'Done Ireland, off to Scotland!' - it's Hilary

9:28 PM Thu 2 Jul 2009 GMT

'Hilary in action in her yacht ’Me too’' .

'Done Ireland, off to Scotland, talk to you when I get there.' It sounds like an SMS to one's parents, but there's such a difference - Hilary is a quadriplegic sailor, and she's sailing solo!

Hilary Lister, the inspirational Quadriplegic sailor left Ardglass in Northern Ireland a few hours ago bound for Portpatrick on the West coast of Scotland, becoming the first female quad sailor to sail the Irish Sea both ways solo. This is just part of her quest to sail round Britain.

Her expected journey time will be between 14 and 16 hours. Hilary has so far managed to sail from Plymouth to Ardglass on her solo sail, in a series of day sails that have lasted up to 14 hours each.

Hilary said about today's sail "Today's sail is not the longest of the Round Britain Dream but it is technically difficult and will present a considerable challenge. I am looking forward to reaching Scotland which will set yet another landmark on my journey"

Hilary has had to overcome the financial challenges of this year to be able to finance the Round Britain Dream and the project is still searching for a major sponsor, remembering that the aim of the Round Britain Dream is not only to inspire and raise awareness of disabled sailing but to raise funds for

Hilary's charity 'Hilary's Dream trust' which exists to provide assistance to disabled and disadvantaged adults with sailing dreams.

Hilary's dream of sailing around Britain began on 16 June 2008, when she set off from Dover, supported by her team of 4 support boat crew and 3 land crew.

The Lions clubs of The British Isles and Ireland also lent their considerable support. In a series of "day sails", some in excess of 50 nautical miles, Hilary sailed the entire length of the South Coast.

In Newlyn, on 13 August, due to hold ups caused mainly by the worst weather on record,Hilary and the team reluctantly decided to postpone the rest of the journey.

Despite the setback of having to halt the attempt Hilary demonstrated her
amazing strength of character by resolving to complete the sail starting in spring 2009, beginning at Newlyn.

Hilary's Boat "Me Too" is an Artemis 20; a 6m carbon fibre keelboat, designed by Rogers Yacht Design under commission by Chichester based VizualMarine. Hilary controls the boat using a 'Sip and Puff' system, developed by Steve Alvey of Calgary, Canada.

Hilary deserves assistance. Potential sponsors should contact Paul Taroni (Public Relations Director) paul@hilarylister.comand tell them Sail-World sent you.

by Nancy Knudsen