Lanzarote Relocation

On the sunny morning of December 10^th 2009 a sixty foot catamaran left Rubicon Marina in Playa Blanca to cross the Atlantic on a journey to the Caribbean. But this was no ordinary journey… as it was being sailed by Geoff Holt, about to become the first paraplegic to cross the vast waters, on an unaided sail.

For more information about Geoff, visit our other article HERE

Geoff is not sailing entirely alone. He has a full time carer on board, the bubbly New Zealander, Susana; and BBC cameraman Digby, who is filming this epic journey, and transmitting back to the UK via a satellite dome on board. However all of the sailing is to be carried out solely by Geoff himself.

After departing Marina Rubicon at a little after 10am… there was a bit of a worry that the Rib hired to take some of us out to see them off across the Bocaina Straits wasn’t going to arrive. But arrive it did – and off we skipped across the waves to catch them up. With all of us waving frantically, and blowing kisses, we powered around them a few times off the coast – giving Alan time to take lots of photographs for Geoff’s PR company for the day – before heading back to the Marina, and leaving Geoff, Susana and Digby to start their journey. A massive thank you to Marina Rubicon for organising the boat to take friends and family out and enable the photos you see of the boat on the first leg of its voyage through the Bocaina Straits. And also a VERY big thank you goes out from Geoff and the team for all the running around in the final days to sort out the food, the internet dome, and all those other vital things needed for the voyage ahead.

Geoff is due to arrive at Cane Garden Bay, in Tortola in the British Virgin Islands, on the 27^th December 2009 – for an emotional reunion with the waters that changed his life so dramatically 25 years earlier. There he will be met by his wife Elaine – the lady he describes as his rock, and without whom none of this would have been possible, and his 7 year old son, Timmy… a bundle of energy that shares his daddy’s fearless passion for adventure… and whose pride in his father knows no bounds, and will certainly have received a warm welcome.

Over the past week or so, we have been extremely privileged to have spent time with Geoff and Susana, and later on with his wife Elaine, and son Timmy. Over dinner and drinks at Casa Alan & Elle, Geoff has had us howling with laughter at some his stories… whilst also being very humbled at what he has achieved over his lifetime. Just ask him about the cheese toasties contest… and he’ll be sniggering in no time at all.

Geoff is an extremely humble man… who doesn’t see anything exceptional in what he is about to achieve. His fire and enthusiasm is all geared towards supporting disabled people, and raising awareness of the charities that help, and the many nameless people that make this possible on a day to day basis. He has a wicked sense of humour (that’ll be the Pompey in him – or at least I like to think so). He loves comedy… and we’ll almost forgive him for not liking sci-fi quite as much as we do. Geoff penned a book “Walking on Water” after sailing all around the UK – and if you haven’t read it yet – then you must! It’s available via his website… or on Amazon. I read it last week in two days. Once you pick it up you won’t be able to put it down. Great to spend time with you Geoff – and we look forward to seeing you again soon. Hope you enjoy what’s on your computer now )

Susana is a bubbly and friendly girl, who has been travelling all over the world since she was able to fund her first jaunt. She was employed by Geoff not because of her sailing experience (indeed she had none until she met Geoff) but because of her personality, care skills, and life experience. Susana (or Suze to her friends) is a warm and loving individual… and lights up every room she enters. If you’re reading this Suze… I’m sorry I made you cry today – it was all just so emotional. Oh and I’ll be sure to tell our Aussie pals, Russ and Wes, that they are a pair of Occas! Oh, and I’ll always think of you when watching Zoolander! Enjoy your vino chica!

Elaine – we have only really got to know Elaine the last couple of days… since she arrived on Tuesday – but what a pleasure it has been to do so. Elaine is definitely Geoff’s soulmate, and she constantly backs him in his endeavours. Not one to enjoy being in front of the cameras too much, she keeps everything tied together behind the scenes, and her implicit devotion and support is apparent in absolutely everything she does. Loving those flip flops honey – wedge heels are so in! We’ll see you tomorrow!

Timmy – what a little gem he is! A very intelligent young man… he is polite at all times… the first in line to help out… and a right little firecracker! We are taking him and his Mum Elaine on the Timanfaya tour tomorrow, as well as a camel ride. Apparently he just wanted to see two things in Lanzarote – a volcano and a camel. Well Timmy… we’ll be sure to oblige tomorrow for you! Bring your camera!

A big thank you to all of you that have emailed your many messages of support via this site, and on Facebook. Geoff and the Crew appreciate that Thursday is often a difficult day for people to get away from their desks to physically wave him off… but knows you were there with him in spirit. All wishes and messages were much appreciated (by the way – Kirsty… yes both Geoff and Elaine DO remember you).

Photographs included with written permission by Alan Gandy. ©Alan Gandy. All rights reserved

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