. I hope my journey around Bahrain will encourage both disabled and able bodied people, to pursue their own dreams and help raise much needed funds for Bahrain Mobility International.”
 
Hilary Lister’s Sailing Achievements:
August 2005 Becomes the first ever quadriplegic sailor to sail solo across the English Channel
July 2007 Sails solo around the Isle of Wight
August 2009 Completes ‘Hilary’s Round Britain Dream’, sailing around the British Isles in just over 14 months

To make a donation to BMI, please call Dreena Rogers on 00973 39615356 or Adel Sultan on 00973 39678053. Thank you.

To learn more about Hilary, visit hilarylister.com