The Earl of Wessex praised the charity’s efforts to provide catamaran trips for wheelchair users
A disability boating charity in Portsmouth has been given a boost, following a visit from the Earl of Wessex.
Prince Edward praised the work of Wetwheels, which provides catamaran trips in the Solent for wheelchair users.
His Royal Highness was given a brief tour of the charity’s catamaran by Geoff Holt MBE (pictured above left), who commissioned Wetwheels from Isle of Wight boatbuilders Cheetah Marine.
The 9m motorcat is powered by twin 300hp Suzuki outboards and can carry 10 passengers at speeds of up to 40 knots.
Its key feature is the wheelchair-accessible side ramp, but Wetwheels is open to visitors of all ages and abilities.
After meeting with the Prince, wheelchair user Anne Savage said: “I feel honoured to be part of this occasion.
“It’s wonderful being on Wetwheels. You have the freedom of the seas and are away from the usual drag of life.”
Fellow Wetwheels user Dan Giddings, 17, who also got to meet Prince Edward described the former trainee Royal Marine as “alright” and “someone who knew what he was talking about”.
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