This Thursday (10 December) Geoff Holt – who in 2007 became the first quadriplegic sailor to sail single handed around Great Britiain – will set sail in a 60ft, purpose-built, wheelchair-accessible catamaran on a voyage across the Atlantic Ocean.

The 3,000-mile journey will take him up to a month to complete, across some hostile waters, but will make Geoff the first quadriplegic yachtsman to make the voyage unassisted in every aspect of the sailing.
 
Having sailed across the Atlantic three times before, prior to an accident in 1984 which left Geoff confined to a wheelchair, this will be an emotional voyage for the Brit as he attempts the journey for the first time as a disabled sailor. Geoff explained: “It’s not about being disabled. It’s not about sailing the Atlantic Ocean. It’s about demonstrating that disability need not be a barrier to achieving something positive in your life.”

It will be a matter of complex logistics for the shore-based support team and a feat of personal endurance and sailing skills for Geoff.  Although physically able to navigate and sail the boat competently, Geoff is unable to look after his own physical requirements. He cannot get himself out of his wheelchair without help. To overcome this, Geoff will be accompanied on the voyage by a professional, medically trained carer to aid him with the physical aspects of his life. The carer will play no part in the sailing of the yacht.

For more, visit www.geoffholt.com