Lanzarote Relocation

Geoff and Susana

It was with great pleasure today that we accepted the invitation of Geoff Holt to go and spend some time with him on his amazing boat currently moored in the Marina Rubicon in Playa Blanca, Lanzarote. Geoff has an inspirational story to tell, and is about to become the first paraplegic to cross the Atlantic.

Impossible Dream

In 1984, Geoff suffered a Diving accident in Tortola, which left him paralysed from the chest down. Not one to sit and wallow… geoff’s determination and drive resulted in him continuing to sail – just as he had done ever since he was a child. Since that time, Geoff has become a founding Trustee of the RYA Sailability program, which has enabled over 20000 people with disabilities to try sailing for themselves, every year.

Where it all happens

In 2007, Geoff became the first disabled sailor to sail around the United Kingdom unaided. You can read more about his amazing experience on his website Personal Everest.

Now… in December 2009, Geoff is about to do it again – this time by sailing unaided across the Atlantic… back to the very place that robbed him of his mobility all those years ago. It’s one in the eye for Tortola, as Geoff will make an emotional return to the site – whilst sticking his two fingers up at Tortola to say “You’ll never beat me”.

Geoff is carrying out ALL of the sailing unaided during his trip which departs on December 10th, and hopefully arrives at its destination on 27th December. However, despite carryng out all the sailing duties himself… Geoff does need someone to help him with such things as getting in and out of bed – and so will be accompanied by the lovely Susana, a New Zealander who is joining him for the trip. Susana is bubbly and vivacious… and very excited about the trip, whilst also showing (quite understandably) a couple of last minute nerves. It is an amazing opportunity to the young woman, who will not be helping with the sailing in any way. Susana didn’;t have any previous sailing experience or qualifications… but since applying for the role of Geoff’s carer, she has already achieved all the qualifications necessary to ensure everyone’s safety at sea.

Impossible Dream

Also accompanying Geoff and Susana will be a BBC cameraman, to capture every moment of the voyage.

We were given a tour of the yacht today – a 60ft, stunning, purpose built, wheelchair accessible yacht called “The Impossible Dream”. It is owned by the charity Sporting Activities For The Disabled and every little thing has been considered.

Geoff’s wife Elaine, and his son Timothy, are jetting out to Lanzarote to see him off… and are very excited about his project.

Geoff hails from Portsmouth – and as a Pompey lass myself… of course we were very excited to get the invitation to go and have a look inside this fantastic yacht.

Geoff Holt and Elle Draper

A huge thank you to Geoff and Susana who welcomed us warmly, and we look forward to spending some more time with them both before they go. All monies raised will go to the charity of Geoff’s choice, which is the Ellen MacArthur Trust.

Good luck guys – we’ll be watching you all the way! Enjoy the Maltesers… and don’t forget – Alan’s taking you shopping!!

You can read more about Geoff’s amazing journey on his website www.geoffholt.com which will be continually updated during the voyage. If you have a website of your own… please do add his link to it – or ask your wreb designers to do it for you.

You may also enjoy reading the following:

1. Ladybirds in Lanzarote Don’t know if anyone else has been having this… but recently, I’ve been fishing a number of ladybirds out of the pool, and letting them...
2. Belénes in Lanzarote On our recent Christmas in Lanzarote post, we mentioned Belénes… which are miniature nativity scenes around the island. Jane Gunnell, a part time Playa Blanca...
3. Geoff Holt Sets Sail from Lanzarote to Tortola! On the sunny morning of December 10th 2009 a sixty foot catamaran left Rubicon Marina in Playa Blanca to cross the Atlantic on a journey...
4. Geoff Holt receives an MBE in the Queen’s Honours List Some of you may remember that we reported on the amazing journey that Geoff Holt carried out from Lanzarote to Tortola recently. Geoff became the...
5. Geoff Holt receives “Yachtsman of the Year” award We knew he deserved it… and now it’s official! Our good friend Geoff Holt, who sailed from Playa Blanca Lanzarote to Tortola, British Virgin Islands...