Cost of building this unique boat is upwards of £180,000,.
With your fantastic help we are well on our way to completing the project. Any help raising funds to continue the project is appreciated.
Thank you to everyone who has helped us.
from
£37,000.00
We have managed to raise funds from Family and Friends and running various events throughout the community, including selling a 2023 calendar which was a great success.
£37,309.00
We want to offer a service that means whoever wants to join us for our adventures on the River Blackwater can, without any hinderance, due to a fully accessible boat designed to remove all blocks to accessing the boat and using the facilities once on board.
This includes Physical and Mental ability plus anyone who struggles to get aboard, we welcome everyone aboard the Freedom Boat Adventures.
A CIC is a special type of limited company which exists to benefit the community rather than private shareholders and any assets or profits belong to the CIC and not the Team involved in running the operation.
Yes!
We are happy to take donations and sponsorship to enable us to continue the great work - Look for the donate button on this website or contact us for a chat.
All monies raised at this time are purely for the build of the boat and its fit out with specialist equipment for comfort and accessibility
Dawson Marine will build the boat at cost and the Swift Cat design was chosen due to its amazing stability and fuel efficiency which is tried and tested.
The projects main focus will be those with disabilities of any kind be they physical or Mental and any age but we will also have a small part of the project that will focus on general tourism to allow for income generation to cover the running cost of the boat and subsidy.
An introduction to the wonderful scenery and wildlife off the shores Mersea Island and also the vast Historical heritage along the River water Blackwater. Plus, all who come on board will have the opportunity to drive the boat
West Mersea Jetty ( The hammerhead )
Normal operating days will be Tuesday - Sunday times will be posted on the booking page due to tide.
We have a dedicated space for a minibus near the launching jetty and there are also car parks within 5 minutes of our location.
12 people can be aboard this can be up to 6 Wheelchairs at one time
Yes!
All the skippers hold the relevant qualifications to take the boat out to sea and all other staff have full induction and training to support the skipper.
We will offer bolt on packages to the trips but here is also many restaurants and take away nearby.
Yes!
There will be snacks and drinks available to purchase
Yes!
The boat can be hired for the day, contact the team to get more details.
I was lucky enough to grow up on an island, so I've spent most of my life surrounded by water and I can't imagine my life without it. Being on, in or by the sea has fundamentally shaped me as a person; the sea is where I head for exhilaration and adventure and conversely, for thought, reflection and calm.
This project will enable disabled people like myself to enjoy the freedom of being out on the water. It's a feeling that is priceless. Id love to be on its first outing. This project really deserves support
This project will hopefully open doors for so many other disabled people to get out on the water and change their lives as mine has been!
The Mersea Island Festival has been providing new experiences for those with and without a disability since 1981, including rib rides close to shore and sailing trips further out. However, the accessibility to those in a wheelchair and/or with limited mobility has been extremely restricted. The opportunities FBA can bring, regardless of an individual's physical or mental ability, will be a major boost to their confidence and feelings of self-worth.
If you need to know anything else about the Freedom Boat Adventures project or would like to get involved then please get in touch.
Please tell your friends and family and share share share this page and any donations are greatly appreciated.
You can also pay direct to our account;
1 Newcaptains Road, West Mersea, Essex CO58QP
07940 519846
Private Company Limited by Guarantee C.I.C.
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