Geoff Holt

Geoff Holt - Inspirational Yachtsman

Geoff Holt inspired thousands when he completed his 'Personal Everest' challenge. He sailed 1,500 miles, solo, around the coast of Great Britain in a 15ft trimaran dinghy. Geoff Holt is a passionate yachtsman who, paralysed from the chest down after a swimming accident, secured a place in history (Sept 2007) when he completed this courageous feat of endurance. He is the first disabled sailor to go around Britain single-handed.

Recognition of Geoff's achievements came swiftly. He was voted BBC South Sports Personality of the Year (2007) and was short-listed for the prestigious Yachtsman of the Year (2008). In an incredible twist of fate, Geoff Holt realized that he had finished his circumnavigation exactly 23 years after his life-changing accident.

At just 18yrs, Geoff Holt had sailed across the Atlantic Ocean 3 times and sailed over 27 thousand nautical miles. All hopes, dreams and expectations were brutally changed after Geoff dived into the sea and broke his neck. After a year in hospital and with characteristic spirit, Geoff re-trained and went on to lead the marketing department of an international firm of chartered accountants for 12 years before re-training again to become a qualified auctioneer and valuer (specializing in ceramics).

Geoff is passionate about creating opportunities for others through a long association with the charity Sailability. Among many key appointments within disabled sailing, Geoff was Chairman of the RYA's Paralympic Steering Committee which selected the Gold medal winning team in the 1996 Atlanta Paralympics. He has competed successfully himself too representing Great Britain in Australia and America taking the bronze medal.

Geoff's story is inspirational and told with humour, thoughtful insight and great images and film footage. He has faced adversity, challenged limits and continues to motivate others never to give up, to remain positive and to tackle their own 'personal Everest' challenges. With a marketing background, Geoff's business messages are rooted in experiences both on and off the water.

Download Geoff's full profile here

Download Geoff's Testimonials here

After Dinner | Conference Keynote | Facing Adversity | Disability Champion | Inspirational