A New M/V ALISON MacGREGOR
In November 2008, the Board of Solent Dolphin resolved to initiate a fund-raising campaign for the purpose of procuring a replacement boat for the M/V ALISON MacGREGOR (II), which is now 15 years old. Since then, with a lot of marvellous support from many and varied benefactors, sufficient funds have now been raised.
In December 2011, an order was placed with Blyth WorkCats of Canvey Island Essex for the construction of a new purpose built boat. She is being manufactured from the same mould as the previous boat, but she will be “stretched” to an 11 metre version, thus allowing more space on the afterdeck for passengers and their increasingly large wheel-chairs. The twin engines, 150 bhp naturally aspirated diesel, are being supplied by a local company - Marlin Marine.
The facilities for crew and passengers will be very similar to the “old” ALISON MacGREGOR, but with a redesigned wheel-house, a larger toilet, more shelter for the passengers and a faster top speed. Again she will be able to carry up to 6 wheel-chairs, with flexible seating arrangements for a total of 12 passengers (the legal limit).
Delivery will be in July 2012, after which there will be an intensive training period for the skippers and crew. The “normal” service for passengers will start on 1st August, and run to 31st October 2012.
The “old” ALISON MacGREGOR has now been sold to the Hampshire CC Calshot Activities Centre for the purpose of taking disabled children out to sea alongside their able-bodied friends - for which we are very pleased.
This new boat will ensure that Solent Dolphin will be able support it’s service to disabled people for the next 15-20 years.
Click on the picture for a full view: