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Three of our boats are adapted and can safely take the largest electric wheelchair. These boats are capable of speeds up to 30 knots.
A quadriplegic Member recently passed the RYA level 2 course with us and regularly skippers his own boat. His next project is to sail, single handed around the coast of Britain.
If organisations wish to use our services we can provide in- depth risk assessments. All our skippers and instructors are trained to the highest standards and our boats are coded by the Marine Coastguard Agency.
The South Coast based company has put together a fleet of boats that can cater for all levels of experience and ability. They include high-performance RIBs, a work boat and purpose built vessels which have been designed to allow easy access and control for people with disabilities, including wheelchair users.
What also makes Boatability unique is its operational structure. Essentially it offers five levels of annual membership; Gold, Silver, Bronze, Family and Corporate. Each year, members are awarded points which can be used to access a range of options including up to 25 days usage of any boat in the fleet, discounts on a range of powerboat and shore-based RYA training courses, discounts with partner organisations and many other benefits. With Bronze membership starting at only £76, there is guaranteed to be a membership package suitable for everyone.
Nick Kincart, Principal of Boatability, explains; “We already have a successful business providing power boat experiences and delivering training to many hundreds of satisfied clients. However, our research shows that many people are unable to enjoy the freedom and enjoyment of power boating for two reasons; one is cost and the other is the physical accessibility of the boats themselves. We have overcome both of these problems. Firstly we have addressed the problem of access for disabled people by commissioning purpose built boats to enhance our fleet and secondly, we have addressed the issue of cost by establishing the Boatability membership scheme. No longer will it be necessary to outlay the cost of a new boat and incur mooring charges which may only be used a few weeks each year. For a fraction of the price of a new boat, a yearly fixed-cost can give the member up to 25 days worry-free boating, access to a range of RYA training courses and many other benefits. Furthermore, the boats have been designed so not only can people get on and off them easily, and that includes people with disabilities, but the steering and throttle controls have been designed for easy use by everyone too. Whether you want to use the boat in the Lochs of Scotland, on the English canal network or out of a fishing harbour in Cornwall, we can deliver the boat wherever, and whenever, you want it” .
Boatability believes that the safety of individuals is paramount and, as such, all the boats have been fully inspected and approved by the Marine & Coastguard Agency thereby ensuring full safety standards .
Disabled sailor Geoff Holt comments; “I’ve used a wheelchair for the past 20 years and have always been frustrated that I’ve been excluded from taking part in motor boat activities. Although I sail regularly, I often face the indignity of being lifted out of my wheelchair onto the boat which isn’t always easy for me or my helper. I was genuinely overwhelmed when I saw the Boatability boat in the water. Without any fuss and within a minute, I was not only safely onboard but I was taking charge of the controls and steering the boat around the harbour whilst still in my wheelchair. It’s simply incredible”.
Boatability is a recognised Royal Yachting Association Training Centre and is therefore able to offer all of its clients the option of undertaking a variety of power boating qualifications, including people with disabilities.
“We’ve already had a huge amount of interest” continued Kincart. “Specifically we have had a number of schools, local authority-run centres and other not-for-profit organisations who see the benefits of bringing small groups of clients. For example, a member group can give their clients a safe and empowering experience for as little as £10 per person which is tremendous value for money. This isn’t about taking people for trips around the harbour, this is about giving those people the opportunity to actually get involved and to play an active part in the experience. The benefits are many and apart from the sheer enjoyment of being on a boat on the water, it can help with issues of motivation and confidence. It will also help improve social skills, practical skills, management and team building skills. The possibilities are endless and we are happy to talk through individual requirements”.
This post has been edited by Brigusser: 23 December 2006 - 08:24 AM
