Wetwheels Solent
Building disabled people’s confidence
Wetwheels builds disabled people’s confidence by providing the opportunity to access the sea in a fun, safe, stimulating and rewarding way using specially modified, fully accessible powerboats.
With the support of our donors and partner organisations we provide water-based activity experiences for disabled people on board our specially designed boats, from centres within local communities.
Our adventurous trips afloat are staffed by specialists who ensure each person can share experiences, challenge their self-perceptions, extend their horizons, and discover new opportunities.
Tired of the usual stag and hen trips?
Beneficiaries are active participants, rather than simply passengers, with the opportunity to steer the vessel and learn seamanship, alongside their peers, friends, and families. The experience is truly inclusive helping to improve aspirations and increase confidence.
Our own research tells us more than 80% of Wetwheels’ participants have never previously been on the sea. When asked why, the reason given is that the opportunity had not existed before. Disabled people can face particular challenges developing confidence, self-belief, self-worth and independence and many do not reach their potential in life. Most are very able but are restricted by low aspiration and lack of opportunity, which often impacts on wellbeing, the ability to live a full life and make a valuable contribution to society.
Wetwheels is an inspiring organisation where perceived barriers are reassessed, new skills are learned and new-found independence is discovered. Participants are able to have a single experience or return over time to develop new skills..
About us
Wetwheels is a Community Interest Company (CIC). We are a registered not-for-profit organisation limited by guarantee serving our local community. Using fully accesible boats, we can provide boating opportunities for people of all ages and of all abilities. We offer a range of options; from educational and mentoring programmes to sport and experiential trips, there is something for most people. For more information, click Our Activities in the menu bar.
Where appropriate, we ask participants to contribute towards the costs of their trip. We may be able to access funds to cover some programme funding but we are adamant that lack of finance should not exclude anyone from enjoying our boating opportunities.
How to find us
Members Information
Name of vessel:
Wetwheels Solent
Type of vessel:
Powered Catamaran
Power / Sail:
Power
Home Port:
Gunwharf Quays Marina
Operating:
Portsmouth, South Coast of England
Licence type:
Cat 2
Capacity:
10
No of crew:
2
Services:
The provision of power boating experiences predominately aimed at building the confidence of disabled people. Wetwheels is fully adapted to take people with disabilities including wheelchair users and for them to have the opportunity to drive under instruction.
Contact Information
Contact Name:
Mr Geoff Holt
Address:
West Bay,
15, The Old Guard House,
Gunwharf Quays,
Portsmouth,
Hampshire
PO1 3TZ,
United Kingdom
Office Phone:
023 9281 9366
Mobile:
Fax:
023 9281 9366