The Round Britain eRIB Challenge team has announced a revised focus for this year, as they dedicate their efforts to supporting their partner boat builder through sea trials for the Challenge vessel.
While the full event is now postponed until 2024, due to delays in the production schedule, this shift allows the team to gather comprehensive performance data during extensive sea trials. This valuable information will then be integrated into the planning for next year’s Challenge, enabling the Locations, and Meet and Greet teams, to publicise a more informed schedule to support this exciting event.
“Whilst we are disappointed both for ourselves and for the Locations Teams who have been making preparations to support us, considering the extreme nature of the Challenge and the new technology in play, there was always a delivery risk involved. There are however, definite benefits from this postponement as the boat builder will now have more time to optimise the vessel for use and we can further develop our story around the environmental urgency for driving change into this sector.” Jaqui Besley, Round Britain eRIB, Project Manager.
Sponsors and supporters have been quick to pledge their continued support for the project and the first educational resources will be piloted with selected schools this summer. Further sponsors are still sought for the Challenge event next year, and for more information please contact the Project.
Harry Besley, eRIB skipper said, “I’m really disappointed not to be touring the UK this summer to demonstrate electric propulsion, but I am definitely looking forward to seeing the Challenge vessel and testing out what it can achieve. The good news is we will be able to share some of our findings from the sea trials with our followers on social media which will no doubt start building even more interest and engagement in this project, ready for next year.”
While the rescheduling of the event is unfortunate, the Round Britain eRIB Challenge team remains optimistic, motivated and resilient, determined to make the most of this bonus extended preparation period. Their dedication to environmental advocacy, coupled with the support of their partners and sponsors, will ensure that the Round Britain eRIB Challenge is a remarkable and impactful event when it sets off, well-prepared and raring to go, in 2024.
