The
Centre
Golden Girl’s AHOY to London’s disabled sailors!
24th September 2009
A world first in disability training vessels is set to make waves when Britain's golden girl, Christine Ohuruogu MBE, welcomes it home to south east London, having completed a successful tour of England's south coast.
Built in Newhaven, having been funded by many generous donations, and starting at Falmouth, the craft visited nine ports on its way back to London, crewed and skippered by volunteers who have been taking out 36 people with disabilities each day during the inaugural trip. The welcoming ceremony on 24 September will see a flotilla accompany the PowerCAT40 to its home base in Deptford, where Christine is guest of honour at the official London hand-over.
The AHOY Centre, a sailing charity, has designed the £500,000 PowerCAT40 (a 40ft-long vessel based on a catamaran hull) to be the first craft operated by fingertip control. With a capacity for 11 wheelchairs, all round CCTV and lift platforms for optimum positioning at helm and points of entry and exit, this totally unique craft will enable people with both physical and mental disabilities to sail unaided, teach others with disabilities, and teach the able-bodied. Packed full of specialised technology, the PowerCAT40 demonstrates that with the right equipment disability need not be a barrier to achievement.
Christine Ohuruogu, Commonwealth, World and Olympic 400m Gold medallist, is renowned for inspiring young Londoners to take up sport in the run up to the 2012 Games.
AHOY has raised all of the build costs; but the centre is now offering a sponsorship opportunity for three years. When it arrives at the AHOY Centre, the PowerCAT40 will ply the Thames between Tower Bridge and the Flood Barrier, although there is scope for it to repeat its coastal tour. Lacie Cole revealed there is an opportunity for a company to sign up as a key sponsor. She said: "The launch of the PowerCAT40 presents a fantastic opportunity for the successful sponsor to receive a package of benefits and limitless exposure up and down the Thames on a daily basis."
The groundbreaking specialist Ahoy boat, funded by many generous donations, at its moorings
"The work that we do is extremely important because it provides a mental, physical and social outlet to people who would not be able to enjoy water sports otherwise.With the help and support of local businesses, we have ensured that over 6,500 people have been able to redirect their energy in a positive way and discover their true potential."
AHOY Centre Development Manager, Lacie Cole
"I think it's the job of every international athlete to go out and encourage young people to get into sport and stay in it and disability is no longer an obstacle to finding the right sport for you. I've always believed everyone should make the most of their talent. Britain has a proud Paralympic heritage and London 2012 promises to bring more success than ever before."
Christine Ohuruogu
For further information please go to our 'How To Help' page or contact Ahoy Centre operations manager, Clair Ongley: Tel: 020 8691 7506 - Email: info@ahoy.org.uk
To Read More About This Unique Project, From Start To Finish Click Here
‘ A Charity Changing People's Lives Through Sailing And Rowing ’