A new chapter for a Dorset charity was marked on 16 April with the dedication and naming of Dolphin IV, a specially designed boat that will offer free boat trips around Poole Harbour for people with disabilities.
The dedication service at Poole Quay Marina was led by Revd Canon Lucy Holt, Assistant Archdeacon for Dorset and Sherborne and rector at St James’ Church, Poole. It brought together drew together representatives from across the community, including local MP Neil Duncan-Jordan, the Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mark Howell, representatives from both Poole Harbour Commissioners and the RNLI Poole station, partner organisations and supporters. Following the service, the boat was officially named by Poole-based ocean racing sailor, Pip Hare.
The vessel is the fourth operated by charity the Friends of Dolphin, who have welcomed over 60,000 people on board their boats since 1982. It has been designed and built for accessibility, with an extra-wide side door and secure wheelchair fixing points. It holds a unique and important place as the only wheelchair-accessible boat of its kind in the harbour community.
At the heart of the dedication ceremony was a reading of and reflection on the Calming of the Storm, focusing on the theme of peace. The message was simple but profound: just as Christ brings peace into turbulent situations, this boat will offer moments of tranquillity and beauty to those who come on board. For many passengers, a trip around the harbour will be more than a day out: it will be an opportunity to feel connected, included and uplifted.
Revd Lucy reflected: “It was wonderful to be able to dedicate this boat today as, like the other Dolphin boats that have gone before, it will bring so much joy and pleasure to those who sail in her. It’s run entirely by volunteers from the Friends of Dolphin, an incredible local charity that is so well supported. Enabling the disabled to sail in the harbour brings a wonderful sense of inclusion and of being fully part of our community.”