Quadriplegic sailor, Geoff Holt, yesterday became the first disabled sailor to sail solo around Land’s End.

Geoff, who is paralysed from the breast line down as a result of a swimming accident when he was 18 years old, is attempting to sail around the coast of Great Britain in his 15ft Challenger Trimaran,Freethinker.

Leaving Newlyn at 1100 yesterday morning, (Wednesday 6th June), Geoff  rounded Land’s End, the most western point on the English mainland, at approximately 1315, arriving in St Ives, a few hours later.

Geoff wrote in his blog: “Once at Lands End, the wind died, the currents and sea became very confused, it was quite eery. The tied slowly carried us past Lands End leaving Longships rocks and lighthouse to port. About an hour later the wind picked up from the North East which meant a long, slow, cold and arduous beat up the north cornish coast. The sheer cliffs and old tin mine workings clearly visible.”

Geoff, 41, from Hampshire started the voyage he refers to as his “Personal Everest”  from Southampton on 20th May, stopping off at Lymington, Portland, Bridport, Brixham, Salcombe,  Plymouth and Falmouth and Newlyn. 

The next stopover will be Bude, when the strong winds die off.

Geoff’s Personal Everest Project has been made possible by sponsorship from  law firm Blake Lapthorn Tarlo Lyons, who are providing the funds to ensure that Geoff has the necessary back-up team and equipment to make his Personal Everest attempt safe and efficient.