First of all, I'm delighted to say that Impossible Dream is back in the UK.  Owner Mike and his delivery crew sailed ID into Plymouth early Monday morning. Now begins a month of hard graft making modifications, servicing her many and varied components and updating her electronics.  All being well, she should be in the Solent by early July in time for a few months training in the build-up to the grand launch of the Atlantic Challenge at the Southampton Boat Show in September.  I'm going down to see ID tomorrow so I'll get some updated pictures.  A big "thank you" to all of those delivery crew who helped bring her back safely.

Well, what a wonderful week of sunshine, which made for a fantastic 3 day Old Gaffers Festival in Yarmouth on the Isle of Wight.  I had the very great honour of opening the OGF last Friday.  I would guess there were 10,000 or more visitors and it was quite something being applauded as I made my way through the streets, led by a marching band, to the platform where I did the "honours" and released hundreds of helium balloons (all bio-degradable).  The local BBC did a great piece on the Friday evening TV but I can't find it online.  I did however find this write-up, CLICK HERE for more info [Be sure to scroll down to the pictures at the bottom of the link]. Thanks to the organisers for asking me and thanks too for all the support from everyone I spoke to during the weekend.

Many of my followers will know that Peter Harrison (in my view, it should be Sir Peter Harrison), has been a very good friend to me.  If you have read my book (pp39-42), you would know the story of how Peter and I first met and how he has so generously donated more than £30 million (yes, thirty million) to disability sport programmes in the UK in the past few years.  Well, Peter's charitable trust, the Peter Harrison Foundation, has just launched a new video and I was flattered to see that he cited myself as being the reason behind his choice of philanthropy. If you want to see the video, CLICK HERE. If you too feel that it's an outrage that Peter has not been given any recognition by his country for the good work he has done, then write to the Honours Committe CLICK HERE.  The irony is, had he given Tony Blair £100,000 10 years ago, he would already have one. I challenge anyone not to watch the video, to see the incredible work he has done and not feel the same sense of injustice that he has not been honoured. It really is quite appalling.

OK, I'm off my soap-box now.  Talking of "boxes", I had a Google News Alert email for "Geoff Holt" pop into my in-box a few days ago.  When I opened it, I see that BBC correspondent Frank Gardner, himself a paraplegic, very kindly made reference to me and my book in an interview he did with The Independent. CLICK HERE for more details. Cheers Frank.

A couple of years ago, I was fortunate to meet a young University student called Alastair Callender who was studying Marine Architecture and Yacht Design. Well, Ali has now graduated and amongst his radical designs, including a hydrofoil to be sailed by me single-handed (now you know where I get my ideas from), Ali has just designed the world's first "green" superyacht. CLICK HERE for more info - no doubt we'll be hearing more from Ali in years to come.

Well, that's about it for now. I'll leave you with 3 final requests;

1  If you have not done so already, please register using the box on the right hand side of the screen. It is free and all we ask is your email address and user name - you can make up a name but please use your real email address so you continue to get my blog updates

2  If you have a TWITTER account, why not follow me on TWITTER and get my regular TWEETS (this will really become essential during the voyage itself when I will be TWEETING my every move) CLICK HERE

3  A final call for your attendance at the comedy show this coming Sunday (read previous BLOG). I shall be there as too will comedian Phil Jupitus so do come along, it should be a great night.

If you are in London or nearby this Sunday, do come along for a great evening. These are the guys I told you about in my Blog recently. I'll be there too.

Or CLICK HERE for more details

And another week passes by at lightening speed.  Impossible Dream set sail from La Coruna in NW Spain last night and could be arriving in Plymouth as early as this Sunday depending on the weather which is terrific news. Then at last we can crack on with the essential jobs before bringing her back to the Solent.

On Monday we drove to Lowestoft from Southampton.  I had last visited Lowestoft in August 2007 as one of our ports-of-call around GB. It seemed very strange returning by land and I did not immediately recognise the car park of the Royal Norfolk & Suffolk YC where I had stopped for one night. Outside the club, it was like a different world. About a mile of promenade, sandy beaches, fish and chip shops, none of which I had seen on my brief visit. Of all the buildings I did recall, it was our hotel, a large Victorian brick building on the cliff which I recall seeing as I left early that morning in 2007 and sailed south to Felixstowe Ferry.

We had returned to Lowestoft as guests of Waveney Sailability, for info CLICK HERE.  A small group had visited me that night back in 2007 to wish me well. Now they had asked me back to open their new boat house. So on Tuesday, in pouring rain, we went to their club on Oulton Broad and with over 100 guests, I had the great pleasure of declaring their new boat house open. And as I stopped talking, so the rain stopped and the sun came out - typical.

I'm off to Yarmouth on the Isle of Wight first thing in the morning for another official duty, this time I have the honour of opening the Old Gaffers Festival which should be a great day and even the weather is looking promising - I'll get some piccies and upload them in my next Blog.  For more details CLICK HERE.

I'll finish by showing off my fishing prowess. Last Sunday I smashed my all-time fishing record, with a haul of 26 Sea Bass, 15 mackerel, a Black bream and a Garfish for good measure, all caught by me and my friends Andy & Paul in the Solent.  At last, I seem to have broken my duck.  I can assure you that the sea bass and mackerel tasted delicious and there's plenty in the freezer.

Fellow quadriplegic sailor Hilary Lister has commenced her attempt to sail around Great Britain. Hilary and her team had to make a really tough decision and call off her attempt last year due to bad weather and a few kit problems, but she set off again from Plymouth on Wednesday this week and, as of this morning, is already in Newlyn - almost exactly 2 years to the day since we were there on our very same voyage. Hilary is sailing a different type of boat to me as she has different requirements to me but it will be interesting to see how the two boats, the two routes, the two crews and the two sailors compare.  I guess I'm in a fairly unique position to understand exactly how tough, both physically and mentally, this voyage will be for Hilary but she's a strong-willed lady and will no doubt succeed.  When she does, no doubt there will be some debate in the bar about "who did it fastest". If you get to meet her en-route, don't for heaven's sake call her brave or courageous - like me, she finds such attributions misplaced and inappropriate.

So, last week, I told you I was on my way to the House of Commons to give a talk for the Jubilee Sailing Trust.  It was a great evening and they raised more than £20,000 for a great cause.  I had the pleasure of sitting next to the former England no.8 Dean Richards and the not-so-pleasurable honour of sitting opposite to Sir Peter Viggers MP who looked decidedly nervous throughout the evening.  With subsequent revelations about his ornamental duck house costing the taxpayers more than £1500, it's no wonder he was so uncomfortable - if only I had known, my speach would have been 10x funnier, that info would have been an absolute gift.

I visited Farmoor in Oxford last Saturday for the Challenger Class Association national championships but the weather was appalling and the wind blew constantly above 20kts, often reaching up to 30kts.  They managed a race but many competitors made the brave decision to either not start or to retire.  On the positive side, I got to see many of my old sailing buddies and all 3 of my former Challenger dinghies; Douglas Hurndall (the first boat I ever sat in and sailed as a disabled person in 1991), Billy (the boat I sailed twice around the IOW in 1992 and 1997) and of course, the wonderful Freethinker.  They are like old friends although managing to keep their looks unlike those sailing buddies - only joking Val and Judi.

On Thursday this week I met up with 2 comedians, John "Hoppo" Hopkins and Richard Glover for a day out filming in my boat. It's a long story, too long for me to write up in full here, but briefly, these 2 guys have no boat, no money and they have never sailed before. They have booked a venue at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in September this year and intend to sail from Glasgow, over the top of Scotland to Edinburgh in time for the festival - and they are making a documentary of their journey. For full details, CLICK HERE. Yesterday was a hoot with an unhealthy amount of naked bodies cavorting on my boat at 25knots in Southampton Water - goodness knows what the passengers on the Red Jet ferry thought as we "flashed" past. Seriously though, if you can help the guys find/borrow/steal a yacht (ideally a Contessa 32) for a few weeks in the summer, contact me and I'll pass on the info.

Having a beer with Hoppo and Rich

Impossible Dream left Lisbon this morning and the latest ETA in Plymouth will be in a week's time where she will undergo some work to make her more suitable for me.  These modifications include lowering the saloon table so it becomes my bunk, that way I will sleep right next to the nav station so I am there in the event of an emergency without the need to come up from below decks.  We are also moving the existing helmsmans seats so I have completely free access in my wheelchair to all of the nav station.

I have a new TWITTER page which you might be interested in. I'm uncertain as to its true benefit but do sign up and let me know what you think.

What a strange week it has been in politics. So it is with some amusement that I find myself as guest speaker for the Jubilee Sailing Trust at the House of Commons this evening. I thought I would take a copy of my Trans Atlantic budget and see if any MP’s might like to put it through on their expenses. After all, it only equates to 8 moat-cleanings or 22 swimming-pool servicings. And they could have their name splashed all over the boat, far bigger than anything the Daily Telegraph can offer. Joking aside, it should be a great evening in aid of a very worth cause, and I get to share the stage with the all-time best no.8 rugby union player, Dean Richards. CLICK HERE for more info on the JST.

 

 

It's been a relatively quiet week this week which has provided an opportunity to play "catch-up" on a lot of long-overdue jobs, not least paperwork - grrr, I hate paperwork.

Behind Personal Atlantic, just as it was behind Personal Everest, there lies the proverbial mountain of paperwork.  Although my events are run "not for profit" with the primary aim of raising awareness for disabled sailing, it is a company, Personal Everest Ltd, under which the events are run.  So as MD of PE Ltd, I have all the joys of keeping company accounts, filling in quarterly VAT returns, the list seems endless, and all to do everything "above board" and keep HMRC happy.  All I want to do is go sailing, if only it were that easy..!!

Scarlet Oyster leaving Cowes

On Sunday last week, we were invited to the start of the Ellen Macarthur Trust Round Britain voyage which began from the UKSA in Cowes, IOW.  What a great day.  Scarlet Oyster, a 45 ft yacht is retracing Ellen's voyage around the coast of the UK.  She will visit 17 destinations and on each leg will be joined by children who are recovering from cancers like leukaemia.  All the details are on the excellent website, CLICK HERE to have a look. It is a wonderful cause and if you have not already donated, can I encourage you to do so by clicking the link to the left of this page.  My new crew member came down for the occassion - I thought it would be a good idea to introduce her to my world of sailing and some of my sailing friends. Thankfully she wasn't sea-sick on the ferry and wasn't frightened off by all of the "salty sea-dog" stories so that bodes well.  She starts in mid-June at which point I will formally introduce her to you all or, better still, I'll let her introduce herself to you..!!

Tim and Rosie on the Paddle last year.

I have two extremely worthwhile causes to attend this weekend. Sunday morning I'll be dropping Timothy off at the Upper Hamble Country Park for the 2nd annual Hamble River Paddle organised by Hamble Valley Rotary in aid of the charity Water Aid. Full details CLICK HERE. My son Tim took part last year with my fellow Rotarian Rosie "Rusty" Hinge and helped her paddle their canoe up river.  He loved it so much, he's invited himself back again for another go.  I hope Rosie manages to make the trip without throwing him overboard.

From there, I will be dashing across to Mayflower Park for the Deloitte Southampton Cycle-thon in aid of the Sailor's Society.  CLICK HERE for details. I have the honour of handing out some of the prizes in the afternoon. If you are around, do come down and give the cyclists a cheer as they raise money for such a great cause.  Thankfully the weather is looking favourable so good news for the paddlers and the cyclists. Hopefully I'll get plenty of good photos to post on the Blog.

Impossible Dream continues to make her way back to the UK. The last report was sent yesterday, south of the Ballearics in the Med, motoring, making good progress in calm seas and blue skies.

Well, Impossible Dream and her crew set off a week ago but bad weather forced an earlier than expected stop-over in Sicily. The crew are taking the opportunity to catch up on some servicing and repairs, they are due to be on their way again tomorrow.

It's been another busy week as I continue to chase potential sponsors and deal with the mountain of administration that lies behind a challenge of this nature. For example, meetings with potential PR agencies, speaking to production companies about the possibility of a documentary - whilst all the time trying to manage home life and honour my obligations in support of various organisations - I promised myself after Personal Everest that I would not get myself into this predicament again but I guess it must come with the territory - until I actually get the financial backing and, if the project is to maintain momentum, then the responsibility lies on my shoulders to get the work done (I'm not complaining, I think I secretly enjoy it).

On Saturday 25th April, I had the honour of being invited to the launch of Dougal, a custom-built, wheelchair accessible motor-boat platform at Fishbourne Sailability in the Isle of Wight.  It was a great day and you may have seen the write-up in my previous Blog.  I thought you'd like to see a picture of me at the helm.

If you didn't know already, one of my proudest associations is with the Rose Road Association. I've been a Patron of their Change My Life Appeal for just over a year now and they are the most wonderful charity catering for profoundly disabled children. In addition to the kids themselves, one of the strengths of the RRA and what makes the charity so special, is the people who run it; there are many I could mention, but Gary Thomasson who heads up the fundraising department and has been instrumental in raising the profile and funding of the RRA, is one of its stars.  It is very much a local charity so there will be those reading this for whom it has no direct bearing, but please do visit their site www.roseroad.org.uk and support them if you can.  On Tuesday this week, I attended a breakfast meeting for their corporate supporters and, in addition to announcing that they have raised £300,000 towards their £500,000 Change My life Appeal (which is fantastic news), they announced the November date for their annual Crystal Ball at the De Vere hotel in Southampton.  Elaine and I went last year and it was one of the highlights for the year.  This year promises to be even bigger and better.  I know I sound like a salesman, but I really want this wonderful charity to succeed - if you fancy going to the Ball, the details are on their website.  Picture below of me and various supporters - Gary is the guy directly behind me.

At 2130 last night, Impossible Dream slipped her mooring lines in Valetta marina in Malta and set sail on her journey back to the UK.  Mike and the crew are currently making towards Sardinia.  The route will take them out of the Med past Gibraltar and into the Atlantic before heading North back across the Bay of Biscay and back to the UK.  There is still a long way to go but it has suddenly all become much more “real” knowing that she is on her way back.

It’s been a busy week.  On Tuesday I got the news that two grant-making Trusts have made generous donations to the project (formal announcements to follow) and a major marine clothing company has also agreed to become a technical sponsor and supply our specialist clothing (again, a formal announcement to follow).  So obviously huge excitement and pleasure at the news.

It was Timothy’s 7^th birthday on the 22^nd April.  Amongst his cards was one stating great events in history that had occurred on the same date.  One in particular stood out, 22^nd April 1969, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston becoming the first person to sail non-stop around the world – let’s hope it doesn’t give Tim any ideas (or me). Many congrats to RK-J.

Some of the guys and girls taking part in Access Football.

On the same day, I had the very great honour of being asked to open a disabled football initiative in Southampton.  “Access Football”  is a terrific idea and they are lucky to have wonderful facilities and a committed group of people making it happen.  Although predominantly those with learning disabilities at the moment, it is open to anyone with a disability across the Southampton area.  Anyone interested should contact Jon Randall at the Chamberlayne Leisure Centre.

Yesterday, Saturday 25^th, I had another great honour, to attend as a special guest the launch of a new wheelchair accessible powerboat / water taxi at Fishbourne Sailability on the Isle of Wight.  The boat has been designed to take out disabled members of the group to watch the sailing, fishing or just being out on the water.  It has a second, swing-away steering console, like a duel-steering car, so disabled users can practice their powerboat driving skills whilst being supervised by a powerboat instructor – a great piece of kit.  Tim, proud temporary-owner for the weekend of Harry, the class bear, got to share the occasion with Gay Edwards, High Sherriff of the Isle of Wight.

My day was made today with a phone call.  I didn’t recognise the number, it began 00 88……  Intrigued I answered only to hear my dear friend Sarah Outen on the other end, phoning from her 16ft row boat in the middle of the Indian Ocean.  It was very moving as she explained the sun had just set on a beautiful day at sea, all by herself.  The stars were just beginning to show and she had been visited by pilot whales, yellow fin tuna and an albatross.  Isn’t technology amazing, it was though she were phoning from next door.  After 25 days at sea and at least 100 more ahead of her, she was in great spirits with apparently no blisters, no sores and still a plentiful supply of mars bars.  Do please check out her website, she’s an amazing girl doing an amazing adventure for a great cause.

Although that would be quite enough excitement for one week for most people, in 45 minutes I will be heading off to the Blue Reef aquarium in Southsea with Elaine, Timothy and 14 of his friends for his “Shark Party”.  Apparently it involves the birthday boy feeding the sharks – feeding them what, (or who), I don’t know – wish me luck.  Photos to follow.

A big thanks to Shelley Jory & Tracy Clarke at BBC Radio Solent's H20 Show for having me on the show last Friday and allowing Timothy to come along and see the inner workings of the BBC, although he was disappointed when he learned that Sally Taylor wouldn't be there.  You can dowload the show at THIS LINK, my bit is about half way through. 

I'm really pleased to report that the delivery crew fly out to Malta at the end of this week to bring Impossible Dream back to UK waters.  This really feels like something positive is starting to happen, especially after all the talking, finally the boat will be on her way back.  It's a long trip which will take several weeks, stopping off at Gibraltar.  Amongst the delivery crew is friend and himself a record-breaking yachtsman, Alan Priddy.  A couple of years ago, Alan sailed the yacht Lively Lady around the world, once owned by the yachtsman Sir Alec Rose.  No stranger to putting together his own marine challenges, Alan's journey took a group of underpriviliged kids around the world, a journey which quite literally changed their lives. Alan has now offered his services, and those of his charity, Offshore Expeditions, to help me achieve Personal Atlantic.  You'll be hearing more of Alan later.  He will also be forwarding me details of the return delivery from Malta which I will be posting on the Blog.

And finally, fish, dozens of them, caught by my goodself and fishing buddy Paul on Sunday south of the IOW. After months of nothing, it was great to actually catch and eat some fresh fish....!  So no more taking the mickey about my lack of fishing prowess!!!