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Disabled sailor to finish voyage Disabled sailor crosses Atlantic
(about 2 hours later)
A yachtsman hoping to become the first quadriplegic sailor cross the Atlantic is due to finish later. A yachtsman has become the first quadriplegic sailor to complete a solo voyage across the Atlantic.
Geoff Holt, 42, from Southampton, began the 2,700-mile (4345km) voyage from Lanzarote to Tortola in the British Virgin Islands, on 10 December. Geoff Holt, 42, from Southampton, began the 2,700-mile (4,345km) journey from Lanzarote to Tortola in the British Virgin Islands, on 10 December.
The sailor has battled light winds and mechanical problems aboard his boat, Impossible Dream, during the voyage. His voyage was hampered by the lack of wind and mechanical problems on his boat, Impossible Dream.
As he crosses the line, Mr Holt will be near the site of a diving accident that left him paralysed him 25 years ago. His wife Elaine and son Timothy sailed out to greet Mr Holt off the coast of Cane Garden Bay.
During the voyage he has been aided by a carer and filmed by a cameraman, but did all his own sailing in the 60ft (18m) purpose-built catamaran. Mr Holt suffered a diving accident 25 years ago on the island which left him paralysed.
During the voyage, he has been aided by a carer and filmed by a cameraman, but did all his own sailing in the 60ft (18m) purpose-built catamaran.
Geoff Holt spoke to BBC News by video link as he approached the finish
Hydraulic technologyHydraulic technology
He is expected to arrive at Cane Garden Bay, off Tortola island - where the accident happened - at about 1600 GMT. He told BBC News: "It's fantastic, it's absolutely wonderful to be back after 25 years to sail across the Atlantic Ocean, it is quite emotional.
"This has been years in the planning. It has been my dream to sail back across the Atlantic and I have only gone and done it."
This is the fourth time Mr Holt has sailed the Atlantic, but the first since his life-changing accident in 1984.This is the fourth time Mr Holt has sailed the Atlantic, but the first since his life-changing accident in 1984.
He broke his neck while diving into shallow water and has used a wheelchair ever since.He broke his neck while diving into shallow water and has used a wheelchair ever since.
And any tears will be tears of joy not tears of regret or sadness Geoff HoltAnd any tears will be tears of joy not tears of regret or sadness Geoff Holt
During his record attempt, Mr Holt has had to overcome engine problems and unexpectedly light prevailing winds.During his record attempt, Mr Holt has had to overcome engine problems and unexpectedly light prevailing winds.
He has limited use of his arms and hands and used a hydraulic push button technology to sail the vessel on the 28-day voyage.He has limited use of his arms and hands and used a hydraulic push button technology to sail the vessel on the 28-day voyage.
His wife Elaine and seven-year-old son Timmy will be joined by family and friends, who will be at the finishing line to meet him.
Writing on his blog earlier, Mr Holt said: "I want my arrival to be a celebration of the past 25 years not, as someone asked recently, "will it give you closure"?
"What? Closure? That infers I somehow regret or lament the past 25 years. Absolutely not.
"Were it not for the accident, I would not have met Elaine, had Timothy or had such a wonderful life so, closure? No. Celebration? Yes.
"And any tears will be tears of joy not tears of regret or sadness."
Mr Holt is already the first quadriplegic sailor to sail solo around Britain - a feat he achieved in 2007.Mr Holt is already the first quadriplegic sailor to sail solo around Britain - a feat he achieved in 2007.