The Wheelyboat Trust

Clywedog Sailing Club's Mk III Wheelyboat still going strong after 11 years. Photos from their annual Disability Sailing Day.

Richard Hayden from Mariners of Bewl on their day two weeks ago with Duchenne Family Support Group: "Had a brilliant day. Just everything was perfect. The attached few photos tell the story far better than any words. I know that those of us who have access to the wonderful V20 will be very familiar with these sort of images, but its still great to see so many happy faces and people enjoying the experience. To see the confidence of those who come on board (esp those in wheelchairs) grow when they a) realise that the boats are a very stable platform b) they feel the wind on their faces and c) that they can get behind the wheel and helm the boat themselves, is just wonderful. I feel privileged to see this happen again and again." Huge thanks to Marcus Frisby and Young Epilepsy for making their V20 'Awe & Wonder' available for the day.

Jim Coulam's V29 landing craft workboat had its premiere at July's Seawork in Southampton. Powered by twin Suzuki 200hp outboards its top speed is close to 50mph. With a 2.5 tonne payload, its 1.5m bow door is wide enough for a utility vehicle. More info at www.coulam.co.uk.

Assynt Crofters' Trust have launched a Coulam 16 Wheelyboat on Loch Drumbeg. The ceremony formed part of their week-long celebrations to mark the 25th anniversary of their community buyout of the 21,000 estate. The Wheelyboat will be used for angling and nature-watching in this stunning and pristine setting in Sutherland.

Photos from the recent official launch of Lymington Sailability's Coulam Wheelyboat V20 by HRH The Princess Royal.

Papercourt Sailability, who operate near Guildford, have launched their new Wheelyboat. Well done to all involved! Papercourt Sailing Club is an RYA Champion Club, a recognised RYA Training Centre and has been awarded UK RYA Sailing Club of the Year, as well as being a Sailability Foundation Status club. Their programmes are accessible to all abilities and ages from their vibrant youth programme, which has over 150 children, to their adult training programme. All are welcom...e to join the Club either as a non-sailing individual or family, or without owning a boat, learn to sail at very reasonable cost, and get friendly advice about which boat to buy, with first class facilities and a wonderful safe environment in which to learn and sail. There are already six Access dinghies, designed so that they will not capsize, and these will now be complemented by the new Wheelyboat offering an additional type of fully accessible boat to the fleet. Guest of honour was Cllr Mike Parsons, Mayor of Guildford. A cake celebrating the launch had been skilfully decorated with icing sugar models of sailing dinghies and the Wheelyboat! Many thanks to Peter Snow for the excellent photos.
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Coulam 16 Wheelyboats launched in Wales this month at Penderyn Reservoir (Mountain Ash Fly Fishers) and at Dwy Cymru's Llyn Brenig. Happy fishing!

Local Solutions launched their Coulam Wheelyboat V20, named Sir Bert Massie after the disability rights campaigner, at Liverpool Watersports Centre last week. Lady Maureen Massie, Sir Bert's widow, cut the ribbon. Powered by a 90hp Suzuki outboard, the launch was followed by a thrilling 30mph ride through Liverpool docks. The V20 will provide disabled visitors to the centre with powerboating, powerboat training, pleasure boating and tours of the historic docks.