Royal seal of approval for land and sea charities

A NATIONAL campaign to make the sea accessible to everyone was given the royal seal of approval this week, following a visit from the Princess Royal.

- ATHWENNA IRONS

During her tour of Devon on Wednesday, Princess Anne joined the Wetwheels Foundation in Torquay to mark a major milestone for inclusive boating in the UK.

Hosted with the support of the English Riviera BID Company, the visit shone a spotlight on Wetwheels’ mission to ensure that disabled and disadvantaged people, including those with profound and complex needs, can experience the freedom of the sea in a safe, empowering and fully interactive way.

Founded by disabled yachtsman Geoff Holt MBE, the Wetwheels Foundation already operates eight specially adapted powerboats across the UK. Now, buoyed by growing demand and Royal support, the charity has announced plans to expand its fleet to ten boats nationwide, enabling thousands more people to take to the water each year.