Geoff Holt

Geoff Holt is a record-setting yachtsman, international speaker and award-winning entrepreneur, having been the first quadriplegic yachtsman to sail solo around Great Britain. Although Geoff was paralysed from the neck down in an accident at the age of 18, he hasn’t allowed this life-changing moment to stop him from having a huge, positive impact on the world. Geoff entered the history books in 2007, setting sail around Great Britain in a 15ft trimaran dinghy - with Geoff calling the feat his "personal Everest". Following his remarkable achievement, Geoff was awarded the BBC South Sports Personality of the Year. After achieving the impossible, Geoff shared his life story in the autobiography titled "Walking on Water", and is also sought as an international speaker to share how he challenges what seems impossible.

Sailing solo around Great Britain wasn’t enough for Geoff Holt, he decided he wanted to cross the Atlantic Ocean on his yacht, the "Impossible Dream". In 2010 Geoff became the first quadriplegic to sail unassisted across the Atlantic, sailing 3000m unassisted, an extraordinary effort from a truly inspirational man. Soon after achieving this sensational feat, Geoff was appointed MBE and also won the YJA Pantaenius Yachtsman of the Year in 2010. Now, in 2024, Geoff is "Finishing the Dream", circumnavigating the UK to highlight the work of the Wetwheels Foundation and to raise money for additional Wetwheels boats that allow more children and adults to access the sea. In addition, Geoff's entrepreneurial skills have been recognised with the Stelios Award for Disabled Entrepreneurs in the UK, the 2017 Global Award for Philanthropy and the 2018 National Diversity Entrepreneur of Excellence Award. Geoff is also currently the CEO of Wetwheels, a CIC company providing boating opportunities to people of all ages and abilities on accessible boats.

Although sailing is a key thread in Geoff’s life, Geoff’s story is not purely about sailing. His life demonstrates the power of the human spirit and it captivates audiences every time he tells it. It is a journey through the life of an amazing man told with passion and humour. He engages audiences by making them feel involved in every step of that journey and he demonstrates, with great sensitivity, our ability to deal with challenges when they present themselves in life. Above all, it is a ‘feel good’ story leaving audiences upbeat and inspired to do something positive within their own lives. Geoff’s story is highly motivational and told with humour, thoughtful insight and great photographs and film footage. He has faced adversity, challenged limits and continues to inspire others to maintain a positive attitude no matter what the challenges ahead.

Geoff is a disability ambassador who has inspired countless others. Geoff’s personal philosophy of ‘no excuses’ lies at the heart of his story: motivating others to live life to the full and conquer challenges no matter what they may be. He hopes that his voyages and work as a social entrepreneur will inspire others to push their own personal boundaries, take on challenges no matter how difficult and make a difference. Geoff’s marketing background and his recent success as an entrepreneur ensures his business messages are rooted in his experiences both on and off the water – a powerful combination. Feedback from clients across all sectors who have booked Geoff is consistently positive whether for after dinner (or lunch) talks, personal appearances or conference keynotes.