"Verity K" was built to test the special equipment required,
and disabled peoples reactions to proper sailing, she is 35 feet long, has
a deep, safe centre cockpit, a very strong splayed bilge Keel, full ocean-going
capabilities but still has under 5 foot draught, for use in the French canals
and ease of docking. She has all modern equipment fitted, including, full
galley, central heating, fridge, satnav, self-steering, and an extensive
range of safety devices.
The most startling aspect of the design is the ease
of access. There is a gangplank concealed in the hull that comes out onto
the quayside to allow a section of the hull and deck to roll out. This gives
wide easy access to the cockpit for anybody including wheelchair users. The
cockpit is also the subject of considerable redesign, the starboard seating
has been removed and the helm is fitted to the rear cockpit wall. This gives
ample space for wheelchair users to work in the safety of the cockpit and
also allows access to the lift fitted in the doorway to the saloon. The lift
area also has steps for able bodied .
The interior can sleep five people in three separate
cabins. For comfortable and safe sailing, a minimum crew for the yacht should
be one able-bodied qualified sailor and then one able-bodied person for each
disabled person on board. Verity K was designed as a family sailing cruiser
and remains so even with the redesign
Entry to the saloon is via a stairway, which has a
wheelchair lift built into its sides. The design of the hull allows a very
spacious saloon and there is space for a wheelchair to turn and use the galley,
table, seating and navigation equipment. There are harness fix-points at
each of these stations and throughout the yacht. The foreward cabin,
is suitable for disabled persons who do not need to use a wheelchair all
the time. The saloon will convert to two berths and the rear cabin is
wheelchair-friendly.
The head is in the corridor to the aft cabin and is
easily wheelchair-accessible with room for a wheelchair and assistant if
required. It has a holding tank for a marina. There is enough space in the
aft cabin to turn a wheelchair. Although the berth height is a little above
wheelchair seat-height, it should cause no problems with transfers Apart
from all the normal safety equipment, Verity Ks splayed bilge keel
allows her to remain up-right if beached or grounded, this and her deck stepped
mast will allow her to sail or motor in places, difficult for yachts of similar
size. Below decks has been designed with wheelchairs in mind and the extra
space adds to the comfort of these already superb craft.
All the controls are run back to the cockpit, and can
be reached from the helm. Roller reefing on all three sails (cutter rig)
minimises deck work which is a great safety factor. There is plenty of space
for a person to use a normal wheelchair on the yacht, but it is difficult
to wheel about when under sail. The yacht will probably have to be bought
up into the wind and motored if the necessity arises for that person to move
about. It is envisaged that any disabled person would be safely seated on
the craft and not in a wheelchair when under sail but a fix-point for wheelchairs
will be available in both the cockpit and saloon.
Sailing the yacht will be in the traditional manner
from the cockpit. The main helm is mounted on the seating at the rear of
the cockpit and there is a second steering position that can be used by an
instructor to override the main helm or be used from the hatchway in really
bad weather. Apart from giving good weather protection, the centre cockpit
also allows a disabled person an all round view, enabling them to be at the
helm at all times. There is a clear 50-inch turning area in the cockpit with
two fix points for wheelchairs, and standard seating on the port side. Self
tailing winches are fitted as well as easy to read audible instruments there
will be tactile surfaces for those with vision problems.
Verity K is available to any disabled person or group
who has sufficient qualifications and is acceptable to the charter manager,
with no restriction on where she sails, or how long the charter may be, although
practical provisions for onward cruises must be made if she is not returned
to her home port. There may be a fee for use of the yacht, which in certain
circumstances will be waived or assisted, and a qualified Captain/crew/carer
will be provided if required.
COME AND LEARN TO SAIL A YACHT - NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED
We would like to share all the research information and experience we have gained to avoid other people
having to do things that have already been done
..... we can help with advice, fund raising, research..... contact us
dsahq @ ntlworld.com
(not a link you have to type it)