Boating Industry Canada August 2016 - 28

Above: Rick Hansen joins with Fred Lachlan, Jeff Rhodes and friends in the cockpit of the specially-equipped Coastal Craft. Right: Jeff Rhodes watches Rick Hansen try out the single lever wing station-mounted joystick docking system. Motion World Tour. Beginning in 1985, Hansen and his team set forth on a 26-month adventure - wheeling more than 40,000 km across 34 countries to raise awareness about the potential of people with disabilities, creating accessible and inclusive communities, and finding cures. Hansen met with the Coastal Craft team for a tour and ride aboard the yacht in March. He had an opportunity to skipper and maneuver the boat. He was impressed with the ease and simplicity of the joystick controller. The Volvo Penta IPS has been key enabler of improving the boating experience for everyone - no matter their circumstance or expertise, according to Lachlan. "Not only does the Volvo Penta IPS system create more room for mobility, it allows individuals to control the direction and docking of a boat with just one hand. The built-in autopilot also makes it possible for them to sit and talk with friends while the boat is essentially driving itself." Another noticeable benefit of the Volvo Penta IPS system is the limited noise level. "It's such a quiet system," said Lachlan. "Anywhere we sat during the ride with Rick, we could talk to each other about the elegance and efficiencies of yacht at normal levels. We didn't have to yell across to one another." The insight garnered from Hansen during the excursion is invaluable to the Coastal Craft team, and the industry at large. 28 Boating Industry Canada AUGUST 2016 "Going into this project, we didn't really have any background or experience in custom builds to accommodate those with disabilities; everything was based on discussions with the client and their specific needs. Rick has a wealth of knowledge in accessibility and has dedicated his life to the cause so we took this opportunity to ask a lot of questions and get his feedback," said Rhodes. "Everyone should have a chance to enjoy the boating experience and with more focus, awareness and education on what it takes to make that possible, the industry could be doing more of this. Together we can extend the opportunity to those that may never have thought it possible." "Rick loved the boat and had nothing but positive things to say about the experience. It was incredible to be part of something like this and even more amazing to know that our innovative technologies are breaking down the barriers of entry and making boating enjoyable for everyone," said Lachlan. Ron Huibers, president of Volvo Penta of the Americas, said: "At Volvo Penta we are champions for Easy Boating. We're deeply committed to making it easier for more people to enjoy the unique boating lifestyle. It's a driving force behind everything we do. So it was a joy to all of us at Volvo Penta to contribute to the creation of this elegant yacht designed specifically for accessability. Kudos to Jeff Rhodes and the superb team at Coastal Craft for making this happen."

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