Wetwheels
Solent
Serving Portsmouth and the South Coast
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Launched in 2011, Wetwheels Solent is the original regional operator for the national disability power boating charity Wetwheels Foundation. It is community interest company 08451362.
Wetwheels Solent has her home in Portsmouth, so is perfectly positioned to operate across the region.
The Wetwheels experience is designed to enable every disabled person the chance to experience the excitement of power boating. Wetwheels boats are truly unique by being fully accessible – not just giving you the chance to be a passenger, but also to take the helm as the skipper – everybody gets the chance to drive!
We depend on the goodwill of our wonderfully experienced volunteers and generous donors to bring Wetwheels to you. If you would like to be part of a Wetwheels experience, it doesn’t matter if you’re young or old; Just get in touch with Jo in the office to arrange your visit.
The Wetwheels team look forward to welcoming you aboard.
Memory Lane Portsmouth Experience
- Wetwheels Solent
90 minutes. Trip around Portsmouth Harbour, Submarine Museum and out into the Solent. The opportunity is there for participants to take the helm. A gentler trip for all involved. As a finale to all of our trips, once you are back on dry land, you also have free entry to the Spinnaker Tower, please let the Captain know you would
Needles Adventure (IOW) Experience
- Wetwheels Solent
This option allows you to charter Wetwheels exclusively for you and your party (at least one member of your party must be disabled). The Needles adventure is dependent upon the wind and tide, so is only available on specified dates. Please contact the office on 07904 997 622 to book. Once departing Gunwharf Quays (Portsmouth), the day is yours. We
Portsmouth Harbour Tour
- Wetwheels Solent
90 minutes. Departing from Gunwharf Quays we visit the ships and historic dockyard and maybe head into Port Solent through the lock. As a finale to all of our trips, once you are back on dry land, you also have free entry to the Spinnaker Tower, please let the Captain know you would like to visit and we can organise
Solent Sunset Cruise
- Wetwheels Solent
90 minute trip departing from Gunwharf Quays. 10 places available including 3 wheelchairs. Private groups and mixed bookings available on the earlier sunsets in April in September. Please call to enquire and book on 07904 997622. What to bring All safety equipment and lifejackets are provided We do have splash capes but you should always bring warm clothing as it
Captains Classic – Group Bookings
- Wetwheels Solent
The Captains Classic Group booking can be a half day or a full day. Please call the office to discuss your trip requirements on 07904 997 622. Your group will not only get to see a number of Portsmouth harbour’s most exciting and interesting sights, you will also get to experience an exciting high-speed voyage in the Solent where all
Captains Classic – Mixed Bookings
- Wetwheels Solent
This is a 90 minute trip which includes a trip around the harbour tour plus high-speed experience out in the Solent. Every participant gets the chance to helm the boat making for a thrilling wet and fast ride! A mixed booking also requires the boat to have other participants on board – so your booking may need to be moved
Chichester Harbour Tour
- Wetwheels Solent
Due to the tidal limitations in Chichester harbour, dates are restricted. Please contact the office to arrange a suitable date and time for this trip. As a finale to all of our trips, once you are back on dry land, you also have free entry to the Spinnaker Tower, please let the Captain know you would like to visit and
Geoff Holt
Director
Geoff was paralysed in a swimming accident in 1984 and uses a wheelchair. In 1995 he became the inaugural Chairman of RYA Sailability. In 2007 he became the first disabled person to sail single-handed around Great Britain and in 2009 he sailed across the Atlantic Ocean unassisted. He was awarded an MBE for “Services to Disabled Sailing” in 2010 and named ‘Yachtsman of the Year’ shortly after. He was made a Deputy Lieutenant of Hampshire in 2012 and he is a Council member of the RNLI. He is also a patron and ambassador for several charities for people with disabilities.
Geoff has 20 years experience in marketing & PR working for international accountancy firms Deloitte & Coopers & Lybrand. He holds a degree in Antiques and Auctioneering. He is the author of ‘Walking on Water’ and is a professional Speaker.
He founded Wetwheels in 2011.
Jules Wright
Operations Manager
Andrew Snowdon
Director
Andrew has recently retired after successfully running his own business for 18 years and has a lifelong love of the sea, boating and fishing.
After meeting Geoff more than 40 years ago through the Round Table organisation Andrew was honoured to be asked to be involved with Wetwheels, and being part of a group that offers such wonderful experiences on the water fills him with pride. Andrew is committed to ensuring that Wetwheels continues to provide trips that offer freedom and adventure to wheelchair users of all ages.
Martin Fisher
Director
Martin is Regional Director for Vision Independent Financial Planning Ltd and first became involved with Wetwheels when he was inspired by Geoff Holt at a corporate speech Geoff gave. He says, “What I can give back is only an incredibly tiny percentage of what Geoff does for disabled people. To see the reaction we get from people who have experienced a ride on the boat is amazing and worth any time I am able to spend!
Dan Brown
Lead Skipper
Having spent my teen years growing up in Cape Town I have always had a passion for the sea. Any spare time I had I surfed, waterskied and sailed. Eventually I crewed on a new yacht delivery from there to the Med and started life in the UK on the south coast. I’ve been around and had boats most of my life so a job with Wetwheels was perfect especially with the people I get to meet and in turn share the enjoyment that boats and the sea can bring
Wetwheels Solent Annual Golf Day
- Wetwheels Solent
Entries are now open for our annual Golf Day at Hamptworth Golf Club on the 12th June. Full details and entry form can be found here; CLICK HERE Teams of 4 sell out fast so be sure to book early. Always a fun day with lots of prizes up for grabs and fundraising for a great cause.
Wetwheels Solent – winter update
- Wetwheels Solent
Wetwheels Solent appeared in Christchurch this week for some much deserved TLC, ensuring she is in top condition for the new 2024 season. There is so much that goes in to running a boat successfully and safely, and the winter is an important time to check key areas of technical operation, as well as the coating on the hull. Thank
Anti Anxiety Video (Sub-Titled)
- Hamble, Jersey, Solent, South East
Video commissioned to alleviate anxiety amongst new participants (accompanies Story Board). Filmed on Wetwheels Solent, but provides an indication of what you can expect when you join us.
