Smooth Sailing for Hilary Lister

Limits are just not an option for some people, especially for women like Hilary Lister. The 37-year-old Briton recently completed a solo sail around the country -- quite an accomplishment for anyone, but one that some might consider an impossibility for a quadriplegic.

Lister spent most of her childhood active and playing sports, but as she got older, was diagnosed with a degenerative disease that took away the use of her body except for her eyes, head and mouth. But when she found sailing in 2003 her life changed again completely.

After bad weather foiled an attempt last year, Lister and her team rallied again this past May to set a new world record as the first quadriplegic to sail solo around Britain. A "sip" and "puff" system of straws allows her to control everything with the use of her head, mouth and breath. In addition to the more obvious obstacles, Lister's journey faced delays due to breathing problems, but after careful watch and a doctor's OK, the Me Too set sail on May 21. Then in August, the Artemis 20, a 20ft carbon fiber keelboat, designed by Rogers Yacht Design, came up against some less than desirable conditions and more delays.

But never one to let a little thing like wind or rain to keep her down, Lister kept on, and earlier today, sailed smoothly into Dover Harbour, Kent to great applause. The fearless sailor told the London Times, “I’m hugely proud of the team, the whole team, who worked so hard for four months without a day off. It’s a privilege to be back in Dover. The killer was when the wind died just east of the entrance to the harbour but unbelievably it picked up just as I sailed in."

Lister is not simply an inspiration, her actions raised £30,000 for Hilary's Dream Trust, a nonprofit that provides assistance to other disabled or disadvantaged adults who want to sail. A truly inspired journey.

Photo courtesy Hilary Lister website