A SAILING charity in Poole that allows disabled people the chance to get out on the water is in danger of going under.
Knoticat, one of the few wheelchair accessible sailing boats in the UK, are appealing to the public to help keep their free service running.
The boat, a 10m converted Catalac catamaran which has been in service for 20 years, underwent an extensive refit recently. However, the charity may no longer be able to keep sailing if they cannot fund the £14,000 annually needed for running costs.
Richard Monaghan, chairman of Knoticat Sailing and The Sports Forum for the Disabled, said: “Knoticat is one of only a handful of adapted wheelchair accessible sailing yachts in the UK, so the possibility of losing it would be a huge loss to so many people.”
Knoticat sailing operates from Poole Quay and takes hundreds of disabled adults and children out around the harbour every year. Trips are run from April until October each year, Monday to Friday, weather permitting.
Disabled people and carers have the opportunity to either sit back and enjoy the trip or participate in sailing the boat, learning the basics of sailing and navigation from the friendly and experienced crew.
Richard continued: “They can experience from the boat the history of Poole Harbour and it’s wildlife, and passengers can also take trips out to Poole Bay with its unique geology, visit Swanage Bay, and spend a few special hours with the other passengers.”
The Knoticat team has set up a crowdfunding page in the hope it can raise £50,000, which will enable them to keep running for at least another three years.
To donate, visit https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/knoticat-sailing.
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