Helmed by Natasha Lambert and her crew, Blown Away has crossed from the Canaries to St Lucia, a 2,700nm journey.
Supported by her family and crew, Natasha safely completed the 2020 ARC Rally in just over 18 days. So, Natasha, an award-winning sailor renowned for challenging her own ability, has now added ‘conquering the Atlantic Ocean’ to her impressive resume.
Living with Quadriplegic Athetoid Cerebral Palsy, Natasha has difficulty using her arms and legs, making sailing a little more challenging, but this award-winning young sailor does not let that stop her. Utilising her ‘Sip-Puff’ system, designed and installed to her specially adapted boat (Blown Away) by her dad Gary, Natasha is able to sail using her breath.
For Natasha, also known locally as MissIsle (after her first boat), taking part in the ARC Rally was the latest in a long series of challenges with the aim of raising money for three charities close to her heart: her local RNLI station in Cowes, the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust and a charity that Natasha ambassadors, the Missile School of Sip and Puff Sailing.
Natasha and her family have been spurred on by hundreds of kind messages from their supporters, of which they would like to pass their thanks and appreciation.
Natasha’s mum, Mandy, said: “Thank you for all the kind donations from businesses and individuals who have helped us toward our fundraising goal.”
What is next? Natasha and her family plan to stay in the Caribbean for some time, visiting local communities and schools with the aim of teaching them how to use the Sip-Puff technology. A big part of the MissIsle’s School is to pass on their knowledge and make sailing available to everyone, no matter your ability.
You can still donate at: uk.virginmoneygiving.com/missisle
Stay up-to-date following their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/missisle.iow
