154. Daring to Dream: Geoff Holt

Disabled yachtsman and adventurer, Geoff Holt MBE, on achieving his seafaring dreams and inspiring disabled people to get out on the water 

When Geoff was 18, he landed a dream job as First Mate on a luxury yacht in the Caribbean. On the first day there, he dived into the sea and broke his neck, suffering a devastating injury which meant he’s been in a wheelchair ever since. 

Geoff talks about his personal journey, including marrying the nurse who helped care for him in hospital, and how – thinking his sailing dreams were over – he embarked on a different career path.

However, Geoff desperately missed sailing and wanted to do something extraordinary. Hear how he’s done just that, from sailing across the Atlantic and becoming a Vice President of the RNLI, to setting up a charity to help disabled people enjoy the water.  

200 Voices is produced by Adventurous Audio for the RNLI   

Interview by Adventurous Audio  

Soundtrack composed and performed by Jon Nicholls   

The RNLI is a charity celebrating 200 years of saving lives at sea - find out more at RNLI.org/200