GEOFF HOLT MBE DL
Geoff Holt MBE is one of the most respected sailors of his generation. Geoff was paralysed in a swimming accident aged 17 and uses a wheelchair. Throughout his life he has completed an incredible range of achievements on and off the water, inspiring many disabled people to access the blue space. He became the inaugural Chairman of RYA Sailability and he was the first disabled person to sail single-handed around Great Britain. He sailed across the Atlantic Ocean unassisted – a true world-first, and was awarded an MBE for Services to Disabled Sailing. He was named ‘Yachtsman of the Year’ shortly after.
Geoff is Patron and Ambassador for several charities for people with disabilities and founded The Wetwheels Foundation, offering a unique opportunity for disabled and disadvantaged people of all ages to access the water, helping to broaden aspirations and directly impact on health and wellbeing, now with 8 fully accessible vessels across The UK. Geoff has authored and contributed to a range of reports and publications promoting and advising on accessibility in the blue space.
NEIL WILSON
Neil Wilson has worked in the disability sector for over 20 years including 4 years as Chief Executive of The Wetwheels Foundation.
He has partnered with a range of organisations to ensure the accessibility of infrastructure for those with physical disabilities as well as promoting the benefits of the blue space with both commercial and Third Sector agencies.
Neil has worked with Founder Geoff Holt to increase fully accessible water-based experiences across The UK and beyond, including a visit to North America where he often travels, as well as across Europe and Asia, to understand and identify how barriers to access can be removed in a range of settings internationally.
"Being on the water is a unique experience for someone with a disability. Whether simply to enjoy the majesty of the blue space or to share a new journey, access to the water can be life changing."
