Choppy start

A paralysed sailor attempting to become the first disabled person to sail around Britain was thrown out of his boat and forced to return to port.

Geoff Holt, who is paralysed from the chest down, is expected to take about fifty days to make the journey.

He was thrown into the sea in choppy waters as he set out from the Royal Southern Yacht Club, Hamble, Hampshire, in his boat Freethinker. Mr Holt hopes to re-start his record attempt on Tuesday.

Steve Slight, and eyewitness to the accident, said: "The boat broached - which means it turned violently to the right - and Geoff was actually flipped out of the boat.

"The boat stayed upright - but he was flung into the water and most worrying. Fortunately, his support boat was right along side - and one of his support team leapt into the water and turned him onto his back."

Mr Holt from Shedfield, Hampshire, launched from the Royal Southern Yacht Club, Hamble, in his boat Freethinker. Mr Holt, 40, was paralysed from the chest down following a swimming accident.

He will be tracked throughout his record attempt by a support vessel and shore crew.

Writing in his blog before he set off, the former professional yachtsman said: "It is certainly extremely stressful and I'm feeling pressure and responsibility like I have never felt before."