The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
People: Charity announces death of groundbreaking British yachtswoman
The first disabled woman to sail solo around Britain has died at the age of 46.
Hilary Lister, who was paralysed from the neck down, became famous after she used the “sip-and-puff ” system to steer and control a yacht’s sails.
She became the first quadriplegic to sail across the English Channel in 2005 and then the first female quadriplegic to sail around the Isle of Wight in 2007.
Ms Lister went on to sail solo around Britain in 2009 on a three-month odyssey that included stops
“She turned the suffering she was experiencing into an opportunity”
at Dunstaffnage near Oban, Peterhead and Stonehaven. The International Sailing Federation said the feat put her in the ranks of the world’s top four sailors.
Announcing her death, a post on her website states: “It is with deep regret that Hilary’s Dream Trust announces the passing of its founder – Hilary Lister – an inspiration to many, a recipient of many accolades and a record holder of many sailing achievements.”
Alex Lister paid tribute to his stepmother, saying: “She turned the suffering she was experiencing into an opportunity.”
Ms Lister, from Canterbury, Kent, was born able-bodied but suffered from the degenerative c o n d i t i o n r e f l e x sympathetic dystrophy, which meant she was a wheelchair user from the age of 15.
She went on to study biochemistry at Jesus College, Oxford, but during her studies her condition worsened and she became paralysed from the neck down at the age of 27.
Ms Lister started sailing with Westbere Sailing Opportunities in Canterbury in 2003, and said: “Within 30 seconds of being in a boat I was in love.”
She was named Sunday Times Sportswoman of the Year 2007 and won other accolades, including a Cosmopolitan Superhero Award and the Royal Cruising Club’s Seamanship Award 2005.
Her charity, Hilary’s Dream Trust, supports disabled and disadvantaged people in taking up sailing.