Sailing

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Knoticat is available for the use of all disabled people, their carers and where possible, their friends and family up to a maximum of 11 persons aboard including crew.  The vessel is a stable, converted 9 metre sailing catamaran which offers real ‘hands on’ sailing to a wide range of disabilities.  There are ramped entry ports making access easy for most wheelchairs, a fully enclosed cabin with wide bunk for those who may need to lie down and an accessible, electrically operated private toilet.  All trips are made under the watchful eye of highly experienced and qualified skippers; and every effort is undertaken to ensure the safety of all aboard.  All the required safety equipment, devices, and first aid boxes are diligently kept up to date, and every trip is accompanied by a qualified first aider. 

A wide variety of destinations are available as we are not restricted to just Poole Harbour, these include Swanage Bay and Old Harry Rocks, our World Heritage Jurassic coastline, Poole Bay with Bournemouth Pier and the current construction of the new much publicised Boscombe Reef which will apparently create waves of up to 30 feet!  A little further afield is Weymouth, the favourite of King George the Third, the picturesque Christchurch Bay and Harbour, and The Solent with its numerous ports, rivers and creeks.  During the summer months we operate evening cruises and fireworks trips in Poole Harbour and for those who desire it, we operate dedicated fishing trips.

Where possible we try to encourage everybody to help sail the boat.  This may be rope pulling, steering, or even dishing out the biscuits, regardless, it is a joint effort usually enjoyed by all.  However, if your pleasure is to just sit back and enjoy the trip, then that is our pleasure too.  We are all there for just one reason, and that is to have a great day out.  No charges are made for the journeys aboard Knoticat, though we are not averse to asking for a small donation to the tea kitty at the end of each trip! 

Sailing aboard Knoticat is available throughout the entire year though we should point out that trips in the colder weather usually only last between 3 -5 hours at the most.  You would be advised to bring suntan lotion a hat and sunglasses in hot weather and suitable clothing for the day’s expected conditions regardless of the time of year.  Please also bring any food that you require for your own consumption, although drinks and biscuits will be provided by us free of charge.

Knoticat is based at ‘F’ Pontoon, Cobbs Quay, Poole, though you will normally be picked up at Poole Quay Boat Haven where there are accessible toilets and a gently sloping ramp.  On those occasions when she is away from her home port e.g. The Solent, full directions will be supplied.

Please note that prior to sailing everyone must join the Sports Forum Sailing Club, read and be fully aware of our legal disclaimers, which are listed on the website and on the boat.  For details of how to book your places aboard Knoticat click on the ‘Bookings’ tab above.