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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Wetwheels Texas?
Now home from our trip to Galveston/Houston (Texas) to investigate interest in taking Wetwheels to the USA, I thought I would share our week in the...
Rotary Spectacular
I always enjoy my Rotary talks, especially the large conferences. Last week I was in Llandudno in North West Wales for the Rotary NW & Isle of...
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...
Geoff’s Social
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Treated myself to a new work of art..! Incredible model making by Premier Ship Models Now I can dream of being out on Wetwheels Solent, even when it's too windy..! Suzuki Marine UK Cheetah Marine Catamarans
Huge thanks to Seafarers Sailing Club for raising money for Wetwheels Solent, always a pleasure to attend the annual Commodores reception and meet our wonderful Mayor of Fareham Borough Council, Councillor Pamela Bryant and her daughter, Mayoress, Louise Clubley.
What a beautiful quote by Byron, Elaine Holt and our cherished friends Paul Hartley & Sheena had the pleasure of eating at Portsmouth's finest Indian restaurant @GhandiPortsmouth. Such a wonderful evening. As Shelley said; "I have drunken deep of joy and I will taste no other wine tonight".“Be thou the rainbow in the storms of life. The evening beam that smiles the clouds away, and tints tomorrow with prophetic ray.” – Lord Byron’s quote is fitting for this beautiful human being Deputy Lieutenant of Hampshire Geoff Holt (MBE )
Another day, more discrimination. So Southwest Trains spend £28m refurbishing 30 yr old Type 442 carriages but, despite warnings from SWT Staff, can not carry wheelchairs on certain routes because ramps are longer (higher trains) and won't fit on some platforms. Why is this OK? Why is this not exactly the same were I denied access because of my race, gender or sexuality? Why must we put up with this discrimination. Access was fine on all SWT routes until a week ago when they brought in these refurbed antiquated carriages. Spare a thought next time you just turn up and jump on a train for those who can't, even though it is 2020 and the #equalitiesact was passed 10 years ago. Shame on you SWT. Tanni Grey-Thompson BBC News Transport for All
Can I encourage all of my local friends with an interest in plastics in our seas to attend the following Dee Caffari TheYachtMarket (please share) @LucySiegle from BBC One www.newtheatreroyal.com/performances/the-problem-with-plastic-and-what-to-do-about-it/
The Problem With Plastic (and what to do about it) at the New Theatre Royal, Portsmouth
www.newtheatreroyal.com
Join us for the opening event of Festival of the Sea 2020. More than 8 million tonnes of plastic enter our seas each year, breaking down into microplastics – an environmental scourge of our times. Join us for the opening event of Festival of the Sea 2020. A powerful call to arms for everyone, youn...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.”