A boat for the disabled in the heart of the Jurassic Coast
A Brief History of M.V. Freedom
When did Freedom begin?
In 1982 Acorns day centre conceived the idea of purchasing a boat that would provide a unique service for the benefit and enjoyment of people who suffer with a disability, have learning disabilities, or the elderly.
Friends of the M.V.Freedom was formed in 1984 to raise funds to purchase a boat, the first Freedom was bought for £25,000.00 and saw service for 10 years.
However she was not up to the exacting standards that had been brought about after the Marchioness disaster, etc.
A Blyth 33 catamaran was purchased in 1994 and converted to take up to 6 wheelchairs and a total of 12 passengers. The current boat has been in service now for 15 years and carried on average 2,500 passengers a year.
She has been a faithful workhorse but is a little tired and becoming more and more expensive to maintain every year. Plans are afoot to purchase a replacement in the next 2 years.