Wetwheels Foundation partners with Pantaenius UK

Boat and yacht insurance specialist Pantaenius UK has announced Wetwheels Foundation as its chosen charity.

Founded by yachtsman Geoff Holt MBE in 2011, Wetwheels offers the opportunity for disabled and disadvantaged people of all ages — including those with multiple, profound and complex impairments — to access the water on board specially-built, fully-accessible powerboats.

Pantaenius UK, part of the Pantaenius Group, says it will support several initiatives to raise funds to support the charity’s work enabling barrier-free access to the water. Wetwheels will be nominated as a beneficiary for selected events and sponsored challenges undertaken by their UK teams.

Wetwheels founder Geoff Holt (left) was the first quadriplegic yachtsman to sail solo around Great Britain

Mike Wimbridge, managing director of Pantaenius UK says: “We are truly delighted to be supporting Wetwheels. This worthy cause resonates with not only the boating fraternity but also the community at large. Being able to get out and enjoy time on the water is something that should be available to all without the barriers of age, physical or learning disability, gender or financial background and we are thrilled to be playing a small part in this.”

Neil Wilson, chief executive of The Wetwheels Foundation, says: “We are looking forward to a year of working with the team at Pantaenius UK with our shared values, ensuring that everyone can access the open water and the range of benefits this brings to those who come onboard. This partnership is wonderful news.”

In February, Marine Industry News reported that Wetwheels Solent and the Disabled Sailors Association (DSA) are organising the UK’s first ‘Truly Barrier-Free Boating Weekend’, which will be held over the weekend of 14-15 May 2022 at Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth.