By Press Release
An intrepid group of Abbeyfield Yarmouth residents took to the waves thanks to the charity Wetwheels. The seven residents, along with Abbeyfield Secretary, Perronelle Hudleston, and two family members, Susie Breare and Fiona Scott, were guests of Geoff Holt, the award-winning paraplegic yachtsman. Perronelle said: “They had a whale of a time. We have done different outings over the years, but this brought the biggest smile to their faces.
“It certainly wasn’t calm out there and they got splashed, so they were all given capes to protect themselves. The boat got up to 26knots and some of them were given the opportunity to take charge of the wheel.
“We went to Newtown Creek and back and had a brilliant time, some of them had never been on a speedboat before. They loved it and want to have another go. We were very grateful to have Geoff on board with us as well, so that made it extra-special.
“It also gave them practice for the Cowes-Torquay Powerboat race next month!”
Geoff lost the use of his legs following a diving accident when he was just 18 and since then has become the first paraplegic to sail solo around Great Britain and across the Atlantic.
Wetwheels specialises in taking disabled youngsters on sailing trips and gave the Abbeyfield residents, whose average age 93, a special day out.
Isle of Wight Observer