RECORD BREAKING WOMAN IS FIRST FEMALE QUADRIPLEGIC TO SAIL SOLO ROUND THE ISLE OF WIGHT
Hilary Lister, 35, the first quadriplegic to sail solo across the English Channel exactly two years ago, today became the first female quadriplegic to sail solo around the Isle of Wight. Lister, who is able to move only her head and neck, used a ‘sip-puff’ method of steering to control her boat, by breathing down two straws enabling her to steer and adjust the sails.
Hilary crossed the start line off Cowes at 08.12 (BST) on Tuesday 24th July in her ‘Artemis 20’, a 20 foot racing boat named ‘Me Too’. She covered an incredible 50 miles in 11 hours, 4 minutes and 22 seconds, sailing at an average speed of ten knots. Crossing the finish line at 19.20 (BST) an exhausted but jubilant Lister was overjoyed to have completed this important prologue to her solo sail Round Britain next summer, a dream she declared at the finish of her cross Channel record.
Hilary Lister commented: “It has been an incredible day; I surpassed even my own expectations during this marathon solo sail. Sailing round the Isle of Wight is much further and more complex than across the Channel, which was only 22 miles compared to today’s 50 miles, over double the distance, and round lots of corners! My new Artemis 20 was an absolute dream to sail. This was the boats first real test since she was fitted with a unique ‘sip puff’ system which allows me to control the boat with just my breath. It’s a long way to go until I will be ready to attempt my ‘Round Britain Dream’ next summer, when I will circumnavigate Britain stopping off at various ports along the way. Today has been a really important milestone. I’d like to thank my project manager Kels Gilkison and logistics managers Ailsa Angus, who are funded by my long-time supporter Pindar, for getting me to this point and continuing to support me in all that I do.”
Hilary will now continue her training for her ‘Round Britain Dream’, including her search for support which will enable her to achieve this dream. Hilary intends to set up a charity which will aim to helping disadvantaged and disabled people to get out on the water and experience the thrill of sailing, whilst showing that disabled people can live challenging and exciting lives.
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Image by Mark Lloyd
Image by Mark Lloyd
Image by Mark Lloyd
For further information regarding Hilary Lister’s Round Britain Dream, including Hilary’s wishlist, please visit: www.hilarylister.com
For all press enquiries regarding Hilary Lister, including interview requests and images, please contact:
Kate Fairclough - Pitch PR
Tel: +44 (0)20 7494 1616
Mob: +44 (0)7789 268814
e-mail : kate@pitchpr.co.uk
Notes to editors
Hilary Lister
Hilary, 35, from Canterbury, Kent, overcame severe physical pain when she navigated her way solo across the English Channel in August 2005. Able to move only her head, eyes and mouth, Hilary used a sip-puff controlled 26 foot Soling keelboat, loaned to her by Pindar, to sail the 22 mile course. Her latest goal is to circumnavigate Britain in a series of stages during the summer of 2008.
For further information, please see www.hilarylister.com <http://www.hilarylister.com/>
Hilary Lister’s Round Britain Dream
Hilary has secured the support of a number of partners for her exciting Round Britain adventure and is actively seeking further support in all areas of her campaign. Pindar, the print and electronic media company who have been affiliated with Hilary since she first met Emma Sanderson (née Richards) in January 2005, continues to support Hilary by becoming one of her launch partners, funding the work of her independent project manager, Kels Gilkison. Artemis, one of the UK’s leading investment companies and sponsor of the Artemis Ocean Racing Open 60 campaign join Pindar as launch partners, funding the development of her uniquely adapted Artemis 20.
Hilary’s Artemis 20 was designed by Simon Rogers and built by Vizual Marine in Chichester, UK. Raymarine, Musto and UK Halsey have also come on board as technical partners, while UKSA continue their support of Hilary providing training and facilities at their Cowes base. Hilary and her team, project manager Kels Gilkison and Ailsa Angus, logistics manager, continue the quest to secure support in all areas of the Round Britain Dream campaign.