Accessible Boating Thames

In 2014 founders Pat and Simon Davis realised that a next step was needed to allow less able people to have ‘hands-on’ experience in various watercrafts and so a partnership with Bisham Abbey Sailing & Navigation School (BASNS) was created.

After some years, a separate charity – Accessible Boating Thames – was created to focus on accessibility for people with various abilities. 

Initially ‘Rivertime 2’, a specially designed Wheelyboat was purchased to allow wheelchair users to easily access a powerboat and take the helm. Two bell boats were then acquired, (along with a powered safety boat) and two weeks of sailing school time per annum was designated for groups of SEND School children (two groups each day) to experience time in catamarans, in company with their carers (when appropriate).

Aims 

To enable people of varous abilities to enjoy weekly meetings, or specific sessions, facilitated by fully trained and certified personnel in accordance with the mission, vision and values of Accessible Boating Thames including:

• The provision of 3 bell boats for disabled young people from SEND Schools and other disability charities to enjoy paddling sessions and similar uses
• The provision of a wheelyboat for people in wheelchairs and for the specific purpose of training and use by disabled young people and their families
• The provision of sailing dinghies for disabled people to enjoy the experience of sailing
• A winch to allow access from a wheelchair for the seiously immobile
• The provision of volunteer helpers for the various requirements (safety boat and sailing instruction etc.) to enable less able wheelchair users, sometimes with a carer or a family member, to use the crafts according to their needs
• The provision of a safety boat to support the operations