Brave Quad Quits Round-Britain Sail - only for Now

'Planned route - will wait for spring' .

Hilary Lister, 36 year old quadriplegic from Kent UK, only able to move her head, has had to finally face the reality that she will be unable to complete her attempt to sail solo around the British Isles this year, but NOT because of her disabilities.

The feeling of huge frustration and disappointment is compounded by the fact that, despite the view that Hilary's health or sailing abilities might have been the main barriers to successfully completing the challenge, neither of these issues has proven to be a limiting factor; Hilary has once again demonstrated amazing resilience and strength of character.

Hilary and her team are aiming for her to become the first female quadriplegic to complete such a feat. However, they have been beset by problems since setting sail from Dover on 16 June 2008, with bad weather and technical issues with the boat hampering progress.

Hilary embarking - .. .

Being so far behind schedule, and having reached Newlyn in Cornwall, Hilary and the team last weekend made the difficult decision to halt this year's attempt but have resolved to complete the journey next year, in the late spring.

Project Manager, Toby May, said: 'Hilary's boat, the Artemis 20, has been sailed under testing conditions. The integrated navigation and control system is a combination of off the shelf items and custom built electronics. As a system, it is still in development and working in what, for electronics, is a hostile environment.

Hilary Lister sailing her Artemis 20 'sip and puff' controlled yacht - .. .

'What we had not envisaged was the level of difficulty operating and maintaining the boat and her systems under the conditions we have faced. The
weather has often stopped us sailing and this has been an added frustration.

'When we have sailed we have made the passages that were planned within the rules Hilary had set herself.'

Hilary and the team have been overwhelmed by the support, assistance, and good wishes of all they have met on their journey so far; harbour staff, local service providers, members of the general public and, not least, the Lions Clubs of British Isles and Ireland. The Lions have been incredibly helpful and supportive throughout, having to deal with frequent, often last-minute, changes of plan and providing invaluable assistance around the route.

Immense thanks go to all concerned, not only those whose efforts we were able to acknowledge in person, but those further around the planned route who we have not managed to get to.

Hilary at Dover - .. .

Hilary said: "I am obviously extremely disappointed and incredibly frustrated that we have not been able to complete the sail this year; it seems that the fates have conspired against us but I am now ever more determined to go again next year. We always said that every mile we sailed would be an achievement in its own right and we have to try and take some positives from this year's efforts.

'I have enjoyed the wonderful experience of night sailing and the tranquillity and sense of freedom that brings. I also feel incredibly privileged and proud to have been supported by such a great crew who, despite extremely testing conditions and circumstances, continued to show commitment and resilience of the highest order.

'I have also been overwhelmed by the support provided by my fellow Lions; it was always a pleasure upon entering a strange port to find a local Lion or two amongst the welcoming party - often at some ungodly hour. I would like to
thank them for their patience and hope we will meet the remaining clubs around the route next year.

'We have also generated significant public and media awareness of the event and the charity, Hilary's Dream Trust, and I would like to personally thank everybody who has kindly made a donation.'

To read about the background of Hilary's attempt, which Sail-World Cruising has been following, go to her website

by Nancy Knudsen