Geoff gliding into the bay. Photo by Todd Van Sickle.
Hamble Valley Rotarian, Geoff Holt, has achieved the impossible dream, becoming the first quadriplegic to sail across the Atlantic unassisted.
Geoff set off to the British Virgin Islands before Christmas in a bid to raise funds. The journey also had an emotional purpose. Geoff would revisit the site where he had the diving accident which put in him in a wheelchair 25 years ago. This was the fourth time Geoff has sailed the Atlantic, but the first since his life changing accident in 1984.
He glided into Cane Garden Bay on the 8th of January after a harrowing 2,700 mile journey onboard the stunning, purpose built catamaran, Impossible Dream. Aside from the strain of being away from his wife and son over Christmas and New Year, engine problems and light winds made progress frustratingly slow for Geoff.
Determined as ever, Geoff sailed on and says the adventure was worth every minute: “The welcoming committee was amazing. I was surrounded by a flotilla of boats and yachts that have all come out to meet me. It was emotional and I had a tear in my eye as I neared the finish line.”
In 2007, Geoff sailed his way into the record books when he became the first disabled yachtsman to sail single-handed around Great Britain. Geoff hopes that his latest journey will raise awareness of the accomplishment of other disabled sportsmen and women and inspire others to push their own personal boundaries. Praise is also pouring in for Geoff’s nurse, Susana Scott, who sailed with him. Her role was to help him with personal care where required. Unfortunately she was sea sick for most of the trip, but didn’t miss a beat when looking after him.
Rotarians everywhere have been watching Geoff’s progress via his blog. His fellow members at Rotary Club of Hamble Valley are immensely proud of his achievements and are planning a party for him. RIBI President David Fowler is delighted with Geoff’s success: “I am very glad Geoff has arrived safely and proud of his achievement. This is a wonderful example of an adventurous Rotarian. The hard work by Susana, his nurse, is also worthy of praise as I gather it was not the smoothest of voyages. I look forward to supporting Geoff in future adventures as I am sure he will not be on dry land for long.”
Dame Ellen MacArthur also praised Geoff: "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.”
Find out more about Geoff Holt here.
