A HAMPSHIRE yachtsman was today continuing his bid to become the first disabled person to sail single-handed around Great Britain.

Quadriplegic sailor Geoff Holt was due to leave Lymington at 4am on the second leg of his marathon voyage which began in Hamble on Sunday.

It was the second time Geoff had attempted to launch his record bid. The yachtsman was heartbroken when he had to abandon his first attempt after just two miles when his 15ft trimaran was hit by waves sending him toppling into the Solent.

Onlookers watched as Geoff floated face down in the water for 30 seconds until his rescue boat arrived and he was hauled to safety.

Geoff, of Shedfield, will aim to sail about 50 miles a day on a voyage that will take about 50 days.

Geoff will be supported on the water by a fully-crewed rescue craft and will spend each night ashore in his wheelchair-accessible motorhome, driven by wife Elaine.

Project manager, Ian Clover, said Geoff was committed to go on despite a poor weather forecast for today.

He told the Daily Echo: "We are sorting out a few things in Lymington and then heading to Portland."

My love for my brave sailor: Elaine's story - see today's Daily Echo