Geoff Holt To Finish Voyage Today

A yachtsman hoping to become the first quadriplegic to sail across the Atlantic is due to finish later.

Geoff Holt, 42, from Southampton, began the 2,700-mile (4345km) voyage 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.

As he crosses the line Mr Holt will be at the scene of a diving accident that left him paralysed him 25 years ago.

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.

Hydraulic technology

He is expected to arrive at Cane Garden Bay, off Tortola island – where the accident happened – at about 1600 GMT.

This is the fourth time Mr Holt has sailed the Atlantic, but the first since his life-changing accident in 1984, which left him paralysed from the chest down.

He broke his neck, suffering a complete spinal cord injury, while diving into shallow water and has used a wheelchair ever since.

I’m emotional to return to the scene of the accident Geoff Holt

During his record attempt, Mr Holt has had to overcome engine problems and unexpectedly light prevailing winds.

He only 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 Elaina and seven-year-old son Timmy will be joined by family and friends, who will be at the finishing line to meet him.

Earlier, Mr Holt said: “All these years and months of planning and I can’t believe it’s only hours away until I finish my Atlantic crossing.

“I’m emotional to return to the scene of the accident and excited to see my family and everyone waiting on the finish line.”

Mr Holt is already the first quadriplegic sailor to sail solo around Britain – a feat he achieved in 2007.