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British Virgin Islands Salutes Disabled Yachtsman

The British Virgins Islands last week held several special events to both honor and welcome disabled yachtsman Geoff Holt back to the BVI after he became the first quadriplegic sailor to sail single handedly across the Atlantic Ocean. Holt’s month-long odyssey brought him back to Cane Garden Bay on Tortola, the site of an accident that 25 years ago left him paralyzed from the chest down. Premier and Minister of Finance Ralph T. O’Neal, OBE, who is also the minister with responsibility for immigration, conferred upon Holt and his family honorary belonger status on Jan. 15 at a short ceremony held at Government House.

Holt made the journey aboard a 60-foot, wheelchair-accessible catamaran. While he independently sailed and navigated the vessel, also on board were his personal care taker and a BBC cameraman documenting the journey. In 2007, Holt was the first quadriplegic yachtsman to sail solo around Great Britain -- a 109-day voyage covering 1,445 miles and 51 destinations. And at age 43, it appears as though he’s only just getting started in attacking more and more ambitious goals, as he hopes to one day sail around the world.

Holt had a busy week since returning to the BVI, touring Tortola and other islands, attending welcome receptions, and even scuba diving on Cooper Island. “What an incredible, amazing sensation it was to dive in these beautiful waters off of Cooper Island,” said Holt. “The ‘can-do’ attitude of our guides and operators was brilliant.”

“We could not have been more pleased to have this opportunity to host Geoff for a day of diving,” said Mike Rowe of Sail Caribbean Divers, a dive operator based in the BVI who is also a member of the Board of Directors of the BVI Tourist Board. “We are proud to make the extra effort and following necessary safety precautions to be able to bring the wonderful experience of diving to all visitors to the BVI, regardless of their capabilities!”

Holt’s experience in the BVI underscores how suppliers throughout the destination strive to provide outstanding service and accommodation of the needs of all visitors. Perhaps that is why the British Virgin Islands have been recognized in several categories among the “Top 100 Caribbean/Atlantic” diving destinations in the SCUBA Diving magazine 2010 Reader’s Choice Awards. SCUBA Diving magazine’s Reader’s Choice Awards highlight the results of an annual, impartial survey that allows SCUBA Diving readers to rate their favorite diving destinations. The British Virgin Islands were named the First Place winner for Top Beginner Diving, Second Place for Top Underwater Photography, and Third Place for Top Wreck Diving. For more information, visit www.bvitourism.com.