Prior to his accident, Geoff was one of the youngest charter skippers in the Caribbean, sailing over 27,000 miles between the ages of 15 and 18, including three trans-Atlantic crossings and several solo voyages.

The launch of the Personal Everest Challenge is to be held at Surrey Docks Watersports Centre, London in the presence of Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal, when Geoff will exhibit his specially modified Challenger trimaran dinghy in which he will undertake his epic voyage and will also announce further details of his programme for the event.

The Personal Everest Challenge will commence in mid-May 2007 and is expected to take about fifty days to complete. Not only sailing to fulfil a personal lifelong ambition, Hampshire based Geoff  will also be raising awareness and funds for RYA Sailability, a national charity which helps provide opportunities for disabled people to go sailing. The Princess Royal will be in attendance as patron of RYA Sailability.

Geoff Holt said, ‘I’m under no illusions what a difficult Challenge this is. Sailing eight hours a day consecutively for fifty days is going to be a test of my mental agility, as well as the physical demands that I will be placed under. Thankfully I have a fabulous support team around me and we have planned for every eventuality.

 ‘I am delighted that law firm Blake Lapthorn Tarlo Lyonshas agreed to sponsor my Personal Everest. Without their backing I would not have been able to attempt this unique challenge. I have also received backing in terms of equipment and clothing from Henri-Lloyd, Marinetrack and Raymarine, and I am confident that I shall be equipped with the best gear available for this tough challenge.

‘I also hope that the general public can see that when provided with the opportunity, we can all achieve our own Personal Everest. That may not necessarily be sailing around the UK, but it could be having the motivation to try something outside of our normal comfort zone.’

Whilst at the Surrey Docks Watersports Centre, the Princess Royal will be given a guided tour of Tideway Sailability who are based at the Centre and who provide sailing opportunities for disabled people in the London area.

For further information visit: www.personaleverest.com