During our TV shows in which, while working for the Nautical Channel, we met up with our good friend and fellow journalist Geoff Holt
Geoff was paralysed in a swimming accident in 1984 and uses a wheelchair.
As a quadriplegic sailor Geoff is world famous for having sailed across the atlantic single handed. Now he encourages others with disability to go boating.
During the show he took us out on his boat a Cheetah Catamaran that has been specially adapted to allow the disabled to access it.
Geoff Holt MBE conceived the idea of Wetwheels and has been the driving force behind the project.
Wetwheels is a Community Interest Company (CIC). It is a registered not-for-profit organisation limited by guarantee serving the local community.
Using fully accesible boats, it provides boating opportunities for people of all ages and of all abilities. We offer a range of options; from educational and mentoring programmes to sport and experiential trips, there is something for most people.
In 1995 Geoff became the inaugural Chairman of RYA Sailability, a role he held for six years. In 2007 he became the first disabled person to sail single-handed around Great Britain.
In 2009 he sailed across the Atlantic Ocean unassisted. He was awarded an MBE for “Services to Disabled Sailing” in 2010 and named as the YJA Pantaenius Yachtsman of the Year shortly after. He was made a Deputy Lieutenant of Hampshire in 2012. He is a Board director of the RYA and a Council member of the RNLI.
He is patron and ambassador for several charities for people with disabilities. Geoff has 20 years experience in marketing & PR working for international accountancy firms.
He holds a degree in Antiques and Auctioneering. He is the author of “Walking on Water” and is a professional speaker. Geoff is currently planning to sail around the world.