Quad Sailor Hilary Lister Visits Olympic Site

'Hilary embarking' .

Inspiring quadriplegic Sailor Hilary Lister, on Day 29 of her 'Round Britain Dream' solo sail in her specially adapted Artemis 20, is currently making a stop-over at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy (WPNSA), venue for the 2012 Olympic sailing events, and set on the stunning Jurassic Coast, the only World Heritage Site on the UK mainland.

Hilary, who is only able to move her head, entered the record books on 23rd August 2005 when she sailed solo across the English Channel by using a 'sip and puff' system of straws to control the sails and tiller. 36 year-old Hilary stopped off, along with her support team and crew, to enjoy the Academy's world class facilities.

Hilary at Dover - .. .

Hilary comments, 'When you live in a wheelchair or bed 24 hours a day, being in a sail boat is like flying. You have a freedom on water you don't have anywhere, well I don't. It's hard to explain what it's like being stuck in a wheelchair. On the water, I'm the boss. As well as steering, I can chose to sail flat, or go faster. It's wonderful to have choice again. I am enjoying my time at the 2012 sailing venue and meeting the team here.'

Mark Stubbings, Chief Executive of WPNSA, commented, 'Hilary is a truly inspirational individual; what she has achieved so far has been fantastic and we wish her the best of luck in her latest venture. We are all very excited about hosting Hilary at the Academy.'

Hilary welcomed by the Mayor of Portland and sailing academy staff - photo from WPNSA 08 - .. .

WPNSA boasts excellent facilities for disabled users and is therefore ideal for Hilary. The building, with the disabled access hoists on the pontoons, provides some of the safest access to tidal waters for people with disabilities anywhere in the UK. In addition, WPNSA's onsite sailing school. SailLaser, has formed strong links with the disabled charity Sailability, with trained staff available to deliver these courses.

Follow Hilary's progress, send her messages of support, or make donations to her charity, Hilary's Dream Trust, log on at www.hilarylister.com

by Cailah Leask/Sail-World Cruising