Quadrilplegic Sailor Hilary Lister Abandons Record Attempt

We have received news from our YachtPal Hilary Lister that she has been forced to call an end to her record breaking attempt to sail around the Isle of Britain. Her journey failed not because of Hilary's will, physical handicap, or sailing abilities - all of which she proved were well matched for the boat and voyage - but because of the same types of problems that face every sailor: Mechanical breakdowns, and bad weather.

Hilary Lister and her team have had problems since day one in June, when Hilary sailed out from Dover into bad weather. Technical issues with her boats, and injuries to team members, foretold more problems to come. Hilary and her team slipped further and further behind schedule, and after they reached Newlyn in Cornwall, Hilary and the team made the difficult decision to halt this year’s attempt. The Hilary Lister Dream Team say they will complete the journey next year, when the weather improves in the spring. In the mean time they will have to subside on the strength from their many supporters, and the thousands of people around the world whom they have inspired to go out and try something a little crazy and slightly beyond their assumed abilities.

Hilary Lister has this to say: “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”

Toby May, Hilary Lister's Project Manager, 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. 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 Lister and her team say that they 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."

Faced with this incredible disappointment, Hilary Lister retains her indominable spirit, “I was under no illusion that this was going to be easy and the trials and tribulations of the past few months have certainly tested our resolve. Over the course of the next few months, we will be taking what we have learned and preparing for next year’s trip around the remainder of the coast of Britain – salt encrusted and a little wiser.”

- YachtPals Crew for YachtPals.com

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Video: Hilary Lister