Poignant moment as yachtsman becomes first quadriplegic to sail across Atlantic

Geoff Holt, 42, from Southampton, took 28 days to complete the 2,700-mile voyage after setting off from Lanzarote in the Canary Islands on December 10. He had an emotional reunion with his wife Elaine and their seven-year-old son Tim in the British Virgin Islands.

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

The sailor battled light winds, mechanical problems and running out of fuel aboard his boat, Impossible Dream, during the voyage where he has been aided by a carer and filmed by a cameraman – but he did all his own sailing.

Poignantly, he returned to the exact scene of the diving accident that paralysed him 26 years ago – Cane Garden Bay, on Tortola island. "The arrival has been everything I expected and more," the yachtsman said.

"The welcoming committee has been amazing, I am surrounded by a flotilla of boats and yachts that have all come out to meet me. It's emotional and I have a tear in my eye."

Legendary sailor Sir Robin Knox-Johnson led the tributes: "What a tremendous thing to have completed. Geoff continues to raise the bar when it comes to sheer determination."

Mr Holt, who only has limited use of his arms and hands, used hydraulic push-button technology to sail the 60-ft catamaran on the voyage.

During the voyage, Mr Holt's only restrictions to sailing the yacht independently were those concerning his personal care.

Without help, he could not get himself into bed, dressed or even into the shower.

But, once up and in his wheelchair, he used his navigational and boat-handling skills to sail the purpose-built yacht.

It was the fourth time Mr Holt has sailed the Atlantic, but the first since the accident in 1984.