Quadriplegic Woman Sets Solo Sailing Record Across The Channel

Press Release; 7th September 2005

Hilary Lister, a quadriplegic sailor from Kent, made history this summer by becoming the first ever quadriplegic to sail solo across the English Channel. Able to move only her head, eyes and mouth she overcame severe physical pain to navigate her boat unaided through one of the busiest and most treacherous shipping lanes in the world. The remarkable feat also sees Hilaryenter the record books for completing the world's longest solo sail by a quadriplegic. Hilary left Dover at 8.26am on Tuesday 23rd August alone in her 26 foot Soling keelboat, named “Malin”, and took a total of 6 hours and 13 minutes using a "sip and puff" steering method to sail the 22 milesbefore crossing the finish line in Calais at 2.39pm (BST) Hilary Lister commented: “Despite my determination, I have to admit I was quite nervous at the beginningbut as soon as I got underway, all my worries seemed to disappear amidst the exhilaration of being on the water. It was an unbelievable experience and I loved every minute of it and I was particularly lucky that the conditions were so good. It has been my dream to achieve something like this and I am so grateful for all the support and encouragement I have receivedfrom so many people. Sailing has provided me with fresh hope and a real sense of freedom that I never thought I would feel again. I hope my voyage today will generate awareness of disabled sailing and inspire fellow sufferers to fulfill their own ambitions. As for my personal goals, they certainly don’t stop here - I’m already planning my next challenge!”

Lister, 33, was sponsored in her attempt by Pindar, the international print and electronic media company who have also famously sponsored another British yachtswoman, Emma Richards who became the youngest person and first British woman to complete the solo round the world yacht race, Around Alone. The UK Sailing Academy (UKSA), the world's premier sailing academy, provided Hilary with training, berthing and made specific modifications to the boat needed for an attempt of this kind. During the challenge, Hilary, was followed by a support vessel provided by Pindar that took friends, family andvolunteer members from her yacht club along to support her.

Hilary lives in Canterbury with her husband and has battled with her worsening medical condition for over half her life. Her active lifestyle and successful sporting career was curtailed when diagnosed with a degenerative disease during her teenage years. Tempted in her darkest moments to end her pain and suffering, an introduction to sailing in 2003 provided a fresh impetus and transformed life for Hilary. Emma Richards commented: "Hilary is an exceptional woman. When I first met her I was absolutely staggered by her sheer spirit and determination. Her incredible achievement is testament to her courage and drive. She’s an inspiration and I feel really privileged to know her and to have been part of this amazing challenge.”

Andrew Pindar, Chairman of G.A. Pindar and Son commented: "When Emma first suggested this project we realised that it was something truly remarkable. As a business we pride ourselves on enabling our customers and employees to achieve great things and we wanted to offer Hilary the opportunity to fulfill her dream. She’s one of the most inspiring and courageous women I have ever met and we are extremely proud to be associated with her outstanding achievements.”

For further information please contact:

Notes to Editors

About Hilary Lister For more information visit www.hilarylister.co.uk

About the Pindar Group

Pindar focuses on the development and provision of integrated services to information rich publishers, from concept to delivery.

Parent company G A Pindar & Son Ltd, is the holding company of its three main subsidiaries, AlphaGraphics Inc,

Pindar Set and Pindar plc. AlphaGraphics, the rapid response franchise operations, represented in 14 countries and more than 280 stores worldwide, has maintained and strengthened its leadership position by remaining committed to technical innovation, quality leadership and high levels of service.

Pindar Set, the directories operations, has developed a suite of advert management software on behalf of its customer Yell, and has now extended this dedicated service to its USA team Yellow Book. Pindar plc continues to help its customers publish high-quality business communications in print and electronic media at six UK and one US location. As a specialist in catalogue production the range of services includes: design, digital photography, page make-up, revolutionary content management, internet technology, mailing, fulfilment, storage and distribution. Print capabilities span digital, sheet-fed and web offset.

The family-owned company was founded in 1836 in Scarborough, UK, where its head office remains today.

For more information please visit www.pindar.com

About the UKSA

The UKSA is recognised as the world’s leading Sailing Academy. It is a registered charity and non – profit making organisation. It is proud to be associated with Pindar, providing training to, amongst others, Pindar Skipper, Laurence Marriott and his Global Challenge Crew. Based at West Cowes on the Isle of Wight,it has superb modern facilities with residential accommodation and operates a fleet of over 350 craft. In addition to training adults for careers in the professional yachting industry, UKSA provide a wide range of courses and activities aimed at young people and the disabled.

For more information please visit www.uksa.org

About RYA Sailability

RYA Sailability is the leading UK charity for disabled sailing and is the official charity of the RYA.

  • Established to encourage and support people with disabilities to take up sailing and other boating activities and integrate them into the boating community.
  • Supports over 200 recognised sites for disabled sailing throughout the UK, which in 2003, were used by more than 15,000 disabled sailors.
  • Over 10% of the UK population are disabled and a Policy Studies Institute report has indicated that at least 60,000 of these would take up sailing if given the opportunity.

For more information please visit www.rya.org.uk/sailability

Page last updated on 20 June 2007 at 18:43

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