12 September 2007 ~ Disabled yachtsman, Geoff Holt (40), has completed his challenge to be the first disabled person ever to sail solo around the coast of Great Britain - a voyage of more than 1,600 miles.
Geoff, who has been wheelchair bound since a swimming accident in 1984, when he was just 18 years old, finished his ‘Personal Everest’ after 109 days at sea – coming into shore at Hamble, Southampton, on Wednesday 5 September 2007.
Prior to his accident, Geoff was one of the youngest charter skippers in the Caribbean, sailing over 27,000 miles between the ages of 15 and 18, including three trans-Atlantic crossings and several solo voyages.
His Personal Everest Challenge, which commenced in May 2007, has fulfilled a lifelong ambition for Geoff – who also raised awareness and funds for the RYA Sailability charity during his adventure.
Hampshire based Geoff completed his expedition in his specially modified Challenger Trimaran, which was equipped with essential Raymarine electronics, communication and navigation equipment.
He said: “Having Raymarine equipment fitted onboard the Challenger, RIB and Land Rover has been critical for the success of the trip. I have never sailed a dinghy when I couldn't see landfall before, so having the personal chartplotter proved invaluable. I cannot thank Raymarine enough for its involvement in helping me achieve my Personal Everest.”
Whilst sailing, the Challenger Trimaran was shadowed by a support RIB – supplying Geoff with food and water, whilst ensuring the vessel didn’t run into difficulties. Equipped with Raymarine VHF radios, foghorn and loudhailer, radar, instrument and navigational displays, crew on board the RIB were also protected with a Raymarine LifeTag Man Overboard system.
For further information contact Chloe Bartle UK Marketing Coordinator, +44 (0)23 9269 3611 Ext. 1395 or chloe.bartle@raymarine.com or Gemma Sweet at ADPR, Tel +44 (0)1935 826451 or Fax +44 (0)1935 826551 or by email to gemma@adpr.co.uk
This text can be downloaded from http://www.adpr.co.uk/. For high res images please email: info@raymarine.com.
September 2007 (RM449)
