A Call to Action

"We've been doing this for twenty years mate!"

Based in Weymouth, England, the friends of the Motor Vessel Freedom operate a service for the benefit and enjoyment of people who suffer with a Disability, have Learning Difficulties, or the Elderly - and have been doing so for the last twenty years. The M.V. Freedom travels some 50 Miles a day in the 6 months of summer carrying some 2,500 people each year.

The vessel, a catamaran powered by two 135hp diesel engines and weighing approximately 10 tons was purchased ten years ago. It has undergone an extensive refit to make it wheelchair accessible via a drop-down door, and has various clamping positions for up to 6 wheelchairs, with a disabled-friendly on-deck washroom.

Freedom is Department of Transport approved to travel up to 60 miles from any safe haven. Running at around 12 Knots the standard day trips are about 2 to 3 hours. The trips are usually along the coast from Weymouth to Lulworth Cove then on to Portland Harbour and home, or out and around Portland Bill to sight see or go fishing.
 

Terry catches yet another dogfish	Terry and Mark Bowell of the BDAA about to board

 
In the summer of 2002 "M.V. Freedom" was contacted by founder member and secretary of the British Disabled Angling Association Terry Moseley to do a "Sky Sports" TV filming session as part of the "Tight Lines" program that Terry regularly appears on. The Skipper of 'M.V. Freedom' Peter Targett, and his friend Dave Gibson who is also charter boat skipper took Terry Moseley and the rest of the film crew out to a location a few miles West of Portland.

Terry Moseley has endorsed the CharterAbility initiative and offered his support. He has also supplied us with a video of the trip and has kindly given us permission to use the material, his name, and that of the British Disable Angling Association in our promotional efforts.