A POWERBOAT made for wheelchair users will be handed over to Wareham Boat Hire on Monday.(Aug 19)

The Coulam Wheelyboat V17 is being supplied by national charity The Wheelyboat Trust.

As a registered Royal Yachting Association (RYA) training centre, Wareham Boat Hire will be able to offer disabled people RYA Powerability training and tuition for the first time, in addition to enabling disabled customers to enjoy accessing the lower reaches of the River Frome and Poole Harbour.

Wareham Mayor Cllr Hilary Goodinge will attend the launch, as will Wareham town crier Jacquie Hall.

Matt Jones, director of Wareham Boat Hire, said: "The design of the V17 accessible Wheelyboat is second to none.

"The roll-on, roll-off access and drive-from-wheelchair helm is exactly what we have been looking for to provide inclusive access to the water, bringing accessibility to the heart of Wareham.

"Our current Wheelyboat, the Mk III, is one of the most used throughout the UK, and we cannot wait to introduce users to the Coulam Wheelyboat V17 and the Powerability programme.

"Seeing a community, and disabled holidaymakers truly benefit both physically and mentally from this vessel will be so rewarding and we are very excited to add the V17 to our fleet and expand the services we offer to disabled people here in Dorset.”

While accessible boating is a very important service to provide, with the new Wheelyboat, users will be able to go to the next level, training to reach powerboat level one and two qualifications and eventually become qualified powerboat drivers, skippers and instructors.

Wareham Boat Hire already has one Wheelyboat – a Mk III – which attracts 1,000 users per year.

Wheelyboat Trust director Andy Beadsley said: "Without the provision of accessible boats, disabled people are largely denied experiences that able-bodied people freely enjoy.

"It is fantastic to partner with Wareham Boat Hire again, who are now able to offer RYA powerboating qualifications and this takes their commitment to increasing inclusivity in the activities they offer to the next level.

"Our newest model, the V17 is the perfect boat for this purpose, as the design means it can be used as a powerboating craft whether for able-bodied or disabled people. It is a truly multipurpose vessel and it will set new challenges, develop new skills and create opportunities for adventure for all on board.”