Empowering accessible boating since 1984
Who we are
Friends of MV Freedom is a UK registered charity. It is run entirely by volunteers; there are no paid staff. The charity is administered by a small team of Trustees who are responsible for running and maintaining the boat, providing skippers and crew and raising sufficient funds to run the boat in accordance with MCA codes of practice.
Our History:
From simple beginnings, our humble and modest aims began and have grown, matured, and been sustained over the many years of operation. The present boat is the third MV Freedom and was custom designed and built to meet the needs of our special clients. The charity was founded in the mid 1980s. The idea sprang up in a Weymouth care home and matured into its current form. We have well-established policies and procedures to govern how the charity is run and to ensure a safe and comfortable working environment. We comply with Charity Commission guidelines and Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) Codes of Practice, where they apply.
Fundraising:
It costs around £20,000 a year to keep MV Freedom afloat, on a harbour mooring and running twice daily trips throughout the season. In addition to funding the boat, we endeavour to lay down funds for a replacement vessel that will be needed in the not-too-distant future. Much of this funding is raised by donations received from the local community and from our clients on the boat. See how you might get involved.
Find answers to commonly
asked questions here
The Friends of MV Freedom want all of our passengers to derive as much lasting benefit as possible from their trip to Sea. We aim to sail morning and afternoons in the week during April to October, and trips are also available some Saturdays – all trips are subject to the glorious British weather. If bad weather results in a cancellation, this decision is not taken lightly, but the safety and comfort of our passengers is always paramount and you will be informed immediately.
Sun screen, drinks, picnic, warm clothing and your sense of humour. We also ask for a donation towards running costs. Sorry, NO SMOKING is allowed on board
Many of our passengers celebrate special occasions on board, we are happy for passengers, 18 and over to drink in moderation but it is under the discretion of the Skipper and we would ask you to discuss your intentions before the boat leaves the Harbour.
Throughout the trip the Crew are ready to chat, help and assist our passengers. Just relax, soak up the sun and enjoy the amazing scenery. If the conditions are good the Skipper will drop anchor and everyone on board will picnic together.
We have a toilet on board, with an easy access door and grab rails.
The Skipper and the two Crew will take you on a cruise out into Weymouth Bay and onto the stunning Jurassic coastal waters of Dorset. Your trip destination will be chosen from on of the following: Portland Harbour or Lulworth Cove via Durdle door. The selection of the route will depend on weather and sea conditions.
When you arrive at the Council Marina Entrance, you will be spotted by the Crew, they will greet you and allow you access onto the pontoon, (wheelchair access has been well used and is fully trusted) you will be accompanied down to MV Freedom and welcomed on-board by the other member of the Crew and the Skipper.
Once all of the booked passengers have arrived you will have a brief talk from the Skipper, life jackets will be handed out and fitted. Wheelchairs are secured to the deck, and then you’re off.
(Please note maximum wheelchair width 76cm)
The charity and hence any trip is entirely funded by donations. The charity is run entirely by volunteers and we have no paid staff. If you would like to make a donation then it would be gratefully received and will help us to continue to provide this service. The donations can be boosted by 'gift aid' if terms are met.
Everyone’s circumstances are different so we would simply ask that, if you would like to make a donation, it should reflect the experience that you have had today and be manageable for you.
Each trip for 12 passengers costs about £120 in total.
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