Freedom Afloat: How John Adapted His Catamaran for Accessible Sailing - And What's Next

How John Adapted His Nautitech Catamaran for Accessible Sailing © Key Yachting

For many, the call of the open sea is irresistible. For John, it was a passion ignited decades ago by Robin Knox-Johnston's classic "A World of My Own," and a memorable week-long sailing trip in Corfu.

The lure of self-reliance and the rhythm of the sea stayed with him—even after he found himself using a wheelchair. Determined not to let mobility challenges keep him ashore, John embarked on a mission to adapt a performance cruising catamaran to meet his needs. The result is a story of innovation, resilience, and an invitation to others who dream of accessible adventures.

Choosing the Right Boat: Stability and Social Sailing

John's search for the right vessel was guided by one overriding criterion: stability. After trialing an accessible monohull and finding it nearly impossible to manage single-handed, he turned to catamarans. "I tried an accessible catamaran from Port Solent and was amazed at how stable it felt, even in rough seas," he recalls. Eventually, he chose a Nautitech 46 Open - a cruising catamaran known for its excellent sailing qualities and aft helming position, which remains comfortable even when the bow is pitching in heavy weather.

The dual helming options, inside and outside, offered both safety and sociability. "You can helm from indoors during poor weather while still enjoying the company of your crew. The visibility is superb, almost like driving a car," John notes. Boats with a single, elevated helm were quickly ruled out for accessibility reasons.

Engineering Accessibility at Sea

Transforming the catamaran into a truly wheelchair-accessible platform required significant customisation. Working with Key Yachting and Multimarine Manufacturing (Dazcat), John embarked on a year-long development project to tailor every aspect of the boat.

Key modifications include:

• Custom boarding solutions: A crane for dockside transfers and a powered swim platform with ramps for easy access from various pontoons.

• Accessible helming: Raised, ramped positions allow perfect forward visibility. A third, forward-facing helm in the saloon, complete with full controls and instrumentation, means safe sailing and mooring from indoors.

• Mobility-friendly interior: An electric lift to the owner's cabin, a raised sole for easy bed access, and secure pathways throughout.

• Adapted sail handling: A Leisurefurl boom system, remote-controlled anchoring, and anti-tip wheelchair bars ensure both efficiency and safety.

• High-performance propulsion: The catamaran was equipped with upgraded, higher-horsepower engines, delivering superior maneuverability in tight marinas and confident handling in challenging entrances.

How John Adapted His Nautitech Catamaran for Accessible Sailing - photo © Key Yachting

Daily Life on Board: What Matters Most

Of all the adaptations, John singles out the anti-tip bars as indispensable: "They're essential, whether I'm at sea or just moving around in the marina." Every modification serves a purpose, but the peace of mind provided by these simple bars exemplifies the blend of safety and independence that defines his sailing experience.

How John Adapted His Nautitech Catamaran for Accessible Sailing - photo © Key Yachting

John's adventures have spanned iconic routes, but two crossings of the Bay of Biscay stand out. "The water is deep, so even with large waves, the passages were sublime," he recalls. One particularly memorable voyage involved a perfect arc from La Coruña to the Scilly Isles, guided by the wind vane and graced by encounters with towering swells, and even a blue shark that was released after an unexpected catch! Closer to home, the South Coast of England and trips to Amsterdam have also provided unforgettable moments.

Advice for Prospective Accessible Sailors

For those with mobility needs considering boat ownership, John's advice is simple: "Just do it!" However, he cautions that the journey requires patience and investment. "Modifications take time and can be costly, but the right partners, like Key Yachting and Multimarine, make all the difference," he emphasises. He also notes that chartering accessible boats is rarely feasible, meaning owners often need to commit to their own project from the outset.

Looking Ahead: Passing the Baton

After years of rewarding sailing, John is now preparing to pass his beloved catamaran on to its next owner. Interest is welcome from anywhere in the world, though he wouldn't say no to a U.S. buyer -especially if it meant a final "bucket list" passage together.

"I originally bought my Nautitech 46 to sail single-handed across the Atlantic, but local cruising has been so enjoyable and Covid altered my plans. I'd love to see someone else take her on and fulfill their own dreams."

For sailors with mobility challenges, John's story is proof that the ocean remains wide open. With the right boat, the right modifications, and the right mindset, freedom afloat is not just a dream, it's a reality.

This remarkable, fully adapted performance catamaran is now for sale. Find out more on the Key Yachting website here.