A British yachtsman became the first quadriplegic to sail across the Atlantic on Thursday when he crossed the finish line in the Caribbean.
Geoff Holt, 42, from Southampton, took 28 days to complete the 2,700-mile voyage after setting off from Lanzarote in the Canary Islands on December 10. He had an emotional reunion with his wife Elaine and their seven-year-old son Tim in the British Virgin Islands. Mr Holt is already the first quadriplegic sailor to sail solo around Britain – a feat he achieved in 2007.
Ellen MacArthur praised Geoff’s determination: “Congratulations Geoff on what is a truly exceptional achievement. You had a dream, one that at first may have seemed impossible but through your courage, determination and a belief that you could succeed you have realised it and gone on to be an inspiration for us all. We wish you the very best for what will be an unforgettable New Year!”
The sailor battled light winds, mechanical problems and running out of fuel aboard his boat, Impossible Dream, during the voyage where he has been aided by a carer and filmed by a cameraman – but he did all his own sailing.
Poignantly, he returned to the exact scene of the diving accident that paralysed him 26 years ago – Cane Garden Bay, on Tortola island.
‘The arrival has been everything I expected and more,’ the yachtsman said.
‘I’ve been living off the memories. I now want to relive the experience. It seems right to sail back to Cane Garden Bay as this is where I had the 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.’
During the voyage, Mr Holt’s only restrictions to sailing the yacht independently were those concerning his personal care.
Without help, he could not get himself into bed, dressed or even into the shower.
But, once up and in his wheelchair, he used his navigational and boat-handling skills to sail the purpose-built yacht, using the high-tech equipment.
Mr Holt’s care was provided by his personal assistant, Susana Scott, 28, who is originally from New Zealand.
She has specialist skills in caring for those with a high level of disability and was given some basic training in boat handling, but she had no input, either physically or verbally, into the sailing of the vessel.
Congratulations Geoff !!