Wormit Boating Club launches UK's first electric safety vessel

Wormit boating club is the first in the UK to own a fully electric safety and training vessel.

It's being officially launched on the River Tay estuary today (25 May).

The purpose-built, latest model Pulse 63 RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) has been built for the club by RS Electric Boats in Hampshire.

The craft's name, eWOC (electric Wormit Operational Craft), was suggested by seven-year-old Wormit Primary School pupil, Archie Dowdell.

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 is a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to the club’s ageing existing safety boats, which are fuelled by petrol.

The new safety boat will support the club’s current 225 members who take part in a range of watersports between the Tay road and rail bridges, including open water swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, skiff rowing, dinghy sailing and powerboating.

Ralph Webster, Commodore of the Wormit club, 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.”