THE FRIENDS OF DOLPHIN

The Friends of Dolphin is a Registered Charity (No: 284692). It was conceived as a special project by the Rotary Club of Parkstone in 1979 to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of Rotary International. Dolphin I was launched on 23rd February 1980 at the Rotork yard in Hamworthy. On 21st August 1982, the Project was handed over by the Rotary Club of Parkstone to the first Chairman of The Friends of Dolphin, and has been a self-supporting Charity from that date. Since that time, Dolphin I was replaced by Dolphin II which started service in 1990; both I and II were flat bottomed boats produced by Rotork / RTK Marine with a bow ramp which made it ideal for boarding wheelchairs. We now have Dolphin III which replaced Dolphin II and allows us to side load from the pontoons in the Haven Marina. The Charity is run solely by volunteers and is completely non profit making. All money raised, both by Fund Raising and Donations go directly towards the running cost and upkeep of Dolphin.

All the 'Dolphins' are boats that have been specially adapted to take disabled people of all ages and disabilities and in particular those in wheelchairs or with physical disabilities.

The aim of the Charity is to give free trips to disabled persons of all ages and disabilities who, due to the lack of suitable facilities, are unable to use the normal pleasure craft operating in Poole Harbour. The maximum number of passengers, including carers, which we can take on each trip is 12.  There are usually two Harbour trips each day, between 11am & 1pm and 2pm & 4pm in the afternoon, or a single trip up to Wareham, between 11am & 2.30pm (approximately) depending on the tides, with our operating season from 1st May to 30th September.

Trips fall into two main types:
1. Around the Harbour and the islands
2. Up to Wareham (a popular trip, but dependant on the tides).

Occasionally, we are asked for fishing trips (Can be popular with groups of disabled children).