In preparation for this major challenge she is now in training and has yet another huge victory to her name.

On Tuesday July 24, sailing her newly adapted Artemis 20 Me Too, Lister became the first female quadriplegic to sail solo around the Isle of Wight covering 50 miles in 11 hours, 7 minutes and 22 seconds at an average speed of 10kts.

The Artemis 20 was designed by Rogers Yacht Design, commissioned by Vizual Marine and sponsored by Artemis, which currently also has an Open 60 campaign going. The boat has a mini-AC style and is designed for able and disabled sailors alike, without compromising performance, looks or safety.

She is made of carbon/E-glass/foam, giving a light, strong and stiff structure with the complete boat ready to sail weighing in at 500kgs excluding crew. Of this, 225kg is in a lead bulb which, when combined with the steel keel fin, totals 275kg, giving a 55% ballast ratio.

A couple of unique features include two canting seats which can be modified to sail solo, a vertical tiller system allowing the boat to be steered from either seat, an integrated lifting keel system to aid launch and recovery and a spinnaker sheet system setup which means there is no need to leave the seat whilst sailing.

Lister, 35, is able only to move her head, eyes and mouth. She led an active sport-orientated life until the age of 11 when she first experienced discomfort in her knees whenever she played sport. She first dismissed shooting pains in her legs as growing pains.

By the time she turned 13, she was in pain every day and by the age of 15, she could no longer walk. It was then discovered she had a progressive neurological disorder, diagnosed as Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD).

Lister gradually began to lose the use of almost all of her body and was left in incredible pain. She has battled with her worsening medical condition for over half her life.

Tempted in her darkest moments to end her pain and suffering, an introduction to sailing in 2003 provided a fresh impetus and transformed life for her.

In a recent Guardian interview, her response to the question ‘What is it about sailing then?’ was simple: ‘You have a freedom on water you don't have anywhere, well I don't.’

It's hard to explain what it's like being stuck in a wheelchair, she said. ‘Here I'm the boss. As well as steering, I can chose to sail flat, or go faster. It's wonderful to have choice again.’

Currently supported by Pindar, Lister is now in search of further sponsorship and funding to realise her Round Britain Dream. She intends to set up a charity which will aim to help disadvantaged and disabled people to get out on the water and experience the thrill of sailing, whilst showing that disabled people can live challenging and exciting lives.

To follow the Hilary Lister Round Britain Dream campaign, go to www.hilarylister.com

Five Artemis 20s have been built and are currently based at Chichester West Sussex. Dave Rutter, MD of Vizual Marine, has big plans for the boat to give disabled sailors the opportunity to compete on a level playing field with able bodied sailors. Currently there is a tremendous amount of support, not least from the sailors themselves, for the Artemis 20 to be considered for Olympic selection.

Cowes Week alert: Three Artemis 20s are being offered by Skandia at this year’s Skandia Cowes Week, for its Try a Boat scheme and will be located at the UKSA centre in West Cowes.

Lister will be making guest appearances with her boat at the centre on August 9 and 10 between 12.00 and 15.00.