Voisin & Volaw set sail with Wetwheels Jersey

Monday 30 March 2015

Wetwheels Jersey, which provides maritime experiences for disabled and disadvantaged people in Jersey, will be able to launch a new education programme this year thanks to the support of local law firm Voisin and trust company Volaw.

The companies have formed a partnership with Wetwheels Jersey for 2015 to ensure as many members of the community as possible get to learn about the Island’s unique marine environment.

Wetwheels Jersey is a catamaran that enables people to experience the thrill of being at sea from a specially built craft that can accommodate people of all ages and abilities. It offers adults and children alike the opportunity to experience activities that might normally be out of their reach, such as fishing trips, wreck surveys 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.

The Voisin and Volaw Education Programme is a fundamental part of Wetwheels Jersey’s objectives and includes learning about marine biology and conservation, local heritage and the Island’s geography – all from the sea and with the assistance of local experts.

In addition, the firms will support the charity in a variety of ways from fundraising to providing crew for the boat. They have developed a year-long CSR plan that will see them supporting Wetwheels Jersey with charity trips, fundraising dinners, awareness seminars and island-wide competitions. They will also be launching logbooks and certificates of achievement, in partnership with Wetwheels Jersey, to enhance the charity’s educational remit.

Wetwheels Jersey has brought pleasure to many people since entering service in September 2013. The vessel has capacity for twelve passengers including four wheelchairs and two crew. As well as supporting the aims of charities catering for the disabled, groups such as The Princes Trust, The Scout Association and Jersey Youth Service have also benefited.

Andy Le Seelleur, a Trustee of Wetwheels Jersey, said: "2014 was a fantastic first season for us 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 and Volaw have joined us and their commitment to corporate responsibility will really help us to achieve our ambitions this year".

Georgina Jeffries, Head of Marketing, Voisin and Volaw, said: "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".