Me Too has a new home!

’Me Too’ has a new home! ‘Me Too’ is the Artemis 20 fixed keel sailing boat used by Hilary to sail round Britain. In 2019 Hilary’s family gifted ‘Me Too’ to Lymington Sailability.

Hilary bought the boat new and had it converted for a ‘sip-and-puff’ system that allowed her to sail by herself – an activity that gave her complete freedom to control her own sea faring destiny.

Following her death in 2018, it was Hilary’s wish that ‘Me Too’ should be actively used again by sailors with disabilities.

The project to restore ‘Me Too’ was put on hold due to cost issues. However, in spring 2021, Tom Morton, vice chairman, was approached by Robert Houston from London charity BOOST

, which helps disadvantaged people with their sporting ambitions. He was looking for a sailing charity with a project that he and his late aunt, Rosalind Molly Hughes, could support. Tom suggested the Artemis 20 project and Robert loved the idea and provided the backing to start.

In summer 2021, the project got underway. The sip-and-puff system and the special seat were removed, the entire deck and hull were repaired and prepared for the new seating, steering and adjustments to the rigging were undertaken

After a few tweaks to the rigging and the keel lifting system, ‘Me Too’ was towed into the Lymington River; her sails raised and as the wind gently filled them, she heeled over and gracefully sailed into the Solent.

Lymington Sailability face a big learning curve with ‘Me Too’ this season. She is very well set up for teaching sailing and Lymington Town Sailing Club has offered to let her join in with some of the informal racing. It will be a great challenge for the less able sailors to learn how to sail her.

Hilary’s Dream Trust would like to wish all those who sail in ‘Me Too’ fair winds, following seas and wonderful sailing adventures!

If you would like to donate to Hilary’s Dream Trust and help others to achieve their sailing dreams, please go to our website Support Us | Hilary's Dream Trust (hilarysdreamtrust.org) and click on the “Wonderful” donate button.