Specially designed boat for disabled people to sail into Whitby next month

The Yorkshire boat will be based in Whitby harbour and is the fifth boat launched by Wetwheels - a charity that builds disabled people’s confidence by providing the opportunity to access the sea using specially modified, fully accessible powerboats.

The boat, currently under construction, is due to arrive into Whitby in May where she will enjoy a full season taking disabled and disadvantaged people out on the water.

It has a specially modified aerial to allow access under the swing bridge into the harbour and will be the first powerboat to have twin access doors allowing passengers to embark and disembark from either side providing many more options for her use up and down the Yorkshire coast.

Although based in Whitby, the charity hopes to be able to take passengers on trips from Scarborough and other Yorkshire ports. She will have a trained commercial skipper plus a specially trained crew member on board for each trip during which passengers will have the opportunity to view the coast from the water – and may even be able to take control of the boat helping to steer her.

Bookings for trips are now being taken, further details can be found at: www.wetwheelsyorkshire.com.

Chairman, Peter Richardson has also teamed up with Andrew Pern from the Star Inn the Harbour to have a specially designed menu for the naming ceremony in the summer.