A sixteen-year-old is hoping to become the youngest person to skipper an electric boat around Britain, as he embarks on the mammoth journey later this year.

Harry Besley, from Taunton in Somerset, will be attempting to drive an electric RIB (eRIB) around the coast of Britain during the summer months, raising awareness of the issues around combustion engines and showing that there are environmentally friendly alternatives.

He will begin his journey at Lyme Regis Harbour in around July/August 2023, to coincide with the summer holidays as Harry is still currently studying in Wellington sixth form in Somerset.

He and his crew will attempt to circumnavigate the country in three to four weeks, before arriving back in Lyme Regis.

Harry said: “We have a chalet down at Lyme Regis, I go there a lot and I grew up on boats setting off from the harbour there.

“We know the Harbour Master and have been there many times so it was the natural place to start for us.”

The purpose of the challenge is to raise awareness around the issues of combustion engines and showcase the potential of electric boats.

The Round Britain eRIB challenge is backed by several key bodies in the industry including: MDL Marinas, The RYA, British Marine, British Ports Association, The Yacht Harbour Association, UK Harbour Masters Association, and The Green Blue.

MDL Marinas will provide space at its South Coast & Green Tech Boat Show (21-23 April) for the Round Britain eRIB team to display the challenge vessel.

The show, hosted at MDL’s Ocean Village Marina in Southampton, will provide an opportunity for visitors to learn more about the challenge and raise awareness for sustainable alternatives for boating.

Harry said: “A large part of the challenge is to raise awareness of the need to transition to sustainable boating.”