Sailing for disabled and carers
Unfortunately, the weather was extremely windy and rainy through the spring. It has been so challenging that it has prevented us taking the boat out to complete the necessary amount of training we would like to have done ready for the season starting in May.
We still have a limited amount of trained volunteers and this means that the number of people we will be able to take out this summer will probably not be as many as we hoped... but please, if you would like a booking on Knoticat, email Richard the following information:
Please give the name and phone number of your organiser
Have you any preferred dates
How many wheelchairs... one electric or two manual maximum
How many ambulant disabled and carers. The maximum number in your group may not exceed 5 persons
We will be starting with Tuesdays and Fridays. The last few years have been exceptionally difficult. Hopefully, we will gradually return to our previous levels but it will take time.
We do not have a bookings officer, this task is being undertaken by Richard. We would ask you to please phone him on 07890 285356 / 07306 080789 or send an email to richardmonaghan18@gmail.com for booking enquiries.
Knoticat will be 50 years old in 2022 and achieves vintage status.
Knoticat is an offshore sailing catamaran, owned and operated since 2000 by the sports club charity Sports Forum for the Disabled Charity no. 900608, with the aim of giving all disabled and carers the opportunity to sail and enjoy the beautiful waters in and around Poole Harbour.
Please take the time to read this website for full information and note that all sailors are required to join our sports club when they board the boat.
Contact us
We need
a booking officer
skippers
Please contact
richardmonaghan18@gmail.com
07890285356
Do you know anyone with some computer skills who would be interested in taking on the challenging but extremely rewarding job of bookings officer for Knoticat that really does give pleasure to so many disabled and carers.
Also, we are always in need of skippers for Knoticat. If you have boating experience, or are willing to learn the necessary skills from our instructors and can commit to giving time on a regular basis.
Hands on Sailing
As far as we know, Knoticat is the only FREE to use, seagoing, fully wheelchair accessible sailing boat for disabled in the UK and one of only a few in the world. You’ll be able to steer the boat and get a feel for how Knoticat handles.
Enjoy this Video
Knoticat is free to use because we don't want any disabled and carers to miss the experience due to income restrictions. However, it costs £17,000 per year to run the boat and we ask anyone who can afford to make a donation to help and suggest a donation of £10 per person where possible. Naturally, without the help of our sponsors, despite the fact that the boat is run by volunteers, we could not continue.
Our AIM is…
Sailing for Disabled and Carers as the sea should be accessible to all!
“This was proper sailing: I helmed the boat from Poole Quay to Studland, where we picked up a mooring. Nobody else wanted to take the helm on the way back, so I repeated the experience. This was the best day out, by any standard!”
We sail every weekday when the weather allows from early April to late September and all trips are made under the watchful eye of highly experienced and qualified skippers.The day starts at Poole Quay Boat Haven entrance on Poole Quay, where we pick up our club members, check membership and help fit life jackets before anyone is allowed to enter the marina. Once on board a short safety briefing is given and any questions you have can be answered. We leave the marina and once into clear water you are welcome to help with sailing or just sit back and enjoy the ride. The trips usually last 3 to 4 hours around Poole harbour, out to Studland and along the Jurassic coast or towards Bournemouth. We normally anchor for lunch and make tea or coffee. After her extensive refit, Knoticat is again out on the waters of Poole Harbour and bay. We take Club members, disabled and carers and families out for a sailing trip they might otherwise find unable to experience. A few hours out on the water with others is fun, exciting, restful and therapeutic. You'll see the harbour and surrounding waterfronts from a completely different view.