A Cornish company that specialises in building wheelchair-accessible boats will be making a special trip to showcase at the UK’s only national consumer show that aims to help people with disabilities seek an active and independent life. Multimarine Composites, based in Milbrook, is just one of the unique companies exhibiting at the first ever enABLE 08 show, which will be held in the Jaguar Exhibition Hall at Ricoh Arena, Coventry, 28-29 November 2008.
This first-time consumer show is completely free to attend and offers an engaging seminar and exhibitor masterclass programme that will meet the information needs of visitors seeking a more independent life. The enABLE show promises to attract a diverse range of over 100 exhibiting companies such as those offering assistive aids, leisure activities, financial and professional services, training, recruitment and education.
In early October, Multimarine Composites launched its latest bespoke boat, the Dazcat Power 15 catamaran which was specifically developed for wheelchair user Paul Scholey and his wife Pauline. Although catamarans provide a wide level surface ideal for wheelchair users, the lack of manoeuvrability getting on and off the boat meant it was impossible for Paul and Pauline to buy a production boat. That’s where Dazcat and Multimarine Composites’ expertise came into play, to create a plan for the boat that meant all important areas and systems would be totally accessible for Paul.
No detail was left unexplored or adapted to ensure Paul’s comfort and manoeuvrability about the boat, from the docking systems to saloon-style seating that converts into additional sleeping accommodation and sliding doors throughout. Other special features include a hydraulic lift to the fly bridge, hydraulic boarding ramps and adjustable helm seats (one at bridge deck level and one on the fly bridge) so that Paul can drive from either the seats or his wheelchair.
Other magnificent craft built by Multimarine include a Dazcat 10-metre performance trimaran, Paradox, which Alan Grace used to compete in the Round Britain Race, and which went on to win several races. The company has also produced a 60-foot sailing catamaran that was built for Sporting Activities for the Disabled with the remit that the boat had to be controllable from a wheelchair, including all sail controls.
Darren Newton, Multimarine Managing Director, commented: "We built our first boat for a customer with a disability in 1997. Since then we have designed and built sailing and power boats for customers with a range of disabilities, and thought it was time we made people aware of what we could do for them. To that end we will be showcasing at enABLE 08, bringing information and video to illustrate what can be achieved. We will also be bringing along a couple of ski-bobs we have worked on. If you want adventure we want to help, so come and meet us on our stand."
Coventry’s Ricoh Arena offers the most disabled-accessible exhibition halls in the country, plenty of parking spaces and excellent travel links by car and train.
To register for free tickets to enABLE 08 and for the latest show news log onto www.enableshow.co.uk
Photography Attached - Dazcat Power 15 – Desiderata. (High resolution images available.)
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Notes to Editors
To be held in the Jaguar Exhibition Hall at the Ricoh Arena, Coventry on 28-29 November 2008, the very first enABLE show will be free to attend and will meet the information needs of visitors while offering an engaging seminar programme. The Ricoh Arena, which offers the most disabled-accessible exhibition halls in the UK and thousands of parking spaces, also boasts excellent travel links by car and train. Around 120 exhibitors will be at the show covering a wide range of areas from aids to holidays, from fitness equipment to health and beauty and training and recruitment to education. Visit the official website at www.enableshow.co.uk
For further information contact:
Emma Spearing
Tel: 01202 862 410 Mobile: 07736 341 828 E-mail: enABLEpr@hazelpr.com
Cathy Metcalfe
Tel: 01327 352 199 Mobile: 07802 332 398 E-mail: enABLEpr@hazelpr.com