British
Navigator celebrates European first in Marigot Bay
News Release
January 3, 2008
The Marina at Marigot Bay, on the west coast of
St Lucia, was the scene of celebration and emotion on New Year’s
Day when British navigator Tristan Gooley became the first European
to have both flown and sailed single-handed across the Atlantic.
The 34-year-old adventurer, who is helping to raise
awareness about Prostate Cancer, received a rousing welcome from
family, friends and well-wishers from the Discovery at Marigot Bay
resort after 26 days alone at sea in his 32ft yacht, Golden Eye.
Also on hand to welcome the intrepid sailor was
the Member of Parliament for Castries South, Robert Lewis, and his
young family who joined in celebrations waving balloons and sounding
noise-makers as the small yacht approached the docks.
Tristan, who lives near Chichester, England and
works in travel as the Vice-Chairman of the UK travel company, Trailfinders,
now has two major achievements under his belt having also flown
across the Atlantic solo early last year.
In May 2007, he flew from Goose Bay, Canada to Oxford,
England in a single-engine Cessna Caravan, re-fuelling in Greenland,
Iceland and Scotland during the epic two day flight.
The only other person to have achieved both is the
legendary American navigator, Steve Fossett, who is still missing
after a routine flight in Nevada in September. Tristan’s journey
is also aimed at paying tribute to his American counterpart.
Amazingly, prior to setting sail from Lanzarote
on December 7, Tristan had only had three hours of solo sailing
experience and had never sailed overnight.
“It was a huge adventure that was years in
the planning, and arriving here in Marigot Bay is the realization
of a dream. I am also very fortunate that in realizing this dream
I am able to talk about the important issue of prostate cancer and
to pay tribute to Steve Fossett, who achieved so much himself and
helped me and countless others to attain our goals,” said
the father of two young boys.
He continued: “Men are notoriously bad at
discussing their health issues, especially issues such as prostate
cancer. I thought if I could do something that might interest men,
then I might have a better platform from which to discuss this illness
and to help raise awareness. If my efforts lead to one more person
learning a little about the disease of prostate cancer, it will
have been worthwhile
.” As for the welcome he received, Tristan said it
will be some months before it all sinks in. His wife Sophie, and
young sons Benedict and Vincent, had flown in from London just hours
before to be on the dock as Tristan arrived. His father, Michael,
was overcome with emotion knowing his son was now safely back on
land.
A very warm welcome was extended by Discovery at
Marigot Bay and the Marina.
“I am completely bowled over and still can’t
believe this is for real. I feel very spoilt and very humbled that
people have taken the time and the effort to organize such an outstanding
welcome. I want to thank all of them. After 26 days at sea, I can’t
imagine a more beautiful place to finish, nor a more emotional welcome.”
For further information contact Tristan
Gooley on 00 44 7775 521693 or Sophie Gooley on + 44 7710 773539
or contact Lilas Allen at The Prostate Cancer Charity on +44 20
8222 7648/7653//7670. Out of hours contact: +44 798 432 5001. Lilas.Allen@prostate-cancer.org.uk
For
more information about The Marina at Marigot Bay or Discovery at
Marigot Bay, contact Molly McDaniel, PR Manager, at
email: molly@marigotbay.com or telephone +1 758 458 0931 or +1 758 485 1464. |