South Hams to get electric 'community boat'

A solar-powered community boat is planned for the Kingsbridge and Salcombe Estuary

Gary Joliffe with Dolphin, which is about to be transformed
Author: Andrew KayPublished 26th Jul 2022
Last updated 26th Jul 2022

Work is about to begin on a new solar-powered community boat in the South Hams.

It will operate on the Kingsbridge and Salcombe Estuary, and is expected to rely on advertising or community support.

While those living in the South Hams often have access to the water, not everyone has the means to be able to take advantage of it.

The idea came from Gary Joliffe, the founder of community interest company Til The Coast Is Clear which aims to reduce plastic pollution in the local estuaries.

The current diesel motor is being replaced and the boat transformed to run on electric - after it is removed from the water this Summer.

The boat was owned by Gary's father and he wanted to make use of it.

The Dolphin Project aims to 'transform Dolphin into a fantastic solar powered launch which will deliver immersive nature experiences, pleasure trips and events on the estuaries of South Devon'.

Gary said: "This project is in its infancy but we are hoping to be able to facilitate the up-cycling & repurposing of this beautiful wooden boat as a community project.

"Dolphin is a 28ft pitch pine on oak hulled motor sailer built in 1963 in Peterborough by a yard who made lifeboats for the RNLI.

"Learning new skills and working as part a team in the outdoors is a proven way to deliver positive outcomes.

"We are looking for partners on this project with the; means, skills, space and enthusiasm to help it come to fruition.

"Please get in touch if you would like to get involved and help give Dolphin, yourself and others a new lease of life."

For more about Til The Coast Is Clear click here

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