Sailing for disabled and carers
Unfortunately, we were handed, last year, something of a bombshell that will change the way the boat is run and could mean the end of Knoticat. The authorities in charge of Poole Harbour have introduced a new code of practice for all pleasure boats providing cruises to the public with extremely stringent rules governing the way we can operate. In future Knoticat must be licenced by BCP and all our skippers must hold a Poole boat persons licence. The big problem is that most of our skippers are over the age limit of 75 years of age, though they have in many cases skippered Knoticat successfully and without incident for many, many years.
With the invaluable help of a grant of £30,000 from our longstanding supporters Bruce Wake Trust we have been able to bring the boat up to licencing standards but this still leaves us with a shortage of skippers.
We need skippers under 75 with RYA Day Skipper Qualification willing to give their time, ideally about once a fortnight in the sailing season to provide the opportunity for disabled persons to sail for a 3 to 4 hours trip.
Knoticat has been providing sailing trips for 25 years now .... it would be sad to say this is the end of the line and we the Trustees will do all in our power to continue but there is no doubting we are at a crossroads.
The skippers and crew we have already will enable us, hopefully, to start the sailing season on 1st May 2026 .....so please still send your booking applications and we will do our best to get you out sailing!
For bookings and enquiries please contact Richard Monaghan on 07890 285 35 6 or email richardmonaghan18@gmail.com
Best wishes to all from everyone involved with Knoticat ....... and a huge thank you to all our supporters and sponsors.
Knoticat was 50 years old in 2022 and achieved 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 before 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.