Wormit Boating Club take the plunge into electric safety cover
Wormit Boating Club have become the first in the UK to purchase a fully electric safety and training vessel – the purpose-built Pulse 63 RIB, manufactured by RS Electric Boats.
The new boat was received last month, but was officially named and launched on Friday the 24th of May.
It was local school pupil Archie Dowdell (age 9) who came up with the name for the new RIB, deciding on 'eWOC' (standing for electric Wormit Operational Craft) - combining a Star Wars reference with an appropriate abbreviation of the vessel's purpose.
'eWOC' now offers a more sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to the club’s existing safety fleet.
RYA Scotland Regional Development Officer Laura Cowan was in attendance at the official launch. She said:
“Archie christened the boat, and was joined by his mum and dad in taking her for a spin in the beautiful surroundings… which, with the introduction of an electrical RIB, can be sustainably preserved free of fuel and noise pollution.”
With a top speed of up to 23 knots, a range of up to 100 nautical miles and capacity for up to six people, the new vessel holds sealed onboard batteries, which are charged via mains electricity in the same way as an electric car.
Rhys Gorman, Regional Development Officer for the East, said:
"The launch day was really testament to the commitment from the club to becoming more environmentally friendly, as well as the time and effort made by volunteers to get to this stage."
Attracting a range of guests as well as media, Friday's official launch gave people a glimpse into exactly what the RIB offers. You can check out STV's report on eWOC now.
Speaking on the impact the new vessel will make, Wormit Commodore Ralph Webster said:
“As a small but friendly boating club in Fife, we are proud to be the first in the UK to have this fantastic electric safety vessel, pioneering the use of its innovative design, features and specification on our local waters.
“We are all trying to help clean up the River Tay so are very aware of our commitment to preserving the local area, so as well as being the next generation in safety boats, eWOC is both sustainable and kind to the marine environment which provides so much enjoyment to our members.
“This lifesaving rescue boat will be the first of its type in Scotland and we are hopeful the modern technology will help us to continue to reduce levels of pollution, as our other sporting activities are generally carbon neutral.”
Mr Webster has also expressed his thanks to all who have made the new purchase possible, with the £100,000 vessel made attainable by a grant from the Crown Estate Scotland as well as generous donations from local companies, individuals and club funds.
eWOC will now support the club’s 225 members who take part in a range of watersports, including open water swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, skiff rowing, and powerboating in addition to dinghy sailing.
The club’s volunteer RYA Powerboat instructor Andrew Lumsden will also use this vessel as part of the RYA Powerboat Level 2 Courses run by the club.
Andrew said: “We are delighted to have received this vessel in full compliance and safety guidelines as set by the RYA and offers fully inboard seating for increased safety during Powerboat courses.”
The purchase comes as part of a wider modernisation strategy for the RYA affiliated club and training centre, including plans for a Community Asset Transfer of club grounds from Fife Council.
Sound interesting? Learn more about Wormit Boating Club now.
Want to learn about other ways to go green when boating? You can check out a range of useful resources from The Green Blue.
Fancy getting afloat this summer? Use the RYA Activity Finder to locate courses, clubs, and centres near you.