IT WILL transform the lives of hundreds of disabled youngsters and their families.

In a matter of weeks Daily Echo readers have helped raise tens of thousands of pounds so that young people can experience the thrill of power boating.

• Wetwheels Appeal - in pictures >>

Champagne corks were popping at the Royal Southern Yacht Club after people across the county came forward to help sailing charity Wetwheels Solent raise £70,000 for a new powerboat in just 44 days.

Headed by quadriplegic sailor Geoff Holt, todaythe Daily Echo-backed campaign sees work under way to create the £150,000 craft before it is based at the Hamble club.

Bosses at Wetwheels Solent expect the boat will take at least 800 disabled people and their families out on to the water each year.

Geoff, 49, who has been disabled since he was injured in a diving accident more than 30 years ago, said it was a “proud moment” for him.

He said: “We have now ordered our third boat, it shows to me that I’m supported by my friends and family and the boating industry.

“It’s very moving to think how much we’re supported by the community. I thought this was going to take a year, I was very surprised to hear it took six weeks.”

The charity currently operates two 30ft vessels, one in Portsmouth, the other in Jersey, giving young people who wouldn’t otherwise be able to get out on the water the chance to do so.

Each year, more than 2,500 people have the opportunity to get afloat on a Wetwheels catamaran.

From next spring WetWheels Hamble will be able to take three people in wheelchairs and their families on board and everyone has the chance to drive the boat.

With two 600 horse power engines on the back the boat is capable of reaching 35 to 40 knots.

Geoff said: “Although the temptation is to talk about disabled people having the opportunity to drive a fast powerboat, we are not just another boat trip.

“The real benefits are more subtle and much more profound. Wetwheels helps people overcome the disadvantages of disability by enriching their lives.”

Geoff added that with the help of villagers in Hamble and publicity from the Daily Echo it has helped get the remaining cash together quickly.

“We’re all now looking forward to the day that the boat is delivered.I would like to thank the Daily Echo and its readers for their support,” Geoff said.

Former yacht club commodore David Mead said: “We have done it in six weeks, I didn’t think we would do it in a year.”

He added: “Every donation is gratefully accepted.”

Despite this they still need to find £30,000 a year to keep the charity going and has now set its sights to get five new boats by 2020.

“The journey’s not over. We still need to raise money so we can go out every day,” Geoff added.

Before the campaign began they had been able to find half the total cost of the boat through sponsors.

Some of the cash was raised when sailors took part in a charity match on board two classic Hamble yachts, the Mariquita and the Eleanora last weekend, despite bad weather threatening to scupper the event.

Johnny Caulcutt, the owner of the Mariquita, and a friend of Geoff’s said: “It was my pleasure to help Geoff in some of the fundraising. All these yacht clubs in the area have supported a common initiative for the first time.”