Charity makes waves for disabled powerboating

A press release:

Trial the unique disability-friendly Wheelyboat model

at this year’s Southampton Boat Show

The Wheelyboat Trust will be at this year’s Southampton Boat Show from Friday 11 September to Sunday 20 September with its most versatile craft developed to date, the Coulam Wheelyboat V20. The small charity has been funding the design and build of unique disabled access boats for more than 30 years, and its latest model is gaining popularity for the opportunities it gives disabled users to take up the thrill of fast-paced powerboating both at sea and on inland waterways.

The Wheelyboat Trustis a national charity that provides disabled people with the opportunity and freedom to enjoy water-based activities all over the UK, for sport, wildlife watching, recreation or rehabilitation purposes with its seven different boat models. The specially designed Wheelyboats are simple to board via their roll-on, roll-off bow ramps and their level deck provides access to every corner of the boat including the helm, overcoming practical difficulties and providing disabled users with independence to make the entire water accessible.

The Coulam Wheelyboat V20 is a bow-loading Wheelyboat manufactured in GRP glass fibre designed for use on inland and inshore waters. Powered by a 60hp motor outboard, it can reach speeds of up to 30mph, allowing it to be used for more adventurous and thrill-seeking powerboating. The Coulam Wheelyboat V20 seats up to 10 adults including 6 wheelchair users and has a specially designed drive-from-wheelchair helm making Powerboat 2 and Inland Waterways Helmsman qualifications a reality for those with impaired mobility. The V20 model on display at the boat show will soon be used by Mylor Sailability which helps hundreds of people from all over Cornwall with a wide range of disabilities take part in sailing.

Andy Beadsley, Director of The Wheelyboat Trust says, “No-one in a wheelchair should feel excluded from outdoor activities and since launching the Coulam Wheelyboat V20 model last year, we have seen a surge in orders across the country from a variety of different venues, users and community groups such as keen fishermen, sea cadets and special educational needs schools, all raising funds to get their own boat. We don’t believe there is any other provider of these kinds of boats in the whole of Europe, so by coming to the Southampton Boat Show we want to raise awareness to more people about the possibilities that Wheelyboats can bring to a community or boating venue to allow more disabled people to get out on the water.”