I don’t know quite where to start writing about our amazing experience on board the MV Freedom, a boat trip for disabled people in Weymouth…
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We were going to Weymouth for a few days during the Easter holidays and I had been looking at taking a boat trip in Weymouth. I had found lots of boat trips in Weymouth on Google, but was worried that Little L might find the experience overwhelming as he is autistic. The thought of getting on a boat with a load of strangers who might not understand and being stuck for a couple of hours if he hated it filled me with dread!
Then, one evening before we left for our holiday to Weymouth, Dorset, where the MV Freedom is based, I stumbled across a Facebook post about them. The MV Freedom is a specially designed catamaran designed to cater for all kinds of disabilities. There is also a toilet which meant I could breathe a sigh of relief, having Crohn’s Disease I don’t like to be far from a loo!
I had never heard of a boat trip for disabled people! The MV Freedom offers disabled people and their carers access to the sea that they might not otherwise have, including wheelchair users as well as those with sensory issues like Little L.
I couldn’t quite believe it! I has a look at their website to make sure that it wasn’t specifically for wheelchair users and they mentioned sensory difficulties too so I called the number to book. I spoke to Paula, who was lovely, she offered a space for the four of us the following Friday afternoon. We were actually due to leave on the Friday morning but I was able to extend our stay for an extra night which worked out perfectly.
Paula sent me a text with the location of the MV Freedom as well as the closest car parks which was really handy. We spent the next few days getting very excited about the boat trip.
A trip around Portland
On Friday we headed to Weymouth center early and bought some snacks for the boat trip then we found the MV Freedom at Weymouth Harbour
We were met by the crew (who all work on a voluntary basis, by the way) who were lovely, very calm and liked to crack a joke or two. We were all given life jackets and waited for the rest of the passengers to board. The other passengers were older people from a care home and their carers, a couple were wheelchair users and it was one of their birthdays. It was really lovely to have such a varied group of people on board.
We were given a quick safety briefing and then we were off. Once at sea we were able to move freely around the boat, you do need to make sure there is something to hold on to as it got pretty choppy in places. We went to the front of the boat and the look on the boys faces said it all, it was pure joy!
Big smiles from Big L on the MV Freedom
The trip itself lasted for two hours and was glorious. I felt so free standing on the deck with the sun on my face. The sea was so blue, picture postcard blue! We sailed over to Portland, through the harbour and back again. If you are lucky you will see seals, and if you are REALLY lucky you might catch a glimpse of the dolphin Sadly we didn’t see any seals or the local dolphin but that’s wild animals for you, maybe next time because there will be a next time!
Little L steering the MV Freedom under the watchful eye of the crew and Dad
The boys favourite part of the trip was steering the MV Freedom themselves, I don’t think I have ever seen either of them so focused.
The crew were really patient and let them steer for quite a while. Little L did get a bit overexcited and move the steering wheel a bit more than he should have but they were very good with him and even let him toot the horn when it was time to.
Big L was in his element, wearing a Jack Sparrow hat, and took instructions very seriously. He steered the boat for a good while, until we got back to Weymouth Harbour and it needed an experienced hand to steer safely.
Being in control of a boat really is a special gift to give someone, especially someone who might not feel they have much control over their own life. At the end of the trip both boys were presented with a certificate signed by the Skipper, they were delighted!
The boys being presented with the certificates on the MV Freedom
The two hours went by far too quickly and we bid a sad farewell to the crew. They really made our holiday and it is something we will all look back on with great memories.
I would highly recommend the MV Freedom to anyone visiting Weymouth or nearly in Dorset with a disability who might otherwise not be able to spend time at sea. Their website is www.mvfreedom.co.uk
