This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/england/hampshire/8445668.stm
The article has changed 4 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 2 | Version 3 |
---|---|
Disabled sailor crosses Atlantic | Disabled sailor crosses Atlantic |
(about 2 hours later) | |
A yachtsman has become the first quadriplegic sailor to complete a solo voyage across the Atlantic. | 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. | 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 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. | 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 in the bay that 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. | 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. |
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. | 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 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. |
It has been my dream to sail back across the Atlantic 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. |
Legendary sailor Sir Robin Knox-Johnson led the tributes to Mr Holt. | |
"What a tremendous thing to have completed," he said. | |
"Geoff continues to raise the bar when it comes to sheer determination to allow nothing to stand in his way. | |
"I am so proud of his achievement." | |
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. |