Mariners of Bewl

Mariners of Bewl is an RYA-accredited, inclusive sailing club based at Bewl Water in Lamberhurst, Kent, specialising in adaptive sailing for people with physical impairments and non-disabled sailors. Operating as a charity, they offer Saturday morning sailing sessions (April–October) using specialised dinghies and a new Wheelyboat.

First wheelchair passenger boards purpose-built powerboat “Jennie” that features a roll-on/roll-off bow ramp.

The Wheelyboat is a £74,000 purpose-built powerboat “Jennie” that features a roll-on/roll-off bow ramp enabling wheelchair users to access and even drive the vessel. Tonbridge Rotary donated £500 towards the commissioning and construction of Jennie and Rotarians Andy and Julian attended the launch ceremony on 25th April 2026.

Paralympian Hannah Stodel, MP Nusrat Ghani, Councillor David Osborne and Mariners of Bewl founder Jennie Humm at the launch ceremony of the purpose-built powerboat Jennie at Bewl Water.

Hannah Stodel (right), a Paralympian and Triple World Champion sailor and disability advocate, cut the ribbon at the launch ceremony. Other guests included Nusrat Ghani, MP for Sussex Weald (left) and a Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons; Councillor David Osborne, Mayor of Tunbridge Wells; and Jennie Humm, founder member of the Mariners of Bewl after whom the boat is named.

Wheelyboat Jennie on her maiden voyage at Bewl Water being helmed by a wheelchair user.

Bryan Ellis Photography

Jennie was provided by the Wheelyboat Trust. Wheelyboats remove the barriers to water-based activities thus enabling disabled people to participate alongside and on equal terms with their able-bodied counterparts.  For their users, it is an important factor in the quality of life they are able to lead.