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Disabled sailor crosses Atlantic | |
(about 2 hours later) | |
A yachtsman has become the first quadriplegic sailor to complete a solo voyage across the Atlantic. | |
Geoff Holt, 42, from Southampton, began the 2,700-mile (4,345km) journey from Lanzarote to Tortola in the British Virgin Islands, on 10 December. | |
His voyage was hampered by the lack of wind and mechanical problems on his boat, Impossible Dream. | |
His wife Elaine and son Timothy sailed out to greet Mr Holt off the coast of Cane Garden Bay. | |
Mr Holt suffered a diving accident 25 years ago on the island which left him paralysed. | |
During the voyage, he has been aided by a carer and filmed by a cameraman, but did all his own sailing in the 60ft (18m) purpose-built catamaran. | |
Geoff Holt spoke to BBC News by video link as he approached the finish | |
Hydraulic technology | Hydraulic technology |
He told BBC News: "It's fantastic, it's absolutely wonderful to be back after 25 years to sail across the Atlantic Ocean, it is quite emotional. | |
"This has been years in the planning. It has been my dream to sail back across the Atlantic and I have only gone and done it." | |
This is the fourth time Mr Holt has sailed the Atlantic, but the first since his life-changing accident in 1984. | This is the fourth time Mr Holt has sailed the Atlantic, but the first since his life-changing accident in 1984. |
He broke his neck while diving into shallow water and has used a wheelchair ever since. | He broke his neck while diving into shallow water and has used a wheelchair ever since. |
And any tears will be tears of joy not tears of regret or sadness Geoff Holt | And any tears will be tears of joy not tears of regret or sadness Geoff Holt |
During his record attempt, Mr Holt has had to overcome engine problems and unexpectedly light prevailing winds. | During his record attempt, Mr Holt has had to overcome engine problems and unexpectedly light prevailing winds. |
He has limited use of his arms and hands and used a hydraulic push button technology to sail the vessel on the 28-day voyage. | He has limited use of his arms and hands and used a hydraulic push button technology to sail the vessel on the 28-day voyage. |
Mr Holt is already the first quadriplegic sailor to sail solo around Britain - a feat he achieved in 2007. | Mr Holt is already the first quadriplegic sailor to sail solo around Britain - a feat he achieved in 2007. |