HRH Princess Royal Launches the MarineTrack sponsored Personal Everest Challenge

HRH Princess Royal was in attendance to officially announce the 'Personal Everest' journey of Geoff Holt, at Tideway Sailability Centre in South East London, to sail 1600 miles round Great Britain.

MarineTrack are committed to supporting extreme marine challenges and charitable causes. This venture will not only be a personal challenge but will test the technical equipment due to the exposed nature of the boat and its limited power. Operations Manager, Andy Haffenden commented;

'The equipment will be sending position messages throughout the duration of the journey tracking Geoff's every move; our support team will of course be on hand to assist - we all wish Geoff the best of luck for the challenge.'

MarineTrack will provide Geoff with their tracking unit and online tracking interface. Sponsors, friends, family and all those in awe can track his voyage online at www.personaleverest.com or www.MarineTrack.com this will raise awareness of RYA Sailalbility, where all profits resulting from the project will be donated.

Since the age of 18 following a swimming accident, Geoff Holt has been paralysed from the chest down. This is the first extreme sports challenge of this nature and so MarineTrack have pledged to sponsor him by providing a satellite tracking unit to help ensure he is monitored throughout his journey.

Putting all faith into his family and discerning team of Ian Clover; Project Manager and various members of Support Crew, Geoff will conquer the seas of the UK taking a trip round Britain in his bespoke challenger, aptly named 'Freethinker'. Sitting just 10 inches out of the water, Geoff will sail for 8 - 10 hours a day in every weather condition permissible. His wife will follow him in a motor home, which will provide recuperation time for the duration of the predicted 50+ day journey.

HRH Princess Royal; avid supporter of RYA Sailability was delighted to declare her strong admiration for Geoff who she observed as an inspiring character.

"He has turned his experience into the aid of others, through the sustenance of inspiration.above all it's about personal challenge and ability; this is a personal commitment but the inspiration he gives others is what makes us better for his efforts".

Watch the website for regular updates on this Personal Everest Challenge.

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