Navigators Hilary Lister and Nashwa Al Kindi plan to cross the Arabian Sea and set two new world records, media reports said. The small-boat voyage, which began March 10, is expected to be the first ever transoceanic voyage made by a fully paralyzed woman and Omani national.
British woman Hilary Lister is completely immobile, but that hasn't stopped her from becoming a famous sailor - in 2009, the athlete was able to sail solo around Britain. Nashwa Al Kindy is also a well known sailing instructor, she runs rowing boats and last November she received the ISAF Award for her contribution to the sport of sailing.
«Hilary and Nashwa are two unique women. They will be traversing a route that was used for centuries to enable trade between India and Oman. This sea route was crucial for the development of the Sultanate and this historic voyage is also significant»," says Dharmesh A. Khimji, Managing Director of Mistal - Ajit Khimji Group, which is sponsoring this sea voyage.
The voyage will start from the city of Mumbai and is expected to last nine days; the arrival point is Muscat. The journey will cover 800 nautical miles in a Dragonfly 28-foot trimaran.
In addition to the two women, Lisa Blacklox, a caregiver who assists Hilary Lister and is not a seafarer, will also be on board, along with media representative Niall Miyant, who will not be involved in the running of the boat.
