Hilary and her team have been beset by problems since setting sail from Dover on 16th June 2008, with bad weather, technical issues with the boat, and injuries to crew members all hampering progress. Being so far behind schedule, and having reached Newlyn in Cornwall, Hilary and the team last weekend made the difficult decision to halt this year’s attempt but have resolved to complete the journey next year, in the late spring. The feeling of huge frustration and disappointment is compounded by the fact that, despite the view that Hilary’s health or sailing abilities might be the main barriers to successfully completing the challenge, neither of these issues has proven to be a limiting factor; Hilary has once again demonstrated amazing resilience and strength of character.
Project Manager, Toby May, said:“Hilary’s boat, the Artemis 20, has been sailed under testing conditions. The integrated navigation and control system is a combination of off the shelf items and custom built electronics. As a system, it is still in development and working in what, for electronics, is a hostile environment. What we had not envisaged was the level of difficulty operating and maintaining the boat and her systems under the conditions we have faced. The weather has often stopped us sailing and this has been an added frustration. When we have sailed we have made the passages that were planned within the rules Hilary had set herself.” Hilary and the team have been overwhelmed by the support, assistance, and good wishes of all they have met on their journey so far; harbour staff, local service providers, members of the general public and, not least, the Lions Clubs of British Isles and Ireland. The Lions have been incredibly helpful and supportive throughout, having to deal with frequent, often last-minute, changes of plan and providing invaluable assistance around the route. Immense thanks go to all concerned, not only those whose efforts we were able to acknowledge in person, but those further around the planned route who we have not managed to get to.
Hilary said: “I am obviously extremely disappointed and incredibly frustrated that we have not been able to complete the sail this year; it seems that the fates have conspired against us but I am now ever more determined to go again next year. We always said that every mile we sailed would be an achievement in its own right and we have to try and take some positives from this year’s efforts. I have enjoyed the wonderful experience of night sailing and the tranquillity and sense of freedom that brings. I also feel incredibly privileged and proud to have been supported by such a great crew who, despite extremely testing conditions and circumstances, continued to show commitment and resilience of the highest order.I have also been overwhelmed by the support provided by my fellow Lions; it was always a pleasure upon entering a strange port to find a local Lion or two amongst the welcoming party –often at some ungodly hour. I would like to thank them for their patience and hope we will meet the remaining clubs around the route next year. We have also generated significant public and media awareness of the event and the charity, Hilary’s Dream Trust, and I would like to personally thank everybody who has kindly made a donation”. Hilary’s efforts have continued to be supported by her launch partners, Artemis and Pindar, and sponsors and particular thanks go to the Rogers Yacht Design team, to Steve Alvey, and to VizualMarine who have helped at short notice and often at great personal inconvenience. Special mention must also go to Raymarine, Ocean Safety, Marathon Leisure, and Musto, for their technical and product support, and to other project supporters Kent Sports Development Unit, THB Clowes, Olive Group, Glenn Gilbert at Cobra CMS, OneSails, Grapefruit Graphics, and others. Without their invaluable assistance, Hilary would not even have made it this far and we know they will be as disappointed as Hilary and the team that we have had to halt this year’s attempt. We sincerely hope that they may be able to continue to support us next year.
The up to date news and status of the project will continue to be posted on the website at www.hilarylister.com and we will need to maintain our fund-raising efforts to promote the charity, Hilary’s Dream Trust.
Despite the huge disappointment, Hilary remains philosophical: “I was under no illusion that this was going to be easy and the trials and tribulations of the past few months have certainly tested our resolve. Over the course of the next few months, we will be taking what we have learned and preparing for next year’s trip around the remainder of the coast of Britain – salt encrusted and a little wiser.”
