Holt out to become first disabled yachtsman to cross the Atlantic

by Harriet Courage on 10 Dec 2009
On Thursday 10th December 2009 record-breaking disabled yachtsman Geoff Holt will be embark on a personal and emotive voyage to cross the Atlantic, returning to the scene of the accident that paralysed him 25 years ago. He will sail the 2,700 mile journey across some of the most hostile waters in the world sailing Impossible Dream, a 60ft, purpose built catamaran. Once his journey has been completed he will be the first quadriplegic to make the journey, unassisted in every aspect of the sailing.

Dame Ellen MacArthur knows only too well what a challenge the Atlantic can be. She added her support for Geoff and wished him well on his crossing, 'Geoff is one of the most remarkable people I have ever met. Not only has he already achieved the unachievable, but he is humble with it. I think few will understand just how important this challenge is to Geoff; perhaps in a way it is unfinished business. This next chapter is as incredible as his life so far. I wish Geoff all the best, and I can only think of the pleasure you will feel of once again being at sea under the stars.'

This will be the first Christmas that Geoff will be away from his wife Elaine and 7 year old son Tim but he will not be spending it alone as whilst Geoff is a vastly experienced yachtsman he does need someone to help with his personal care. New Zealand born, Susana Scott who has specialist skills in caring for those with a high-level disability will provide care for Geoff, but will have no input into the sailing.

Geoff explains why this is such a personal challenge, 'I’ve been living off the memories. I now want to relive the experience. It seems right to sail back to Cane Garden Bay in Tortola in the British Virgin Islands as this is where I had my accident. I will be returning as a quadriplegic yachtsman and it is a personal challenge where I feel I will be closing the circle from having my accident and returning again as a yachtsman.'

In 2007, Geoff sailed his way into the record books when he completed his Personal Everest when he became the first disabled yachtsman to sail single-handed around Great Britain.

www.geoffholt.com