Disabled yachtsman to embark on round-the-world unassisted voyage

Laura Hodgetts
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Keith White will quite literally be sailing single-handedly around the world, after losing the use of his arm in a motorway accident in 1991.

The yachtsman is attempting to circumnavigate the globe non-stop and unassisted in a challenge sure to test the limit of his own mental and physical capability.

Keith’s boat, Marathon, a Feeling 1350, is only partly modified to accommodate Keith’s physical disability. It is currently at Cowes Yacht Haven, where Cowes Town Waterfront Trust has donated a berth to help Keith realise his goal. Weather permitting, Keith will leave Cowes to head towards the Azores early next week on Monday 19 October or Tuesday 20 October.

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Keith is no stranger to single-handed sailing challenges, having also sailed anticlockwise around the British Isles and across the Atlantic. The journey is estimated to take 10 months, during which time Keith will sail alone, completely isolated from the outside world.

As well as testing his own endurance, Keith is aiming to raise £15,000 for two good causes, Save The Children, and a foundation to build a replica of the Cutty Sark for under privileged children, which is a passion project for Keith.

Keith said: ‘I’ve been putting all my efforts into preparing for this challenge since 2008. I’m going to be realising a big dream, especially if I can fundraise a significant amount for my chosen charities.

‘I think the biggest challenge is going to come sailing around the South African coast, where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet. The bottom of South America is also known to be unpredictable.’

Keith isn’t afraid of the amount of time he will be spending alone on his boat. He added: “It sounds strange, but I’m looking forward to it. Sailing alone is the only time I ever get to read a book! I’m itching to get going now and I’m extremely grateful to Cowes Town Waterfront Trust for helping by donating a berthing space.”

For more information about Keith White’s round the world challenge, visit his website http://singlehandedyachting.com/

Jon Pridham, managing director at Cowes Yacht Haven, said: ‘When we heard about Keith’s attempt to sail around the world unassisted, non-stop, we had to get involved. This is a huge feat even for a physically able sailor, but Keith also has to work around his disability. His attitude is a real inspiration.’