Graduate Profile - Geoff Holt
Heroic Quadriplegic Sailor
Geoff Holt graduated from Southampton Solent University in 2003 with a BA (Hons) in Fine Arts Valuation. 
He was the first quadriplegic to sail single-handedly around the UK, and now inspired sailor Geoff Holt is about to embark on his biggest ever challenge.
Geoff – will be the first quadriplegic to tackle the Atlantic unassisted. His ‘Personal Atlantic’ – to raise money for the Ellen MacArthur trust – will begin in Lanzarote and end 3,000 miles and 18 days later in the Virgin Islands, where Geoff broke his neck in a diving accident 25 years ago.
In a complete move away from all things nautical and fearing he would never set sail again Geoff, 43, discovered another passion and turned his attention to antiques.
“Being at Solent was the best five years of my life and to this day, if everything else fails, I’m confident that my degree would pick me back up again.”
This increased confidence is getting Geoff through his incredible sailing endeavours. He’s facing his Atlantic mission head on.
“Going back to Cane Garden Bay will be quite emotional for me. I left that beach in an ambulance, I want to go back a yachtsman.
“I want to inspire people to take a look at their lives. This challenge is a celebration of what’s possible if you put your all into something.”
Read the full article in our online edition of Headway (Coming soon!)
For more information and to track Geoff on his travels, check out his website www.geoffholt.com|
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