Right now, there is no dedicated Wetwheels boat in Wales – meaning thousands of disabled people are missing out on the freedom, confidence and wellbeing that these opportunities provide.
As a national charity providing fully accessible boating experiences for disabled people, Wetwheels Foundation gives individuals the chance to experience the joy of the open water, to steer the boat and feel the spray, all in a safe and supported environment. This April, the Wetwheels Foundation has launched a major campaign to raise £300,000 to establish a permanent powerboat and team in Wales, bringing barrier-free boating to all, regardless of ability.
Founded by Geoff Holt MBE DL, Wetwheels has a clear goal: to break down barriers and give disabled people the freedom to experience time at sea. A lifelong sailor, Geoff’s world changed when an accident left him paralysed at 18, but his passion for the water never faded. He went on to make history as the first disabled person to sail single-handed around Great Britain and later became the first quadriplegic to sail unassisted across the Atlantic. His achievements have earned him numerous accolades, including Yachtsman of the Year and an MBE for services to disabled sailing. Through Wetwheels, Geoff has turned his personal journey into a movement – creating fully accessible boats that empower disabled people to enjoy the thrill of boating, many for the first time. His mission is simple: to ensure no one is left on the shore.
Why Wales?
This is why Wetwheels must stay in Wales for good:
- 1 in 5 people in Wales live with a disability, yet accessible boating opportunities remain limited.
- Coastal communities experience some of the highest levels of hardship, making access to blue spaces even more vital for mental and physical wellbeing. Cardiff itself is included in the Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation (WIMD), highlighting areas with the highest levels of economic, social and health inequalities.
- Blue health benefits—being on or near the water—are proven to improve mental health, reduce stress and promote social inclusion.
The great news is that from 7-11 April, the Wetwheels South-West vessel will visit Bayscape Marina in Cardiff, offering the local community an exclusive opportunity to experience the life-changing impact of Wetwheels. With over 1,000km of coastline and some of the UK’s most stunning scenery, Wales really is the perfect next location for a Wetwheels boat. During their visit, the team will showcase how they empower disabled individuals by offering the opportunity to go on board, see the boat firsthand and share the experience with friends and family.
“We’ve seen the incredible impact of Wetwheels across the UK, and we know the demand for these experiences exists in Wales. The joy of being on the water should be open to everyone, regardless of ability,” said Geoff Holt MBE. “Now, it’s about making it happen. We are calling on supporters to join us in bringing Wetwheels Cymru to life.”
To make this vision a reality, and raise £300,000 to establish a permanent boat in Cardiff, Wetwheels is looking for support from businesses and sponsors who share a commitment to maritime access, disability inclusion and community wellbeing. They are also seeking philanthropic individuals and foundations eager to drive meaningful social impact, along with local and national stakeholders who can help champion the cause and spread the word.
By bringing Wetwheels to Wales, this initiative will open the door to life-changing experiences, breaking down barriers and empowering individuals to connect with the sea—regardless of their background or capability.
Please visit this page to discover more about this campaign and access the dedicated JustGiving page.
