Press release from VIZUAL MARINE

For Immediate Release

Friday 15^th September 2006

Hilary Lister selects Artemis 20 for 2007 Round Britain Challenge

Chichester based Vizual Marine is delighted to announce that Hilary Lister, who in 2005 memorably became the first quadriplegic to sail solo across the English Channel, has chosen the Artemis 20, performance keelboat for her Round Britain Challenge next summer.

The Artemis 20 is a cutting edge 20 foot racing boat designed by Vizual Marine and Rogers Yacht Design which can be sailed by able bodied and disabled sailors alike and has the characteristics of a contemporary America’s Cup yacht. Artemis, one of the UK’s leading investment companies became involved in the boat at its inception and is sponsoring the fleet of one design boats.

Dave Rutter of Vizual Marine commented: “I am delighted that the Artemis 20 appeals to Hilary to sail round Britain, as our main aim was to create a boat which can be sailed by everybody. The stylish racing yacht is suitable for both racing and cruising sailors alike and its specialist adaptations allows both able and non-able bodied sailors to race competitively against one another, on a level playing field.”

“From the canting seating plan to the 225kg bulb this Roger Yacht Design has many features that not only make it attractive to all sailors, but a viable option for everyone wanting to get out on the water. Hilary has been looking for something special and we believe that we can give her the comfort, speed and technology she needs. On the day that we are officially announcing the launch of the Artemis 20 here at the Southampton Boat Show, I am thrilled that it will also be part of Hilary’s next challenge.”

Lister has battled with a progressive neurological disorder for over half her life which has left her able to move only her head, eyes and mouth. Last August, Hilary navigated her boat unaided, through one of the busiest and most treacherous shipping lanes in the world, overcoming severe physical pain using sip-and-puff technology to sail 22 miles across the English Channel. Her next venture, in which she aims to sail around the British Isles, will involve going into both the North Sea and the Irish Sea. Her goal is to sail around the coast from port to port, raising awareness of disabled sailing and challenging people to rethink their views on disability. Hilary’s longstanding aim is to show that disabled people too can live challenging and exciting lives.

With the official announcement of the Artemis 20, Hilary’s plans for the ‘Challenge’ are also being announced today which includes re-securing the support of Pindar who were sponsors of her cross channel Challenge. They have confirmed that they will be significantly involved in her new record attempt and help her look for additional sponsors.

Hilary Lister commented from the Southampton Boat Show: “When you live in a wheelchair 24 hours a day, being in a sail boat is like flying. Being a brand new design, the Artemis 20 fulfils my needs. It’s practical and versatile so is not just for disabled sailors, it’s for everybody to enjoy. I am thrilled that Artemis has agreed to donate such a suitable boat to my round Britain attempt - it is fantastic to have the support of companies like Artemis and Pindar. However, I am still looking for additional sponsors to make this dream a reality and to help with raising funds to get other disabled sailors out on the water. It is an ambitious project and we are looking for help with everything from RIBs to hotel rooms, petrol to drinks suppliers - you name it we need it!! But getting the boat is the first step on what will hopefully be an extremely exciting adventure.”

Ends.

Artemis 20 Enquiries to:

Morna Hughes

Vizual Marine

mornah@vizmarine.com

T: 01243 784321

Media Enquires about the Artemis 20 to:

Sarah Branson

Into the blue

sarah.branson@intotheblue.biz

T: 07710 664 172

Enquiries regarding Hilary Lister to:

Kate Fairclough, Pitch PR

kate@pitchpr.co.uk

T: + 44 7789 268 814

Notes to editors:

Vizual Marine

Vizual Marine was founded in 2005 by a group of like minded people. The idea was to create a fun, fast and functional boat that appeals to everyone and works towards the breakdown of the ‘them and us’ factor.

For more information visit: www.viztek.com

Artemis Ocean Racing

Artemis Ocean Racing was founded in June 2006 as a bold new step forward for Artemis, one of the UK’s leading investment companies. Artemis identified an opportunity to reinforce their position in the Fund Management industry through the creation of a sponsorship campaign rooted in sailing and providing the means to promote British yachting talent. Under the Artemis Ocean Racing banner, Artemis are sponsoring British sailor Brian Thompson who will campaign the state of the art Open 60, ‘Artemis Ocean Racing’ over the coming year competing in a number of races and record attempts. They are also sponsoring the Artemis 20, a cutting edge, 20 foot, new design boat that aims to promote sailing to both disabled and able bodied sailors. The ultimate goal of the Artemis 20 is to reach Paralympic status for the 2012 Games giving disabled sailors a totally new, and exciting, breed of boat to sail.

For more information visit: www.artemisoceanracing.com