A BOAT with a difference is about to take to the water - giving the disabled and the disadvantaged the chance to go to sea.

Wetwheels Yorkshire, currently under construction, is expected to be launched from Whitby in May.

Originally conceived in 2011, the Wetwheels Foundation builds disabled people’s confidence by providing the opportunity to access the sea in a fun, safe, stimulating and rewarding way using specially modified and fully accessible powerboats.

In just seven years it has taken thousands of disabled people on voyages of discovery - and Wetwheels Yorkshire will be the fifth to join the foundation's fleet.

A spokesman said: "Many modifications go into making a powerboat suitable for disabled and wheelchair users and Whitby’s location provided the chance to add a few more.

"WWY has a specially modified aerial to allow access under the low bridge into the harbour and will be the first powerboat to have twin access doors allowing passengers to embark and disembark from either side providing many more options for her use up and down the Yorkshire coast."

She will have a trained commercial skipper plus a specially trained crew member on board for each trip during which passengers may even be able to take control of the boat helping to steer her.

Wetwheels Yorkshire is a 9.2 metre catamaran currently under constriction at Cheetah Marine on the Isle of Wight.

She is powered by twin Suzuki 300 HP outboard engines capable of driving her at 40 knots.

The boat is also equipped with the latest, state-of-the-art marine electronics provided by Raymarine - including radar, chart plotter, VHF, auto-pilot and even joystick steering.

She can take up to 10 passengers up to 60 miles offshore and includes three wheelchair tie-down positions on the deck for maximum safety and is also equipped with the latest safety equipment including a 12-person life raft, lifejackets and flares.

Each trip will be accompanied by a fully trained and commercially endorsed skipper plus a specially trained crew member responsible for the safety ans of the participants.

Further details can be found at wetwheelsyorkshire.com