Two sisters are preparing to sail from Gran Canaria to Grenada to raise money for three charities close to their hearts, including our very own Lake District Calvert Trust. Award-winning sailor Natasha Lambert will skipper a crew of six on their 46ft catamaran, Blown Away, using a unique sip-and-puff system that allows her to control the vessel with her breath. The expedition will cover approximately 3,500 nautical miles from the UK across the Atlantic Ocean.
Born with quadriplegic cerebral palsy, Natasha first experienced sailing at Calvert Lakes as a child and fell in love with the sport. Although her disability affects her muscle control and speech, she is more than capable of skippering a vessel thanks to a pioneering system developed by her father, Gary.
Alongside her sister Rachel and father Gary, they plan to sail approximately 3,500 nautical miles in honour of their mother’s final wishes. Amanda lost her battle with cancer earlier this year but wished for her husband and daughters to continue their adventures, inspiring others and showing the world what is possible.
They are attempting to raise £30,000 for three causes close to their hearts.
Previous Achievements
Natasha began sailing with her local club in Cowes, Isle of Wight, and went on to achieve multiple awards including a British Empire Medal in 2015. Not only has she sailed solo as a teenager around the Isle of Wight and across the English Channel, she has also been awarded a Pride of Sport award for her extraordinary fundraising efforts and contributions to sailing.
This is not the sisters first Atlantic crossing. In 2020, Natasha fulfilled her dream by sailing across the Atlantic, a mission affected by the COVID pandemic and various restrictions.
In November 2025, their plans to attempt another crossing were postponed when their mother, Amanda, began battling with cancer. Before she died in February 2026, it was her final wish for her husband and daughters to continue their sailing adventures around the world.
Crossing Details
The crew are currently preparing in Gran Canaria ahead of their departure on 8th November. From there, they plan to depart Las Palmas and sail 850 nautical miles to São Vincente in Cape Verde.
After taking some time off the boat, stocking up on provisions and exploring the island, they will undertake the second leg of their journey sailing 2,150 nautical miles to Grenada in the Caribbean.
And Natasha doesn’t plan on stopping there! The sisters are keen to continue their adventure by heading towards the Pacific.
Fundraising
Choosing three charities close to their hearts, the family want to show the world what can be achieved with determination, passion and accessible adjustments. They hope to raise £30,000 for the Lake District Calvert Trust, the RNLI and the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust.
You can visit their fundraising page and donate here.
Follow their epic adventure on social media.
Instagram: @sailing.sisters
Facebook: @missisle
TikTok: @thesailingsisters
Natasha took some time out on her voyage to tell us more about her story. We’ve been collecting stories from our guests, staff, volunteers, supporters and community to celebrate our 50th birthday.
About the Lake District Calvert Trust
The Lake District Calvert Trust is a Cumbrian Charity that provides adventurous activities for people with disabilities, their friends, families, peers and carers.
Situated on the edge of Bassenthwaite Lake, Calvert Lakes offers fully accessible activity breaks for schools, charities and community groups, families and adults. With accessible accommodation throughout and fully inclusive activities, this life-changing specialist centre challenges disability in a safe and supportive environment.
Also part of the Lake District Calvert Trust, Calvert Stables provides community riding and carriage driving activities, as well as Pony Club, kids riding sessions, alternative education programmes and residential riding breaks.
The Lake District Calvert Trust is a unique, specialist outdoor centre, where people with disabilities can experience adventure, ambition, and achievement, far beyond societal perceptions of disability. Put simply, the goal of the charity is to challenge disability through outdoor adventure.