The Poole Harbour Guide 2013 FREE

Sports Forum for the Disabled
Knoticat is a specially converted 9 metre sailing
catamaran. Over the last ten years it has provided
hands-on sailing and recreation for thousands of
disabled people in the local area.
The Knoticat organisation is part of the registered
charity Sports Forum for the Disabled (SF) and is run
entirely by local volunteers.
Each year more than 500 disabled people and their
carers sail with them from Poole Quay Boat Haven on
trips lasting about three hours. These trips around the
harbour, along the Jurassic coast, or up the river to
Wareham are entirely free and provide an invigorating
day out for people with all levels of disability.
The boat itself is a twin-screw sailing Catalac
catamaran built by Tom Lack Catamarans of
Christchurch during the 70s. The boat was purchased
by the SF in 2001 and extensively modified to allow
wheelchair access to interior rest facilities and on-board
toilet. It has been in continuous use since purchase and
provides a unique sailing experience for its users. It is
the only free seagoing modified sailing boat for disabled
use that we know of in Britain.
The boat carries modern specialised safety devices, is
fitted with up to date communication and navigation
equipment and is crewed by experienced qualified
www.sailing4all.org
Charity No 900608 – Affiliated to Phab
Secretary Rosalind Green: 077 486 88 999
Special Feature
individuals. Major maintenance is professionally carried
out backed up with self-help. Cobb’s Quay Marina,
Poole Quay Boat Haven and Poole Harbour
Commissioners provide invaluable support too.
Project ‘Seahorse’ (Safe Easily Accessible Hands-On
Real Sailing Experience) is ongoing, its aim to raise
funds necessary to replace the ageing Knoticat.
Although still safe and functional having recently
undergone a major refit, the boat is becoming a bit of
an old lady. Sponsors, fundraisers and volunteers are
urgently needed to assist in raising money to provide its
successor. Anyone who feels that they can help is asked
to make contact, details below.
The Knoticat team also now needs to expand its
operational side, anyone with an interest in helping in this
direction is asked to contact the secretary. The
operational needs lie particularly in fundraising,
sponsorship, administration, public relations, boat
maintenance and record keeping. There is also a
requirement for experienced crew and trainees. Training
is available for all tasks at all levels and involvement can be
as little or as much as volunteers wish.
All disabled people, resident or visitor, who would like
to sail with them at any level should contact the booking
line or visit the website for up to date information.
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