Hilary Lister's solo 'round British Isles' attempt

by Hilarylister.com media on 3 Jun 2008
Hilary Lister, quadriplegic sailor, is now in her final two weeks’ of preparation for her courageous attempt to sail solo round the British Isles. She will set sail from Dover at 06.30hrs on Monday, 9 June 2008 and journey clockwise around the coast.

Able only to move her head, eyes and mouth, Hilary sails using a sip and puff device which allows her to control the sails and tiller with just her breath. She will sail in her state of the art sailing boat, the Artemis 20 - a 20 foot (6m) sailing boat - in a series of day sails. She will be accompanied on the water by a support RIB at all times, and a motor entourage of two motorhomes and a Land Rover (with winch and hoist) will provide land support. Her team
will comprise 4 ‘wet crew’ led by Project Manager, Toby May and 3 ‘shore’ crew. Project Director, Tony Leppard will continue to provide ‘remote’ assistance and support for the project.

Each day the team will record Hilary’s finishing latitude and longitude from her GPS, so they can tow Hilary back to exactly the same point the next sailing day. Hilary is anticipating the sail will take three to four months. It will involve venturing both into the Irish Sea and the North Sea, as well as the English Channel. Hilary's route will take her through the Caledonian Canal.

Hilary’s progress may be tracked from her website www.hilarylister.com and updates on her route and itinerary will be posted on a regular basis.

Having famously entered the record books in August 2005, when she became the first ever quadriplegic to sail solo across the English Channel, Hilary originally planned to take on the round Britain challenge in 2007, but a combination of technical and other issues prevented her from doing so. Undeterred, she undertook another record-breaking challenge when, on 24 July 2007, she successfully solo circumnavigated the Isle of Wight thus becoming the first female quadriplegic to do so.

As well as marking an incredible personal achievement, by taking on the round Britain challenge

Hilary aims to:
?? Raise awareness for disabled sailing
?? Show that disabled people can live exciting and challenging lives
?? Challenge people to rethink their views on disability
?? Encourage everyone to live their dreams
?? Raise money for ‘Hilary’s Dream Trust’

For more information visit www.hilarylister.com

Lions Clubs of British Isles and Ireland are providing support to Hilary’s project by way of organising local facilities on the route and Hilary is extremely grateful for all their assistance and the donations of funds which have been made by the various Clubs. Kent County Council Sports Development Unit has also provided much help and assistance to the project and is organising a launch event on the morning of 9 June.

Selected press and media representatives, sponsors, and other guests will board the ‘Southern Queen’ at Berth 75 of Dover Marina (boarding time 06.00hrs) and will accompany Hilary as she commences her journey.