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Sailor Hilary Lister on mission to Bahrain

Hilary Lister, quadriplegic yachtswoman
Hilary Lister, quadriplegic yachtswoman

Quadriplegic yachtswoman Hilary Lister is hoping to make her way around the Kingdom of Bahrain in her latest solo challenge.

The world record holder from Dunkirk is embarking on a four-day 100-mile jaunt around the Gulf State’s coastline in aid of disabled charity, Bahrain Mobility International (BMI).

She will be on board her trusty 20ft boat ‘Arty’, which the 37-year-old who is paralysed from the neck down controls with three straws, linked to an innovative Power Assist System.

She will set out from Amwaj Marina on April 13 and sail clockwise, covering around 25 miles each day, before stopping to rest overnight at various marinas around the island.

With the help of the same support crew that accompanied her on her Round Britain Dream, Mrs Lister will only have three days to acclimatise to the sweltering temperatures and sailing conditions.

She said: "It is hot and sunny in Bahrain and that is always good after the winter we have had.

"Before I was introduced to sailing I had reached rock bottom and even contemplated taking my own life. "Since then, I have discovered a new sense of freedom on the water, which has enabled me to achieve things I never imagined possible. I hope the Bahrain challenge will encourage both disabled and able bodied people, to pursue their own dreams and help raise much needed funds for BMI.

"The water won’t be quite as cold when it hits me in the face as it was when sailing around Britain.

Hilary Lister
Hilary Lister

"I was frozen, boiled, fried and baked, but I can pretty much guarantee Bahrain will just be the baked version.

"It is impossible to do much training beforehand, so I will have to adapt quickly. They do however have really reliable directional wind, so we know we can get round in relatively few days.

"Our contacts out there have been amazing in updating us on the conditions and they will be supporting us throughout the challenge.

"It is a huge opportunity to be going out there and taking on this challenge. I can’t wait."

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