A charity that runs a fleet of specially-adapted boats that offer disabled and disadvantaged people a safe way to experience the water has been selected as the official charity for the 2026 British Ports Association Conference.
Founded in 2011 by disabled yachtsman, Geoff Holt MBE, the Wetwheels Foundation has commissioned a fleet of eight vessels that offer full wheelchair access and other adaptations to make them safe for use by people with complex impairments. A group of trained skippers are assisted by an army of volunteer crew members, who support participants to play an active role in steering the boats, which operate from eight UK bases – from Jersey in the English Channel, right up to Edinburgh.
In addition to raising awareness of the Foundation and its work, proceeds from fundraising at the BPA Conference will go to Wetwheels South East – a community interest company set up in Dover five years ago to operate one of the charity’s custom-built vessels.
Doug Bannister, CEO of the Port of Dover, and Chair of the BPA said:
“We are proud to be supporting Wetwheels South East as the official charity of the 2026 BPA Conference when it comes to the Port of Dover in October. Based within the Port, Wet Wheels is an inspiring organisation for our local community, breaking down barriers and extending horizons to ensure that anyone with a disability can experience the excitement of powerboating on the open water.”
Wetwheels’ founder, Geoff Holt, was paralysed in a swimming accident in 1984 and uses a wheelchair. In 2007, he became the first disabled person to sail single-handed around Great Britain, before sailing across the Atlantic Ocean unassisted two years later. He was awarded an MBE for “Services to Disabled Sailing” in 2010 and named ‘Yachtsman of the Year’ shortly after. His Foundation aims to support 15,000 people every year to participate in a Wetwheels experience across the UK by 2027.
James Dunn, Operations Director for Wetwheels South West C.I.C said:
“It is a great privilege to be nominated as the community organisation supported by the British Ports Association Conference in Dover in 2026.
As a not-for-profit, the support we receive from the Port of Dover is invaluable. Without their commitment and generosity, it would be extremely difficult for us to continue providing opportunities, experiences, and joy to so many people living with a wide range of complex disabilities.”
It is anticipated that the 2026 BPA Annual Conference & Exhibition will be attended by more than 400 delegates, with around 45 exhibiting companies taking part, from across the ports and maritime sector. The Port of Dover’s Cruise Terminal One will also be the venue for the 2026 BPA Awards & Gala Dinner on Thursday 22 October, where the winners of six different award categories will be announced.
For more information on the Wetwheels Foundation, visit www.wetwheelsfoundation.org
Delegate tickets for BPA 2026 are selling quickly and there are limited sponsorship opportunities still available. Organisations interested in finding out more about the event can visit www.bpa2026.com or email the event management team at Freshwater on BPAconference@freshwater.co.uk