Please select your home edition
Edition
Mackay Boats 728x90 TOP

Wetwheels Cymru - unlocking boating access for disabled communities in Wales

by Ginger Agency 2 Apr 08:33 PDT
Wetwheels gives freedom, confidence and wellbeing © Wetwheels

Wales is missing something life-changing - but you can make it happen

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.

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. Therefore, 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 7th-11th 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 1,000 km 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 first-hand 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 wetwheelsfoundation.org/wetwheels-operator/wetwheels-cymru to discover more about this campaign and access the dedicated JustGiving page.

Related Articles

Etchells North American Championship day 2
Three more races held on Saturday The 2025 Etchells North American Championship continued with 3 more races on Saturday. Conditions were more favorable for racing today with wind in the 8 - 12 kt range. Posted today at 2:24 am
Dragon Worlds at Vilamoura overall
NONO wins Corinthian division, and FEVER the Masters title After an incredible week of high-stakes competition and unforgettable on-and-off- water moments, the Dragon World Championship by Tivoli Hotels & Resorts wrapped Posted on 17 May
44Cup Porto Cervo day 3
Team Nika clings on going into final day After yesterday's stomach churning washing machine of a day, the Costa Smeralda turned the glamour conditions back on again for day three of the 44Cup Porto Cervo, organised by the RC44 class and the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda. Posted on 17 May
Galateia claims line honours at Tre Golfi Regatta
The Wallycento completes the course in in in 13 hours, 19 minutes and 42 seconds Galateia, the Wallycento owned by David Leuschen and Chris Flowers, was the first yacht to cross the finish line of the 70th Tre Golfi Regatta. Posted on 17 May
ILCA 6 Women's and ILCA 7 Men's Worlds overall
The northern wind arrives - Qingdao's final challenge Today marks the final day of the 2025 ILCA World Championships. While the champions have yet to be crowned, Qingdao's signature northern wind has already unfurled the curtain on the ultimate showdown. Posted on 17 May
2026 Junior Worlds set for Medemblik, Netherlands
A famous and beautiful sailing venue with a deep-rooted legacy in Olympic-class racing The International 49er and Nacra 17 Class Association proudly announces that the 2026 Junior World Championships for the 49er, 49erFX, and Nacra 17 classes will take place in Medemblik, Netherlands, from July 19 to 26th, 2026. Posted on 17 May
Dalton claims Alinghi are still recruiting
Emirates Team NZ CEO claims the Swiss America's Cup team Alinghi are still actively recruiting. In the course of a TV interview following the announcement of the venue for the 38th America's Cup, Emirates Team New Zealand CEO claimed that the Swiss America's Cup team Alinghi, were still actively recruiting, despite being in an "orderly wind-down". Posted on 17 May
Etchells North American Championship day 1
A strong day for Masfen, Cooke and Wilkinson give the NZL team top position Day one of the Etchells North American Championship started off under an AP flag with mostly cloudy skies. After an almost 90 minute delay, Race 1 got under way at 12:55 with a course bearing of 235 with 1.2 nm legs. Posted on 17 May
May 2025 edition of FINNFARE published
In a new look magazine, the focus is on original feature length content In a new look magazine, the focus is on original feature length content, illustrated with the usual extensive photos. Posted on 17 May
Bulwarks and Bulldust – watch Episode Two
Three time Jane Tate Memorial Trophy winner, Annika Thomson, talks racing and rubbish... Episode Two of Bukwarks and Bulldust featuring Annika Thomson from Ocean Crusaders is now up and running. The three time Jane Tate Memorial Trophy winner talks about her favourite subjects - racing and rubbish... Posted on 16 May
Henri-Lloyd Dynamic RangeVaikobi 2024 DecemberMaritimo 2023 S600 FOOTER