Natasha Lambert will sail single-handed around the Isle of Wight

Natasha Lambert with her boat 'Miss Isle too' © Ranald Mackechnie

On Sunday 9th September 2012, fifteen year old Natasha Lambert, who suffers from acute Cerebral Palsy, will sail single-handed around the Isle of Wight to raise money for charity.

“I am really excited about this weekend’s challenge,” says Natasha. “I don’t think I will sleep the night before but we have to up at 4am anyway. I hope there will be a little more wind forecast as it will be a long sail at the moment. If I can complete this challenge, then I can start to plan the next! I hope I can raise lots of money for my three fabulous charities IW Scope, The Ellen MacArthur Trust and the RNLI.”

Natasha’s condition means she has constant and significant unwanted movements and little control of her muscles, making everyday physical tasks all but impossible. Her Mini Transat Zero boat Miss Isle (6.5 metres in length), sponsored by Artemis Investment Management, has been specially adapted with the “sip and puff” technology pioneered by celebrated paraplegic sailor Hilary Lister. This system allows her to control the sails and the rudder from her fixed canting seat at the back of the yacht. Natasha wears a motorbike helmet to protect her from her unwanted movements as well as boxing gloves as she is unable to release her hands herself once she has taken hold of something.

Natasha blows and sucks into a plastic straw that rests permanently in her mouth. This allows her to control the rudder using a uniquely designed system of hydraulic rams. She can then use her tongue to flick a switch and change the function of the straw to control the sails. She has spent the last months learning the technique and training with her two sailing coaches, James Merrick, senior sailing coach and Reece Jacobs, yacht master.

Natasha will officially start her challenge off the Royal Yacht Squadron in West Cowes with a bang as the gun fires at 06:00AM on Sunday. The club have kindly offered to let her use their line, which many high profile regattas and races start off, including the Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week and the Fastnet Race. The 50 mile challenge should take Natasha 10 – 12 hours on Sunday and she will be followed by an armada of safety boats and well-wishers.

Geoff Holt MBE, the first quadriplegic yachtsman to sail solo around Great Britain, is a great supporter of the inspirational teenager and has kindly given his specially designed powerboat Wetwheels to Natasha’s team for the challenge but cannot attend due to commitments abroad. Natasha’s mother, Amanda Lambert commented: “Sailing has given Natasha confidence, self-esteem and ambition. It’s her passion, and she just loves spending all the time she can on the water. This weekend is very exciting for us as a family and we want to show other people in similar positions to Natasha that achieving your dreams is a reality. Even getting to the start line is a massive achievement for us.

“Natasha is supported by a great team, on and off the water. Without all these people and the sponsorship of Artemis, this would not be possible. For all their help, we are very grateful."

Natasha’s yacht will be on display at the PSP Southampton Boat Show from September 14-23 for the public to view.

Natasha will be raising money for: IW Scope (helping people with cerebral palsy); The Ellen MacArthur Trust (inspiring young people with cancer by taking them sailing); and the RNLI (who helped save a friend of Natasha’s).

For more information visit www.missisle.com