Serving Hamble, Southampton, the Isle of Wight and the South Coast
Launched in 2016, Wetwheels Hamble became the third regional operator for the national disability power boating charity Wetwheels Foundation. It is community interest company no. 12770886.
Wetwheels Hamble has her home at MDL's Mercury Yacht Harbour in Hamble, so is perfectly positioned to operate across the Southampton region, the Isle of Wight and the South Coast.
The Wetwheels experience is designed to enable every disabled person the chance to experience the excitement of power boating. Wetwheels boats are truly unique by being fully accessible - not just giving you the chance to be a passenger, but also to take the helm as the skipper - everybody gets the chance to drive!
We depend on the goodwill of our wonderfully experienced volunteers and generous donors to bring Wetwheels to you. If you would like to be part of a Wetwheels experience, it doesn't matter if you're young or old; Just get in touch with Suez in the office to arrange your visit.
The Wetwheels team look forward to welcoming you aboard.
Taster by name and Taster by nature! This one hour trip is a shorter version of our Full Experience and is ideal for first timers to try out Wetwheels Hamble to get a feel for the boat and the water before taking one of our longer experiences! This entry level excursion is a favourite for all ages, offers great value and quite simply the chance to get some much needed fresh air and blue therapy!.
Our original experience providing both time gently touring the River Hamble but also a powerboat experience offering the chance to drive with our fully qualified skipper providing tips and advice! It is ideal for all of our participants especially if you are keen for a little bit more adventure.
This trip is really relaxing way to spend some time on the water. Cruise along the Hamble River learning its history and enjoying is peaceful atmosphere and plentiful wildlife. It is ideal for our more senior participants, supports new memory building in dementia and offers relaxation and mindfulness for those feeling stressed anxious or depressed. 'Blue Health' from proximity to water, getting ou...
Taster by name and Taster by nature! This one hour trip is a shorter version of our Ocean Village Full Experience and is ideal for first timers to try out Wetwheels Hamble and get a feel for the boat and the water before taking one of our longer experiences! This entry level excursion is a favourite for all ages, offers great value and quite simply the chance to get some much needed fresh air and...
An experience providing both time gently exploring the Southampton dock area but also a powerboat experience where the boat travels into Southampton Water and the Solent at speed .... and even better everyone can have a chance to drive if they wish! .
Wetwheels Hamble are proud to say they will be at the Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy (postcode DT5 1SA) from offering barrier free boating opportunities for people of all ages and disabilities. .
Wetwheels Hamble are proud to say they will be at the Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy (postcode DT5 1SA) from offering barrier free boating opportunities for people of all ages and disabilities. .
We are offering an hour of fun on the water from Poole Quay Haven for groups of up to 10 people including 3 wheelchair users. Leave disabilities behind on the shore and let the sea's blue health benefits improve your mental well being and stimulate your senses. .
Day trip to the beautiful Beaulieu River, stop at Bucklers Hard for a picnic or lunch ashore at the Captian's Table or Master Builders Arms .
A perfect day trip to spend with family and friends. Take a scenic tour to along the Western Solent to The Needles and then picnic in Alum Bay or maybe lunch in Yarmouth? .
We are offering a Full Experience of fun on the water out of Berthon Lymington Marina for groups of up to 10 people including 3 wheelchair users. Leave disabilities behind on the shore and let the sea's blue health benefits improve your mental well being and stimulate your senses. .
Jennie joined WWH as a director in August 2018 having previously been involved in fundraising for the boat. She now overseas the running of businesses, with key focus on finance and fundraising activity.
Jennie has lived in Hamble for nearly 20 years, having been drawn here by yacht racing at weekends, she loved the village and stayed.
She is now semi retired after over 30 years in the ‘City’, and aside from spending time with Wetwheels, she sits on the Investment Committee of the pension fund NEST, is a non-executive director of Epworth Investment Management Ltd and a member of the Central Finance Board of the Methodist Church.
Suez joined WWH in June 2019, putting the excellent relationship management and operations experience that she gained from her 28 years in the yachting/marine industry to very good use. She was delighted to become a Director in October 2020.
Suez has sailed her whole life, loves being on the water and feels taking to the sea is an adventure that all should be able to enjoy.
Away from the water, Suez has a passion for Pilates and is a qualified instructor; she loves helping people improve their fitness and general wellbeing. Active in the Girl Guide and Scouting movement for 16 years she gained her Queens Guide Award, and as a Sea Ranger regularly volunteered for the STA where she experienced sailing on the Malcolm Miller.
Suez will be your first point of contact at Wetwheels Hamble, ready at the end of the phone to accommodate all your booking needs, so you can enjoy the Wetwheels Experience and make special new memories.
Hailing from the West of Scotland Iain originally qualified as a deep-sea Marine Engineer on Oil Tankers. He spent the last 35 years in Technical & Leadership roles within the manufacturing and process sectors living and working throughout the UK & Republic of Ireland.
In the voluntary sectors he has experience in education, local representation, and judicial systems.
Being an Engineer, Iain is Wetwheels Hamble’s “oily rag” focusing on the technical aspects of the boat along with fundraising and crewing.
“Wetwheels enables disabled participants and their carers the restorative, olfactory, auditory, and calming sensory experience of being on the water. In addition to the excitement of traveling at speed across the sea.”
“My sister had a profound physical and cognitive development disability and seeing at first hand the sheer joy the Wetwheels Experience brings to participants with similar challenges is incredible.”
“My sister would have loved it!“
Having spent more than 40 years at a senior level in a range of third sector organisations including mental health and disability (20 years plus as CEO), Ted retired in 2021. Ted holds Masters degree in Organisational Development, a law degree and is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Public Health.
Before moving to Hamble in 2018, Ted was a senior Sea Cadet Officer in Hertfordshire & Malta teaching young people nautical skills, he is also a Powerboat Instructor. He was awarded an MBE in 2011 for his work in the voluntary sector.
Ted now focuses on fundraising for Wetwheels Hamble and acts as boat crew.
Ian Fiddaman opted out of the commercial rat race in 2000 to pursue a professional career afloat specialising in rescue & safety.
He lives & works on Hayling Island where he is the Senior Powerboat & First Aid Instructor at Hayling Island Sailing Club.
During the past 20 years he spent 10 years volunteering as Helm of the local lifeboat and 15 years as Rescue Officer with the Island Coastguard.
He was the longest serving member of staff on the Extreme Sailing Series in which his 13 years culminated as Safety Officer for the trans global circuit of foiling catamarans.
His role with Wetwheels Hamble is Skipper and Trainer. “Its a phenomenal program, utterly humbling and absolutely brilliant being able to take so many people afloat”.
Newsletter Link https://mailchi.mp/84223725d02e/newsletter-december-5417564.
Pirates ahoy .. ! It's time for our favourite weekend of the year on 25th and 26th September. We have all sorts of fun and swashbuckling games planned for this years shabby pirate crews so get booking as these slots will fill fast! Wetwheels Hamble a...
Video commissioned to alleviate anxiety amongst new participants (accompanies Story Board). Filmed on Wetwheels Solent, but provides an indication of what you can expect when you join us.
