Meeting Ellen MacArthur!
Anybody and everybody whether you're a sailor or not knows Ellen MacArthur. She was the first female to sail around Great Britain, the first female to sail solo around the world and coming third in the process.
Last weekend we were sailing in Oxford at a small UK regatta for SKUD's and we were staying in a Travelodge close by. I was almost ready to go to bed when my shore crew (Peter) came excitedly into the room saying "Guess who is in the reception? Ellen MacArthur! Shall I try and get her to come talk to you?" My heart skipped a beat and said "yeah sure but I'm sure she'll be busy…" So he went off and 5 minutes later there was a knock on the door and there she was.
She was in Oxford to promote her charity and take part in an event the centre. Considering she said she only had 2 minutes to spare we were actually talking for about 10 which I'm incredibly grateful to her for doing.
I have just heard from Ellen and she has said she has looked at the website and she will be looking in on a regular basis when she has time.
Ellen MacArthur says:
Geoff Holt says:
“Despite Keith’s obvious challenges in life, he’s one of the most driven people I know – I like that – it kind of reminds me of myself. He has an obvious talent for sailing and a particular aptitude for racing. And with the right boat and the right technology to overcome his physical limitations, he will prove that he has the determination and skill to earn the right to compete with the best”.