The Hilary Lister round Britain Dream

“When I’m sailing I go into a different world ... it's like flying!"

Hilary Lister, a 34 year old quadriplegic from Kent, only able to move her head, sailed into the record books on 23rd August 2005 when she sailed solo across the English Channel by using a ‘sip and puff’ system of straws to control the sails and tiller. Hilary is an exceptional woman who is constantly aiming to break down barriers and change perceptions.

Now Hilary has a new dream - to sail around the British Isles. Hilary and her team are now making plans to attempt this in the summer of 2007. This will involve venturing both into the North Sea and the Irish Sea. Her plan is to sail around the coast, from port to port, both a personal challenge and a fantastic way to raise awareness of sailing for everyone despite any form of disability.

The announcement was made that Hilary would be using the New concept 6m keel boat Artemis 20 at the Southampton Boat show. It was met with an unprecedented amount of media coverage. The Artemis 20 is a contemporary 6m keel boat built for both able and disabled sailors alike with a view to allow everyone, regardless of disability, to sail on the same circuit. The boat will be fitted with a sip and puff system and a specialised seating arrangement that will make it possible for Hilary to tackle this hugely difficult record attempt.

The Artemis 20 already has a track record achieving coverage with the industry and with the media pro-actively seeking news and updates from Artemis 20’s PR company Into The Blue. The boat was voted to be one of the most successful of the Southampton boat show.

Hilary is very accessible to the media and is willing to give interviews and answer any questions relating to this challenge. CNN have already shown great interest in airing coverage of not only the sail but the events leading up to it. It is estimated that not only will this achieve undoubted coverage in sailing publications but also achieve widespread coverage in Nationals. The media interest will be on a local, regional and national level. This will be achieved by co-ordination of media at each of the ports on Hilary’s route.

This is set to become one of the most unique stories in sailing with a totally original boat using all the new technology, design and engineering available combined with an inspirational and highly determined sailor.

For more information please log onto hilarylister.com