PARALYSED yachtsman Geoff Holt has become the first quadriplegic to sail across the Atlantic single-handedly.
Geoff, who broke his neck while diving into shallow waters 25 years ago, said: “Disability need not be a barrier to achieving your dream. It’s about believing in yourself and being prepared to fail on the journey.”
Geoff single-handedly sailed the 2,700 mile journey across the Atlantic on a 60ft purpose built catamaran Impossible Dream.
His epic journey, during whch he was accompanied by his carer, Susana, saw him setting off from Lanzarote in December, and arriving 28 days later in Cane Garden Bay where he revisited the place of his accident.
“The arrival has been everything I expected and more,” said Geoff. “The welcoming committee was amazing. When I arrived I was surrounded by a flotilla of boats and yachts that came out to meet me.
“It was extremely emotional and I had tears in my eyes as I neared the finish line.”
It was Geoff’s fourth Atlantic crossing, but the first since his life changing accident which left him paralysed from the chest down. Engine problems just three days into his latest voyage meant an essential stop to the Cape Verde Islands. Unexpected light prevailing winds also made progress frustratingly slow. It was emotionally straining to spend Christmas and New Year apart from his wife, Elaine, and seven year- old son, Timmy.
In 2007 Geoff sailed single-handedly around Britain. Debbie Blachford, RYA Sailability Manager, said: “Geoff is truly an inspiration. He has shown that it is possible for disabled people to live a challenging life and he has shown us all that with hard work and determination we to can hope to achieve our dream, whatever it is.
“Geoff is a marvellous ambassador for RYA Sailability. His work in helping disabled people get into sailing is inspirational and tireless. “Sailing is one of the few sports in which disabled people can enjoy and compete on equal terms with more able bodied people.”
