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Wetwheels · 18-07-2009, 12:19

Quadriplegic Atlantic Crossing: The Impossible Dream
Hi there. My name is Geoff Holt. 25 years ago I worked in the charter boat industry in the Virgin Islands but unfortunately had a swimming accident which paralysed me from the chest down and left me quadriplegic.

In December 2009, I will be returning to the Caribbean, but this time as a quadriplegic yachtsman.

I will be sailing a 60ft, custom built, wheelchair accessible catamaran called, appropriately, Impossible Dream.

In so doing, I will be the first disabled yachtsman to sail indepently across the Atlantic Ocean from Lanzarote in the Canary Islands to Tortola in the BVI.

It is a really big undertaking and my main reason for doing so is to promote sailing as a sport / leisure activity that is possible, no matter what your ability level.

Of course, my story is much more complicated, a lot has happened in 25 years, not least helping to set up a national sailing charity called Sailability in 1995, a concept now copied throughout the world. But also, two years ago, becoming the first disabled person to sail single-handed around Great Britain.

I would really love for this Forum to be able to help spread the news about my Atlantic crossing later this year. I believe the more people hear about my project, the more people who may become inspired to take up sailing.

If moderators and Forum members could help promote my project, I'd be really grateful. All ideas welcome. I'll be completing regular updates and blogs on my progress on my website which I hope will be of interest to members of this Forum.

My website is www.personalatlantic.com or look also at www.geoffholt.com

Thank you.

Geoff