Find answers to commonly asked questions here
Our passengers are adults, young people or children (from the age of five) living with disabilities, including their carers or relatives if there is space on the boat. We also welcome passengers who have mobility issues. Freedom has ramp access for ease of loading of wheelchairs and for those who have mobility issues.
As for any boat trip, you should ensure that you and your friends or family are comfortable. It can be colder on the sea than on shore so an extra layer of clothing is advised. Any Medication relevant to the time of day or that might be needed for any reason should be brought along. Sun screen, drinks, picnic, warm clothing and your sense of humour can also be brought onboard. Sorry, NO SMOKING, or vaping, is allowed on the boat.
All wheelchairs will be secured using dedicated tie down straps so that they cannot move on the deck.
Apart from whilst leaving and returning to our home berth, the Crew are ready to chat, help and assist our passengers throughout the trip. Just relax, soak up the sun and enjoy the amazing scenery. If the conditions are good the Skipper may drop anchor, or tie up, and everyone on board can picnic together. We carry a few information sheets about local scenery so please feel free to ask questions about the what you can see, history, the boat, or the charity.
MV Freedom has a fully accessible flush toilet, fitted with grab rails, hand basin, and electric hand dryer. We also have a holding tank that enables it to be used whilst alongside, before sailing. The toilet is wheelchair accessible.
Although it is unusual, we might permit alcohol subject to strict conditions.
Many of our passengers like to celebrate special occasions on board. We are happy for passengers aged 18 and over to drink in moderation but it is at the discretion of the Skipper and we would ask you to discuss your intentions when making the booking and again, with the skipper, before the boat leaves the Mooring. Remember that there may be other passengers on board who are uncomfortable with another group drinking alcohol.
Freedom is moored in North Quay Marina and is as close as is possible to the Marina gate. There is a public car park opposite the Marina at Postal Code DT4 8JH although the building to which this post code applied is no longer there. The ‘What Three Words’ location for the Marina gate is "rising.regime.issued”.
When you arrive at North Quay, wait by the marina gate but make yourself visible to the boat. You will be spotted by the Crew who will greet you and allow you access to the pontoon. Wheelchair access is straightforward and is trusted. You will be accompanied down to MV Freedom and welcomed on-board. The crew may ask for your Booking Reference No. so please have it ready.
We aim to sail week day mornings and afternoons from April to October. All trips are subject to the 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 well informed ahead of any sailing.
We ask that all passengers wear a life jacket. Once you are settled on the boat, the crew will give you a life jacket and, if asked, will help you to put it on. We use modern, self-inflating comfort-fit life jackets.
Weather permitting, we will travel to Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door or around Portland towards the Bill. If it is too rough, then we will seek shelter in Portland Harbour where there are many sights of interest.
The charity, and hence your trip, is funded solely by donations. The charity is run by volunteers and we have no paid staff. If you would like to make a donation then it will be gratefully received and will help us to continue to provide this service. Your donation can be boosted by 'Gift Aid' if tax rules apply. A donation can be made in several ways: cash, card or bank transfer, either in advance of, during or after the trip.
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.
Annual running costs for the boat are around £17k to £20k. Each trip for 12 passengers costs about £120 in total. The Charity is also saving for when this boat needs to be replaced.