WELLINGTON’s Harry Besley has completed a never attempted journey around Britain in an electric RIB - stopping at more than 45 locations across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland.

The 18-year-old former sixth former at Wellington School travelled approximately 1,708 nautical miles over the course of 31 days, 20 hours and 46 mins.  

Project manager Jacqui Besley said: “Right from the start our intention has been to help the marine industry move towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future, accelerating the change and encouraging industry investment.

“Demand in the eMarine sector needs to increase in order to give manufacturers confidence to move forward with new products, and to give harbours and ports a reason to invest in shore side charging.”

Supported by a range of companies across the marine sector, the Round Britain eRIB Challenge has raised awareness throughout. Skipper Harry said: “The support we have received from sponsors, harbour and port teams and members of the public at all our stop locations, as well as on our social media postings, has been so encouraging.

“There has been a real sense of positive interest in what we have been trying to achieve. This was particularly welcome on some of our trickier legs where limitations on time, tides and charging proved difficult and often kept us up for much of the night.”

Harry and his team also thanks all staff at the ports, harbours and marinas who helped make this happen.

The record-breaking journey may now be complete, however, the mission carries on, Jaqui said.

“Our eRIB ‘Electra’ proved her worth, as we tested the capabilities of an electric boat further than ever before - changeable sea conditions affected by wind, tides, currents and headlands, she added.

“I hope the propulsion system team will benefit from the experience of seeing their equipment perform over these longer distances and over consecutive charge and discharge cycles.” 

In reality though it’s unlikely that e-boating users in the near future will be making this type of long distance trip. However, with three-phase power already part of the existing infrastructure in many ports and harbours, the cost and effort to set up a local provision is not as much of a barrier as people may think.

As Harry reflects on his A-Level results (received the day after arriving back at Lyme Regis) and seeks as many boating opportunities as possible during a well-earned gap year, the Round Britain eRIB team are now looking to sell their special boat, Electra.

The silent electric motor is a “game changer” in safety and training on the water and interested parties should contact the or visit them at stand F010 on September 13 14 and September 20-21-22 at the Southampton International Boat Show.

As this is a not-for-profit Challenge, all the kit will now be sold online. Proceeds will be used to cover direct project costs and any surplus will be donated to marine charities. Visit the ebay store online at: https://www.ebay.co.uk/usr/roundbri_0.