Brave Quad Quits Round-Britain Sail - only for Now
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| 'Planned route - will wait for spring' . |
The feeling of huge frustration and disappointment is compounded by the fact that, despite the view that Hilary's health or sailing abilities might have been the main barriers to successfully completing the challenge, neither of these issues has proven to be a limiting factor; Hilary has once again demonstrated amazing resilience and strength of character.
Hilary and her team are aiming for her to become the first female quadriplegic to complete such a feat. However, they have been beset by problems since setting sail from Dover on 16 June 2008, with bad weather and technical issues with the boat hampering progress.
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Hilary embarking - .. . |
Project Manager, Toby May, said: 'Hilary's boat, the Artemis 20, has been sailed under testing conditions. The integrated navigation and control system is a combination of off the shelf items and custom built electronics. As a system, it is still in development and working in what, for electronics, is a hostile environment.
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Hilary Lister sailing her Artemis 20 'sip and puff' controlled yacht - .. . |
weather has often stopped us sailing and this has been an added frustration.
'When we have sailed we have made the passages that were planned within the rules Hilary had set herself.'
Hilary and the team have been overwhelmed by the support, assistance, and good wishes of all they have met on their journey so far; harbour staff, local service providers, members of the general public and, not least, the Lions Clubs of British Isles and Ireland. The Lions have been incredibly helpful and supportive throughout, having to deal with frequent, often last-minute, changes of plan and providing invaluable assistance around the route.
Immense thanks go to all concerned, not only those whose efforts we were able to acknowledge in person, but those further around the planned route who we have not managed to get to.
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Hilary at Dover - .. . |
'I have enjoyed the wonderful experience of night sailing and the tranquillity and sense of freedom that brings. I also feel incredibly privileged and proud to have been supported by such a great crew who, despite extremely testing conditions and circumstances, continued to show commitment and resilience of the highest order.
'I have also been overwhelmed by the support provided by my fellow Lions; it was always a pleasure upon entering a strange port to find a local Lion or two amongst the welcoming party - often at some ungodly hour. I would like to
thank them for their patience and hope we will meet the remaining clubs around the route next year.
'We have also generated significant public and media awareness of the event and the charity, Hilary's Dream Trust, and I would like to personally thank everybody who has kindly made a donation.'
To read about the background of Hilary's attempt, which Sail-World Cruising has been following, go to her website
by Nancy Knudsen
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