Geoff Holt is one of the most inspirational people I have ever had the privilege to meet.
Geoff was paralysed while working as a Charter Yacht skipper in the Carribean at the age of eighteen. Following his accident he faced many challenges as he rebuilt his life, and in 2007, he became the first quadriplegic yachtsman to sail solo around Great Britain, if you haven't read his book Walking on Water I highly recommend it.
We were very honoured, that Geoff has chosen the Ellen MacArthur Trust as the official charity of his next Challenge. In which Geoff will set sail in a 60ft, purpose-built, wheelchair-accessible catamaran on a voyage across the Atlantic Ocean. The 3,000 mile journey will take him up to a month to complete. Although both physically able to navigate and sail the boat competently, Geoff is unable to look after his own physical requirements. He can not get himself out of his wheelchair to sleep, to use the loo or to shower without help. To overcome this, Geoff will be accompanied on the voyage by a professional, medically trained carer to aid him with the physical aspects of his life. The carer (Susana) will play no part in the sailing of the yacht.
Geoff is currently in Lanzarote making final preparations on Impossible Dream. He is in good spirits and is enjoying being in the marina amongst the yachting community.
Speaking last week “We are getting the boat ready at the moment. It is really good to finally be out here in Lanzarote with Susana getting the boat as we want it. We are currently stowing equipment, food (especially chocolate for Susana). The engineers have just left the boat and have been here sorting out the brackets ready for tomorrow’s fitting of the comms dome.
We are both so excited as it really feels like it is about to happen.The weather is beautiful and we are about to go off for a lunch with The Rotary Club.. Next week we are continuing to identify what needs doing. From next Friday we will take the boat out for some practice sails and we really hit the countdown to the 10th.”
Ellen summed up the thoughts of everyone at the Trust “Geoff is one of the most remarkable people I have ever met. Not only has he already achieved the unachievable, but he is humble with it. I think few will understand just how important this challenge is to Geoff; perhaps in a way it is unfinished business. This next chapter is as incredible as his life so far. I wish Geoff all the best, and I can only think of the pleasure you will feel of once again being at sea under the stars.”
You can follow the voyage here or support his fundraising for the trust here
Everyone at the Ellen MacArthur Trust wishes Geoff the very best.
The stage is set for one of the greatest yachting challenges of our time.
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