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
Latest News
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
Latest Videos
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Finally, what we have been saying for months, @SW_Help are operating ILLEGALLY by denying disabled people access to their trains. @swtrainsuser @swtrains_watch https://www.hampshirelive.news/news/hampshire-news/swr-forcing-wheelchair-passengers-alter-4715204?fbclid=IwAR023ACsaq338JrfPF9T1VDETp67WAWdJfHu0uwoAviUwclimBAzGFZDVP4
Finally, what we have been saying for months, @SW_Help are operating ILLEGALLY by denying disabled people access to their trains. https://www.hampshirelive.news/news/hampshire-news/swr-forcing-wheelchair-passengers-alter-4715204?fbclid=IwAR023ACsaq338JrfPF9T1VDETp67WAWdJfHu0uwoAviUwclimBAzGFZDVP4 @swtrainsuser @swtrains_watch
Happy 70th Birthday Ma’am. Can’t believe this was taken 20 years ago on her 50th birthday at #windsorcastle Very proud to have you as #Patron of @WetwheelsFdn #PrincessRoyalAt70 #PrincessAnne #Royalty #birthday
3Great post. Can I suggest you watch my short video on this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YhgiDyyTVjQ&t=212s
While shielding will be eased from the 6 July, it still presents many challenges for disabled people and their families.
"We haven’t been able to go outside, not even for food shopping or to see anyone outside of our household."👇
https://community.scope.org.uk/discussion/71933/navigating-through-lockdown
Join me live at 10am this morning in conversation with JunoHollyhock, CEO of @Rose_Road https://www.facebook.com/events/856701778158202/
Latest Posts
Very proud to know this amazing lady Missisle's School of sip and puff sailing and her wonderful family. What a great adventure they have begun..! #Disability #Sailing #Inspiration www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hampshire-55036072?at_custom3=Regional+BBC+South&at_custom4=FBFCBA4...
Natasha Lambert begins 3,000-mile transatlantic challenge
www.bbc.co.uk
Natasha Lambert uses her breath and tongue to control her 46ft (14m) catamaran.As you may have seen on the news, this week sees the 25th anniversary of the Disability Discrimination Act (now the Equalities Act). I thought I would share a BBC documentary I made 22 years ago looking at how it would impact disabled people. Sorry about the dreadful quality, I converted it from VHS (remember VHS?). www.youtube.com/watch?v=wVcJs6EjaM8 #disability #disabled #disabilityawareness #disabilities BBC South Spinal Injuries Association
Able Seaman 1998 BBC Southern Eye documentary by Geoff Holt
www.youtube.com
A documentary presented by Geoff Holt filmed by Mallory Maltby for the BBC Southern Southern Eye series in 1998 looking at disability issues including transp...If you missed "Being Frank" on the BBC last night, I can highly recommend. An amazing story, well told. @Frank Gardner www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m000p3p4/being-frank-the-frank-gardner-story
Being Frank: The Frank Gardner Story
www.bbc.co.uk
BBC security correspondent Frank Gardner explores what it is like to become disabled.Massive fan of Pip Hare. She is setting sail in 3 days to compete in the Vende Globe. I first met Pip 18 years ago at a Brocante in Locmiquelic, Brittany at 7.00am and followed her progress ever since. Good luck Pip. Pip Hare Ocean Racing www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/technology-54786716
Tech to spot sailor’s mood in tough global race
www.bbc.co.uk
The Vendée Globe solo race will see competitors face extreme conditions with little sleep.Huge thanks to Dr Russell Thackeray and the team @QEDOD Delighted to be a guest on your Resiliance Unravelled podcast qedod.com/podcast/resilience-unravelled/resilience-for-adversity/
Resilience for adversity. You need resilience to be a seafaring adventurer.
qedod.com
When he broke his neck Geoff faced enormous adversity but he built the resilience he needed to start living his life again and get back to sailing.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.”