Mylor Sailability to launch the latest Wheelyboat design 

Bringing the thrill of powerboating to people with limited mobility in the south west

A local Paralympian gold medallist will be the guest of honour at the grand launch of a new Wheelyboat for local sailing charity Mylor Sailability in Mylor Yacht Harbour at 11am on Saturday 3 October.

Peter Norfolk, the Paralympian wheelchair tennis player known as the Quadfather, will be conducting the traditional launch ceremony with a bottle of champagne over the bow of the specially-designed motorboat that can accommodate up to six wheelchairs.

The boat has been designed, manufactured and provided by the Wheelyboat Trust, a registered charity dedicated to providing disabled people of all ages with the opportunity and freedom to participate in waterborne activities all over the UK. The Trust raised 75% of the necessary funding, and the balance was donated by local people, including a very generous £1,200 from the Mylor Yacht Club pantomime fund.

As Andy Beadsley, the Director of The Wheelyboat Trust explains: “The Coulam Wheelyboat V20 is most important development since the launch of the original Wheelyboat over 30 years ago and is our most versatile model so far. The specially designed Wheelyboats are simple to board via roll-on, roll-off bow ramps and their level deck makes access to all parts of the craft possible. Capable of speeds in excess of 30mph, it allows disabled people to experience the exhilaration of a powerboat, and the boat’s unique design will allow people with limited mobility to attain recognised RYA powerboat qualifications.”  

“This will take Mylor Sailability to the next level, helping people who cannot sit unaided or get out of their wheelchairs, to get on the water,” said its founder, Tracey Boyne. “Its drive-from-wheelchair helm enables wheelchair users to take the wheel and steer the boat for themselves, providing greater freedom and independence for boat-handlers, who might otherwise be relegated to be being mere onlookers.”

Following the official ceremony, there will be taster sessions, open to the public, available all day.

Mylor Sailability is the charitable arm of Mylor Sailing School, and an approved RYA Sailability centre, part of the nationwide programme from sailing’s national governing body, the RYA, introducing people with disabilities to sailing and providing opportunities to sail regularly. In the 15 months since it opened, Mylor Sailability – the only coastal centre in Cornwall -  has given hundreds of people with a disability, of all ages and from all over the county, the opportunity to get on the water with sailing or powerboating activities.

Mylor Sailability has recently also been successful with a Sport England Inspired Facilities grant of £48k for a new building, pontoon and hoist, which have been in place since June 2015, and received a joint funding grant with AGE UK to help get people age 50 and over with a disability into sailing. 

The charity has been nominated for a national Sport England Sportivate award with the Cornwall County Sports Partnership for best new project.

RYA Sailability is the leading UK charity for disabled sailing. For more information about getting on the water, whatever your abilities, visit www.rya.org.uk/programmes/ryasailability.