In 2021 mother and son team Jaqui and Harry Besley established the Round Britain eRIB Challenge project to highlight the opportunities for green transition of the small leisure powerboat sector; showing sailing clubs and harbour masters that zero emission technologies are on their way and how they can charge electric vessels. To do this, Harry will make an attempt to drive an electric RIB around Great Britain in the Summer 2024.

Whilst the core objective of the Round Britain eRIB project is to inject some momentum into the green transition of the small leisure powerboat sector; it is also about providing a platform for those supporting the journey to Net Zero and highlighting the companies and innovators who are trying to move the industry forward.

This project brings together engineering and innovators, adventure, sustainability, STEM education, youth challenge, marine charity fundraising and record setting.

Why?

• To set a baseline Guinness World Record for electric circumnavigation of Great Britain and a Round Britain Record for youngest Skipper of a powerboat (age 18).
• To build momentum and accelerate the transition to a cleaner marine leisure sector for the future of our young people, our oceans and climate, through increasing public engagement, understanding of the issues and showcasing products available.
• To bring together and showcase some of the technologies which are leading the market in zero emission propulsion, eBoat charging and adaptive boat design, both through collection of evidence, demonstration and brand promotion. Change can happen if we do it together.
• To help develop knowledge, skills and an understanding of shore-side infrastructure options at over 40 locations around the UK, varying from small fishing harbours to commercial ports, through preparation and planning discussions, local community engagement, provision of online STEM educational resources, Q&A with crew, engagement with local press, and independent Guinness World Record witness reports.
• To raise the profile of, and create a fundraising event/opportunity for key maritime charities at each of our 40 STOP Locations. These charities include the Maritime Volunteer Service, National Coastwatch Institution, the Armed Forces charity SSAFA, Sea Cadets, and RNLI.

  How?
  By securing support from relevant industry bodies, building networks within the industry and offering media coverage to all involved organisations, from small innovative businesses to large corporates and networking organisations.