Wetwheels is a catamaran that allows disabled people in Jersey to experience the thrill of being at sea whilst being on a safe and reliable vessel. It offers adults and children alike the opportunity to experience activities that are normally out of their reaches such as fishing trips and coastal explorations. They can even learn how to pilot and crew the boat and many passengers report increased self-confidence, self-esteem and improved health after time spent on board.
Voisin has supported the charity in a variety of ways from sponsorship, through to fundraising, to providing crew for the boat since 2015. We develop a year-long CSR plan that will see us supporting Wetwheels continuously with charity trips, fundraising dinners, awareness seminars and island-wide competitions. We will also be launching logbooks and certificates of achievement, in partnership with Wetwheels, to enhance the charities educational remit.
Wetwheels has brought pleasure to many wheelchair users since entering service in September 2013. The vessel has the capacity for twelve passengers including four wheelchairs and two crew. As well as charities catering for the disabled, groups such as The Princes Trust, The Scout Association and Jersey Youth Service have also benefitted.
Andy Le Seelleur, a Trustee of Wetwheels Jersey, says:
“We have had a fantastic season with 850 passengers from twenty-eight charities and community groups enjoying voyages. Now we have honed the operational model our next aim is to build an education offering so that our passengers can learn about many aspects of the sea as well as simply enjoy a trip. We are delighted that Voisin has joined us and their commitment to corporate responsibility will really help us to achieve our ambitions this year and the coming years”.
Georgina Jeffries, Head of Marketing, Voisin and Volaw, says:
“Corporate Social Responsibility is high on our agenda at Voisin and Volaw and we have run vital campaigns over the years in partnership with Mont à l’Abbé School and the Inclusion Project. Moving our focus to Wetwheels is a natural progression for us as it extends our reach to all ages. Parents and carers also benefit from Wetwheels as it gives them valuable respite during trips and we are looking forward to widening our support to this area of the community. Our staff, directors and partners are all looking forward to getting on board and helping this extremely worthy cause”.
