About Geoff Holt
Yachtsman, Ambassador & Motivational Speaker
Geoff was paralysed in a swimming accident in 1984 and uses a wheelchair. In 1995 he became the inaugural Chairman of RYA Sailability. 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 ‘Yachtsman of the Year’ shortly after. He was made a Deputy Lieutenant of Hampshire in 2012. He is 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 Deloitte & Coopers & Lybrand. He holds a degree in Antiques and Auctioneering. He is the author of ‘Walking on Water’ and is a professional speaker. He is the founder of Wetwheels, an organisation that takes disabled people to sea in purpose-built, fully accessible motor boats.
Geoff’s News
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Southampton Boat Show Success
I can't remember exactly but on dead-reckoning, this was approximately my 30th boat show in Southampton. This year was extra special because, not...
Motivational Speaking: So much more than words
I’ve been a professional speaker for a decade now. I’ve come a long way from those stuttering, staccato, painfully nervous talks where I would learn...
Sailing Excluded from 2024 Paralympic Games
A joint statement by disabled yachtsmen Geoff Holt MBE and legendary yachtsman Sir Robin Knox-Johnston. The International Paralympic Committee (IPC)...
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Check out my latest article: Royal Patron for Wetwheels Foundation https://t.co/i43I0tO6cr via @LinkedIn
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Some great photos taken aboard Wetwheels Solent during the Southampton Boat Show British Marine Suzuki Marine UK Raymarine Cheetah Marine Catamarans
Delighted to announce my new website is now live geoffholt.com
It's not until you update your 10 year old site do you realise how advanced web development has come. Thanks to Dan www.altitudecreative.co.uk
Press Release from Christchurch Sailing Club
Christchurch Sailing Club was recently honoured by a visit from quadriplegic sailor Geoff Holt MBE DL. Geoff had agreed to perform the opening ceremony for a disabled lift and facilities. The main clubroom, bar and restaurant are at first floor level, making access difficult for members and visitors with limited mobility. Members and Guests were welcomed by Commodore, Jim Atkins.
The ceremony was also attended by the Mayor of Christchurch and Honorary Club Member, Councillor Leslie Dedman, and representatives of Wetwheels and Sailability charities.
Geoff had been an early adviser on the design of the project, which was led by Rear Commodore Keith Barkway. The task involved the complete re-modelling of the entrance lobby and staircase, with extensive modifications to the upper story layout to include a full disabled toilet suite, which also serves as a baby changing unit for the youngest sailors. Geoff spoke warmly of the clear commitment by the club to the concept of inclusivity, a sentiment echoed by the Mayor who has a particular interest in the welfare of the disabled. The ceremony concluded with a surprise appearance on screen of another Honorary Member Ben Ainslie, who congratulated the club on a significant achievement.
The attached pictures show Geoff cutting the ribbon, removing a club burgee to reveal a plaque commemorating the event, and arriving at first floor level to be greeted by Rear Commodore Keith Barkway.
Ted Vary
Hon Sec, CSC
01202 416 529 - 07774 573 612 - tv1@btinternet.com -
office@christchurchsailingclub.co.uk – 01202 483 150
Andrew Edward Snowdon
Congrats to Lucy MacGregor for being named this years Yachtsman of the Year by the Yachting Journalists' Association A great evening.
It’s that time of the year again. Must be my 30th Southampton Boat Show Come and say hello Wetwheels Foundation on stand J137 in the Ocean Hall or visit the Wetwheels Solent boat on try-a-boat in the Marina Tracey Plumridge Alan Cummings
Testimonials
Some Kind Words About Geoff’s Work
“Exposing our R&D staff to new ideas and challenging accepted thinking is part of our continuing commitment to be innovation leaders. Your insights and personal story were an inspiration to all who attended.”
“Geoff had the whole audience fully engaged – he was highly professional and motivating and we would recommend him to anyone looking for a fantastic speaker.”
“His story is truly inspirational and really caught the imagination of the whole room. His drive, spirit and determination, delivered in a very factual way, had the whole audience mesmerised for the whole session.”