Canal Boat Hire Day trip - Holiday Hire Boat Refit

PRESS RELEASE

Stort Challenger Refit

As part of the on-going improvement of our fleet, we are taking Stort Challenger out of service for the winter. She will be relaunched in April 2010 with a newly built, upgraded and configured interior, better suited to modern living and the people who hire her.

Why is She Being Refurbished?

As time goes by, everything wears out and people expect better quality from their holiday accommodation. We want to ensure that all our boats are fitted to the highest standard and that we are meeting the needs and expectations of our users.

Last year Stort Challenger's exterior was repainted but, after 10 years of service, her interior needed a facelift. We want to make access for wheel chair users easier and allow more privacy to individuals and so, at the same time as reconfiguring the layout, we decided that we may as well install a new galley, sanitary wear and other equipment. This effectively means the interior will be brand new. We want to do this to the highest possible standards so she will be able to meet your needs for at least the next five years.

How is She Changing?

We were told by our users that they would prefer more space and easier access, so we have decided to reduce the number of berths from 12 to 10. This will improve her accessibility, better suit smaller groups, particularly families, and larger groups will still be able to hire Red Watch.

Her galley, wet room and toilet facilities will be replaced and built to make it easier to manoever wheel chairs and increase accessibility for all.

The other major difference is that the sleeping arrangements have been redesigned into three areas that will give greater privacy and space for everyone to enjoy. However, we will keep the same variety of washing and toilet facilities and improve the wet room and disability toilet by installing new sanitary ware throughout.

We do hope you approve of the changes and will enjoy the brand new facilities offered as a consequence of the refit. If you want to know more or to book a holiday or short break on Stort Challenger contact Wendy on 01279 424444 or email admin@canalboat.org.uk.

A special thanks to Land Securities and Places for People and the Essex Community Initiative Fund for contributing much needed funds for the Stort Challenger refit.