Solent Dolphin was conceived in 1987 by the New Forest Rotary Club for the purpose of taking people with disabilities out to sea on day trips. Through the single-mindedness of those early members who championed the project, the first boat was launched in 1989.
The 12th of December 1988 saw the infamous Clapham Rail Disaster. One of those killed was a young girl, Alison MacGregor, daughter of Jimmy and Muriel MacGregor. Later, after attending a memorial service in Winchester Cathedral for the victims of the disaster, the MacGregors happened to hear an appeal on local radio for funds for building a boat for disabled people to enjoy the sea. They responded with a large donation to the fund; and so the boat was named M/V ALISON MacGREGOR.
In 1997, with all the experience of the first boat, the Board of Directors decided to build a new purpose designed boat - the second M/V ALISON MacGREGOR., which is in operation today. She was named by our patron, Simon Weston OBE in May 1997 at a ceremony at Hythe Marina, her home port.
The first M/V ALISON MacGREGOR. (right) was launched in July 1989 by Simon Weston OBE, who agreed to become the Patron of Solent Dolphin.
Since then, the popularity of the M/V ALISON MacGREGOR trips have grown enormously. Today the boat goes out 3 times a day, 7 days a week, from 1st May till the 30th September. More than 3000 passengers on about 300 trips a year have the pleasure of going out on trips. The boat is crewed and maintained by trained and qualified volunteers, who give their own time to run the boat. There are now some 70 volunteers involved.