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Sailing Beyond Barriers: Empowering Adventures with Wetwheels Foundation
Pantaenius UK is proud to partner with The Wetwheels Foundation as an Inclusivity Partner, supporting their mission to create life-changing maritime adventures for disabled and disadvantaged people of all ages. Wetwheels provides unique opportunities for individuals, including those with multiple, profound, and complex disabilities, to access the water in a safe, barrier-free environment.
Founded by disabled yachtsman and adventurer Geoff Holt MBE in 2010, Wetwheels continues to expand its impact, delivering transformative experiences across its growing fleet.
Dive into the heart of adventure with our sponsorship of Wetwheels Foundation, where every journey is an opportunity to create unforgettable experiences
In 2024, Wetwheels facilitated 1,250 incredible adventures, welcoming nearly 10,000 participants on thrilling journeys at sea. Our support has helped broaden these experiences to include individuals from organisations such as Jersey Cheshire Homes, Queensferry Care, Rosewood School, Brannel School, The Special Partnership Trust, and Whizz-Kidz.
With eight vessels now operating around the UK and plans to grow the fleet further, Wetwheels is making waves in inclusivity and empowerment, one voyage at a time.
Follow our page for upcoming fundraising activities, and if you’d like to support this remarkable organisation, please donate using the link below. Together, we’re breaking barriers and fostering a world where the sea is open to everyone.
Thank you!
Looking for a great deal on boating gear? Join us at The BIG Wetwheels Boat Jumble, a nautical twist on the classic car boot sale, happening at Eastleigh Football Club!
What to Expect
Whether you’re a buyer or seller, this event is perfect for anyone passionate about boating:
- Sell Your Gear: Turn your unwanted boating equipment into cash.
- Bag a Bargain: Score great deals on pre-loved boating items like ropes, anchors, gadgets, and more.
The best part? All proceeds from pitch bookings and admissions go directly to Wetwheels, a charity that’s dedicated to making boating accessible for disabled and disadvantaged individuals. As the proud inclusive partner of Wetwheels, Pantaenius UK is excited to support this event and help raise vital funds for such an important cause.
How to Get Involved
- Sellers: Secure your pitch today! Spaces are limited, so don’t miss out.
- Buyers: Mark your calendars and join us to discover incredible bargains.
Recent Events
The Healing Power of Time on the Water
Boating has the power to create unforgettable experiences, but for some, it’s more than just an adventure—it’s a chance to connect, heal, and thrive. In a recent Sea Angler magazine feature, Down on the Boat shared their journey as a young family whose children have additional needs. Their story highlights the freedom and joy that time on the water can bring, reinforcing why inclusivity in boating matters.
Read the full story here.
Through our partnership with Wetwheels, we’re proud to help more people experience the magic of the sea.
Whether you're a seasoned boater or just discovering life on the water, we’re here to help you make the most of it—safely and confidently.
February 2025 – Geoff Holf MBE DL Webinar
Geoff Holt MBE DL shared an unforgettable story in the Pantaenius UK hosted Wetwheels Foundation webinar, delving deep into his journey from a life-altering accident in 1984 to becoming a passionate advocate for barrier-free boating. Geoff spoke candidly about the emotional and physical challenges he faced after his accident, and how his love for sailing helped him rediscover his purpose.
Through Wetwheels, Geoff outlined how they have provided life-changing experiences on the water for people with disabilities. The webinar also highlighted the charity’s growth, now with eight boats across the UK, and the crucial role of the Princess Royal as patron. Geoff’s vision for the future, including the "Finishing the Dream Challenge" to fund more accessible boats, was a heartfelt call for support.
Whether through volunteering, sponsorship or donations, Geoff encouraged everyone to be part of a movement that makes a tangible difference for people who might otherwise never experience the freedom of the open water. If you'd like to support this incredible initiative, please consider donating here.
Missed the webinar?
Don’t worry, you can still catch all the valuable insights by watching the full recording at your own convenience. Click below to watch now!
Finishing the Dream
Setting off from London, Geoff Holt MBE has recently completed his epic voyage, to inspire and enable more disabled people to share the joy of the open water. Our connection with Wetwheels Foundation and the friendship we've built with Geoff serves as incredible inspiration to us all. As a disabled sailor, Geoff has made history by circumnavigating Great Britain in a ground breaking challenge like no other. Our team cheered him on every step of the way.
Find out more about this incredible achievement here where you can make a donation to this amazing charity and support Geoff’s dream.
15th -24th September 2023 - Navigating Success: Pantaenius UK reflects on the Southampton International Boat Show 2023
The Southampton International Boat Show 2023 features everything the leisure marine industry has to offer. We enjoyed a week marked by success, camaraderie, and fruitful partnerships. As a pivotal part of this maritime spectacle, our collaboration with Wetwheels provided an extra layer of significance to the event.
A particular highlight was the highly successful networking event hosted in collaboration with Wetwheels on our stands. This provided the perfect platform for meaningful connections and discussions. We extend our gratitude to everyone who attended, contributing to the success of this event.
Our collaboration with Wetwheels has been instrumental in making the Southampton International Boat Show a resounding success, and we look forward to continuing this partnership and creating more opportunities for shared experiences in the future.
5th July 2023 – HRH The Princess Royal officially names Wetwheels Edinburgh
Pantaenius UK were honoured to attend the official naming ceremony for the 7th boat in the Wetwheels fleet. HRH The Princess Royal officiated at the event held in Port Edgar Marina, the permanent home of this brand new power catamaran. The entire fleet have been built to Wetwheels exacting specifications at Cheetah Marine based in Ventnor on the Isle of Wight. Powered by 2 x 325hp Suzuki Outboards, this vessel is capable of speeds in excess of 30 knots guided by Raymarine electronics and is accessible by all, regardless of disability.
The new location brings Wetwheels’ ‘Barrier Free Boating’ ethos to Scotland and promises memorable trips looking up at the nearby UNESCO registered Forth Rail Bridge with regular trips out to see seals and puffins on the local islands. Geoff Holt MBE DL commented “As a keen sailor, HRH The Princess Royal truly understands the benefits to be gained for everyone from being on the open water. We are very proud to have her support, and that of the Edinburgh community - thank you to everyone has helped make this dream a reality.”
We wish Wetwheels Edinburgh all the very best for the many years of great work she’ll perform in the coming years.
Long-term commitment & future events
Pantaenius UK has today announced they will be continuing and increasing their support for the Wetwheels Foundation.
With Wetwheels going from strength to strength, expanding the fleet into the City of Edinburgh this springtime, Torbay in 2024 and new plans for Wales and East Anglia, this collaborative partnership will also see both organisations jointly promoting the charity at a variety of events. The number of individual experiences on offer is also set to increase, including a week of on-water opportunities in July and working together at the Southampton International Boat Show.
SOLENT PLATINUM JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS
Pantaenius UK were delighted to have been able to assist The Wetwheels Foundation assemble 5 of their fleet for the Solent Platinum Jubilee celebrations in Cowes on 6th August 2022. A charity breakfast at the Royal Yacht Squadron was followed by the sailing and motorboat community coming together on the water with over 400 boats welcoming HRH The Princess Royal (Patron of Wetwheels) and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence. The Princess boarded the Wetwheels Hamble catamaran in Cowes and made her way out to HMS Severn where she reviewed the fleet as they passed. A spectacular Spitfire display added to the parade to create a day to be remembered for many years to come.
A fundraising ‘Lunch on the Terrace’ supported by Pantaenius UK completed the day’s activities at Cowes Yacht Haven with supporters, staff and guests of The Wetwheels Foundation in attendance. The event raised over £12,000 for the charity to help them to continue in their fantastic work of providing barrier free boating to all.
images from the Solent Platinum Jubilee celebrations in Cowes
Southampton Marathon - Sunday 24th April 2022
Team Pantaenius joined the Wetwheels Foundation runners in this fundraising run. Client Hub Executive, Patrick Dawes and Head of Commercial Partnerships, Simon Hedley, along with daughter Darcy entered the 10k category with a goal of raising as much money as possible within a sub 1 hour time! Simon managed a personal best of 55 minutes and 8 second with Patrick managing 49 minutes and 15 seconds. With additional contributions from event sponsors ABP and Gift Aid, the team raised over£1200. You can still sponsor our team here:
Make your own donation
We will also be asking our policyholders if they would like to donate any smaller premium refunds or cancellation return premiums to The Wetwheels Foundation as another way to help generate further much needed funds. If you would like to make your own donation please do so by clicking here:
