Please select your home edition
Edition
A+T Instruments 2024 Leaderboard

Wetwheels proves sailing is for everyone

by Laura Downton 17 May 2017 12:34 BST 24-29 May 2017
Wet Wheels will be at Southampton Sailing Week © Wet Wheels

One of the UK's most well-known ambassadors for disabled sailing is set to showcase his specially adapted catamaran at Southampton Sailing Week.

Geoff Holt MBE is entering his Wetwheels vessel into the week's parade of sail to highlight that boating is possible for people with any disability.

Southampton Sailing Week takes place from May 24 to 29 and features a range of activities on and off the water, including a spectacular parade of sail on Saturday, May 27. The event will see hundreds of people display their yachts, dinghies and RIBs along Southampton Water to celebrate Southampton Sailing Week. They will be led by a Svitzer tug shooting plumes of water into the sky and trailed by people on smaller watercraft, including paddleboards and kayaks.

Geoff Holt's WetWheels is the latest vessel to sign up for the parade of sail and will take 10 people out on the water to experience the event.

Geoff said: "Southampton is at the epicentre of sailing and boating in the UK so it is great to be involved in an event that celebrates and demonstrates the range of opportunities there are to get afloat in our area. We are delighted to have the opportunity to showcase Wetwheels and to demonstrate how people with disabilities, provided with accessible boats, have the ability to enjoy our maritime environment the same as everyone else."

Chris Rees, organiser of Southampton Sailing Week, said: "One of the reasons we wanted to bring a sailing week to Southampton was to show that sailing is for everyone. We're delighted that Geoff's Wetwheels vessel will help us to prove this as our parade of sail travels along Southampton Water. His charity is doing a fantastic job in helping people get out on the water and we're delighted to have his support for Southampton Sailing Week."

Wetwheels is a nine-metre catamaran made by Cheetah Marine on the Isle of Wight. She has been specially adapted so children and adults with disabilities can experience the thrill of being out on the water.

Southampton Sailing Week takes place from May 24 to 29 and features a range of activities on and off the water, including a spectacular parade of sail, RIB treasure hunts and a regatta party.

The parade of sail is open for anyone with a sea-worthy vessel to take part in. To register your interest or find out the best vantage points to watch from the shore visit www.southamptonsailingweek.co.uk

Related Articles

Southampton Sailing Week returns
Dutton Gregory ready to set sail As part of Southampton Sailing Week 2021, solicitors at Dutton Gregory are not only delighted to confirm their role as sponsors of the event's 'Property Cup' race, but also preparing to win back the title from being its first ever winners. Posted on 19 Jun 2021
Southampton Sailing Week welcomes BDB Pitmans
Law firm sponsoring yachts in three of the six cups Southampton Sailing Week are delighted to announce a partnership with BDB Pitmans who will be sponsoring a yacht for each day of this year's Regatta. The leading law firm, with offices in Cambridge, London and Southampton, will also be competing. Posted on 27 Jul 2019
Southampton Sailing Week preview
2019 sees the launch of three new cups With over 60 yachts and 600 sailors out on the water, this year is expected to be the biggest year to date for Southampton's Sailing Week Regatta. Posted on 6 Apr 2019
Thousands got out on the water
In Southampton Sailing Week Organisers of Southampton's first ever official Sailing Week have heralded the debut event a roaring success. Posted on 5 Jun 2017
Southampton Sailing Week opening day
Spectacular sight on the Solent A spectacle unfolded on Southampton Water today as more than 100 yachts, RIBs and motorboats paraded en masse as craft of all types took to the water to take part in a parade of sail, celebrating the first ever Southampton Sailing Week. Posted on 27 May 2017
10 things to do for £10 or less
During Southampton Sailing Week As Southampton Sailing Week approaches, organisers of the inaugural event have revealed a list of 10 things people can do to get involved in the event for less than £10. Posted on 17 May 2017
Sailing celebrities throw in support
For Southampton's first ever sailing week Stars of the sailing world and Sunsail ambassadors have thrown their support behind Southampton's first ever dedicated sailing week. Posted on 4 May 2017
Royal Southampton Yacht Club steps aboard
For Southampton Sailing Week The Royal Southampton Yacht Club is throwing its support behind the first ever Southampton Sailing Week (May 24 to 29) as official race organiser. Posted on 25 Mar 2017
On-water treasure hunt
For Southampton Sailing Week Intrepid adventurers will be able to take part in high-speed treasure hunts on the water as part of Southampton Sailing Week (24 to 29 May). Posted on 19 Mar 2017
Spectacular Parade of Sail
Set for Inaugural Southampton Sailing Week History is set to be created on Southampton Water this spring as the city hosts a spectacular parade of sail. Hundreds of craft, from one-man kayaks to huge luxury yachts, will take to the water to celebrate the first ever Southampton Sailing Week. Posted on 5 Mar 2017