Tough start

Disabled sailor Geoff Holt is rescued on first day of Round Britain record attempt

Yachtsman Geoff Holt has had an unfortunate start to his Personal Everest challenge to be the first disabled sailor to sail singlehanded around Britain.

Geoff is an ex-professional sailor who in 1984 suffered a life changing accident which resulted in him being paralysed from the chest down and confined to a wheelchair. While continuing to sail and represent Britain overseas he has headed up the marketing department of a firm of Chartered Accountants for the past twelve years.

Setting off from the River Hamble yesterday, for the first leg of his journey to Lymington, his Challenger trimaran got into difficulties off the Calshot shore in the Solent. A large spectator fleet had gathered to wish him well on his journey and it was the wash from them that resulted in him running out of control having hit a wave from a supporter’s boat - ending up in the water face down, unable to right himself, he had to be rescued. Geoff was taken ashore and after a brief check was given the all clear.

This is a blow for the inspirational yachtsman who has previously circumnavigated the Isle of Wight three times. He plans to resume his challenge at the earliest opportunity.

Geoff was asked if the incident has put him of the attempt; "No not at all, it is just a pity it happened with so many people here to see me off, I am determined to finish the task, however long it takes me."



Hampshire based Geoff, 40, is an experienced sailor and was one of the youngest charter skippers in the Caribbean when he was disabled as the result of a swimming accident at only 18 years old. Since his accident, despite being wheelchair bound, Geoff has taken every opportunity to go to sea, sailing in his Challenger trimaran dinghy and winning several regattas, including the 1993 UK Open Championship. He has twice represented Great Britain racing a Hobie Cat, winning a bronze medal in Australia and gaining a 4th place in the USA. In 1992, Geoff became the first disabled sailor to sail single-handed trip around the Isle of Wight, a distance of 70 miles in just under 14 hours, and raised £10,000 for Sailability, the RYA charity which promotes sailing for people with disabilities.

The 1,600 mile journey around Britain has been planned into 8 hour legs sailed in appropriate weather and tidal conditions. The whole circumnavigation will take around 50 days to complete.

Geoff’s challenge is also a logistical one, with a support RIB and a ‘mother ship’ in attendance. The 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.

Geoff has an excellent website where you can follow his progress: http://www.personaleverest.com