Customising an Oceanis 48 for 'Sailing for the Disabled'

When Ancasta were approached nearly a year ago, we jumped at the chance to find and customise the perfect boat for our new clients, ‘Sailing for the Disabled’. Based in the Isle of Man, the charity offers adults and children with a wide range of disabilities the chance to experience the exhilarating camaraderie and freedom of sailing. 

Looking to upgrade or replace their current boat, representatives from Sailing for the Disabled originally spoke to Alastair Shove from Ancasta Yachts and realised that with the expertise and practical back up of Hamble Yacht Services behind us, we are not only perfectly placed to supply the correct vessel, but also able to ensure that it will be customised to their very specific requirements.

Bruce Hastie, our Beneteau Sales Manager has now secured a brand new Beneteau Oceanis 48 which has now been ordered and as soon as she arrives in this country at the end of July  she will go directly to Hamble Yacht Services for the extremely significant adaptations which will allow people with wheelchairs  greatly improved access to the boat. The main changes to be implemented include …

A wheelchair ramp from the transom.
A sliding cockpit table to allow access through the cockpit with a wheelchair.
A motorised lift that allows a wheelchair to go down the companionway entrance into the saloon.

Obviously, there will be many other smaller convenient modifications applied to thoroughly complete this bespoke commissioning and once she is complete everyone will have the opportunity to view the changes.  Berthed in the marina at this year’s Southampton Boat Show, the Oceanis 48 will be taking her place as part of the National Boat Show’s  ‘Try A Boat’ event which is running for the duration of the show,  and people will literally be able to do just that.  She has already sparked further interest from the disabled sailing community, and we hope that she will inspire and provide a fantastic platform from which we can advance  to make sure everyone can now enjoy the sport completely unhindered by any physical limitations.