Hilary Listers Round Britain Dream update

Round Britain Dream to take place in 2008

Hilary Lister, the first quadriplegic to sail solo across the English Channel this spring begins full training in preparation to sail solo round Britain in the summer of 2008. With the build of her new boat, an Artemis 20, almost complete and having grown her team by appointing a logistics manager to work alongside Hilary’s project manager Kels Gilkison, the summer ahead will be action-packed as the project continues to unfold.

Having originally planned to circumnavigate the British Isles this summer, Hilary has elected to delay her Round Britain attempt until 2008 to allow greater time for boat testing and training as well as preparing for the huge logistical challenge ahead. Hilary is also in the process of setting up a charity named ‘Hilary’s Dream Trust’, donations to which will go towards helping disadvantaged and disabled people to get out on the water and experience the thrill of sailing.

Hilary has confirmed the support of a number of partners to enable her to begin planning the exciting adventure and is actively seeking further support in all areas of her campaign. Pindar, the print and electronic media company who have been affiliated with Hilary since she first met Emma Sanderson (née Richards) in January 2005, continues to support Hilary by becoming one of her launch partners, funding the work of her independent project manager, Kels Gilkison. Artemis, one of the UK’s leading investment companies and sponsor of the Artemis Ocean Racing Open 60 campaign join Pindar as launch partners, funding the development of her uniquely adapted Artemis 20.

Hilary’s Artemis 20 was designed by Simon Rogers and built by Vizual Marine in Chichester, UK. A custom-fitted, gimballed seating system has been fabricated by Vivian Thompson to house technical equipment as well as provide security, comfort, and warmth. Steve Alvey from Calgary, Canada developed the unique ‘sip & puff’ control system that allows Hilary to sail solo, using just her breath to control her boat by activating navigation equipment donated by Raymarine UK. In addition to Vizual Marine and Raymarine, Musto and UK Halsey have also come on board as technical partners, while UKSA continue their support of Hilary providing training and facilities at their Cowes base. Hilary and her team, project manager Kels Gilkison and new addition Ailsa Angus, logistics manager, continue the quest to secure support in all areas of the Round Britain Dream campaign.

Hilary begins training at UKSA on the 15th April, with a busy schedule including a boat christening ceremony and a circumnavigation of the Isle of Wight planned for the summer months.

Hilary commented: “I am delighted with the recent progress of my Round Britain Dream project which is unfolding fast day by day. We took the decision to delay the start of my circumnavigation until 2008 for several reasons, not least of all taking into account various safety considerations as well as being able to achieve all of my goals. Sailing round Britain is not just about the sailing, but showing the world that disabled people can live challenging and exciting lives, and raising awareness for disabled sailing. Sailing solo round Britain is going to be a huge feat, but something I am so passionate and excited about achieving. The support of my project partners is invaluable, and I look forward to working with them all over the coming months.”