As part of its sustainability initiatives, SailGP charters electric RIBs into operational roles where it can. Pulse 63s from RS Electrics were used in Plymouth, St Tropez and Cadiz for different purposes.
A media boat for photographers, as a course marshal patrolling the perimeter helping to keep the event’s integrity and boundaries, and as a coach boat for the SailGP Inspire programme (used for both coaching and tow foiling).
The Pulse 63 really excelled going a full day on one charge.
Three aspects make the Pulse impressive. First, it has a very good energy consumption at low speed. Secondly, it’s really maneuverable with a tight turning circle and excellent handling. Thirdly there’s plenty deck space at the back – it’s a stern drive rather than an outboard. Charging the boats was easy to integrate into the days on the water.
Aside from its range and handling capabilities, the RS team was pleased with the Pulse’s charging.
“We were able to access a fast charger in Plymouth and I was amazed at how quickly the boat charged; within an hour we nearly got a majority charge while waiting for lunch,” says Thomas Herbert-Evans, Youth Program Manager (SailGP Inspire), who drove the Pulse in Plymouth.
The Pulses were supported by built-in electrical charging infrastructure in Plymouth, courtesy of Aqua superPower. Plymouth switched on a series of Aqua superPower’s high-power DC electric charging stations earlier in 2022, creating the UK’s first e-marine hub of shore-side charging facilities for electric boats. The company also provided temporary power points in Cadiz.
Herbert-Evans says he was also impressed with the Pulses’ battery power.
“We went out in St Tropez and used something like nine per cent of the battery power after a long time afloat doing under 8 knots (stopping/starting),” he says.
“The first thing that struck me was the silence of the Pulse and just how clean it is. I really like the level platform which enables you to get a lot of boats around you at once. The platform itself is incredibly stable with the cathedral hull design and suitable for carrying several passengers safely.
“After many years of driving RIBs I think it’s fantastic, especially with the price of fuel at the moment. A RIB of this size could easily use £100 in fuel per day. . . [this] is changing the future of powerboating and offering the best green solution on the market.
A rugged spacious design for the Pulse was a must for RS Electric who initially wanted to create a commercial electric boat specifically designed for law enforcement, border protection, security, and marinas. It will also be available in leisure and superyacht configurations for private boat owners who want to reduce their carbon footprint.
RS Electric Boats’ parent brand, RS Sailing is known for producing durable, award winning sailing dinghies. RS Electric Boats was born from the company’s desire to reduce emissions from chase boats.
Over 50 electric RIBs are expected to roll out of the shed during 2022. The Pulse 63 is 100% electric, and is made using sustainable materials.
