A new charity that aims to give people with disabilities the chance to enjoy powerboating has received big support at the Tullett Prebon London Boat Show.


The Disabled Powerboating Trust held a party at Sunseeker International, hosted by the inspiration for the charity and its first ambassador, Geoff Holt MBE. Geoff, who is himself a wheelchair user, encouraged individuals and companies both in and beyond the marine industry to get involved. He revealed that, although there are many sailing charities for people with disabilities, this is the first charity to use powerboats.

Geoff Holt

Geoff Holt (centre) with Shelly Jory (right)



The Charity’s board of Trustees includes Robert Braithwaite CBE, President of Sunseeker International; Chairman Ian Davies, Council Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales, Shelley Jory-Leigh, British Powerboat Champion, Tracey Clarke, media specialist and Andy Fell, disability expert. The Trust will raise money from individual and corporate donors, identify providers of suitable craft, make grants and provide information to those with disabilities who wish to access the water under power.

Speaking on behalf of the Chairman, Tracey Clarke confirmed that the Trust’s first goal is to get at least 25 companies to adopt the Disabled Powerboating Trust as their chosen charity for 2012. And Geoff Holt’s patronage is a fine starting point for that. He said: “The advantage of powerboating is that it allows people of all abilities to take part together, so families and friends can share the pleasure. I have already taken many people out on my adapted boat, ‘Wetwheels’, and no matter what their age or ability, the pleasure we get is the same for all. I wish the Disabled Powerboating Trust every success and wholeheartedly lend my support to its endeavours.” See the Disabled Powerboating Trust for details.