Till the Coast is Clear’s Dolphin Project involves converting a 1962 26- foot wooden motor sailer vessel into an electric launch for use by the community for education and inspiration on the Salcombe / Kingsbridge estuary nature reserve.

Working with a diverse team of boat building experts, marine surveyors, boating enthusiasts, students & community volunteers, the goal is to up-cycle and repurpose this beautiful wooden boat – transforming Dolphin into a fantastic electrically powered launch which will deliver nature immersion experiences, pleasure trips, and events on the Salcombe – Kingsbridge Estuary (Ria) enabling more people from all walks of life get to out on the water and fall in love with what is around them.

Dolphin will be owned and managed by the community as an asset to be used and enjoyed by everyone rather than sitting forlornly on a mooring most of the time like 99% of other private vessels.

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

Key deliverables (May to July 2024):

• Recover vessel from mooring on estuary and secure at TTCIC yard (completed)
• Build marquee over vessel for protection from elements and secure working environment
• Remove diesel engine (completed)
• Engage professional team members and discuss scope of work and estimated costs (completed)
• Engage 25 volunteers (completed)
• Host initial gathering at yard for whole team to intro project
• Start hull clean and strip back work
• Remove interior, cabin & saloon superstructure
• Assess condition of main timbers
• Begin rebuild of hull and cabin space

 

Total project budget – Estimated £30k (based on conversations with knowledgeable & experienced trade persons). Critically the project is underpinned by volunteer labour and community good will that significantly reduces the labour costs of the project.

Timelines – Ready for launch May 2025.

If you would like to find out more about the project, get involved as a volunteer or partner, please contact gary@tillthecoastisclear.co.uk.

DEF’s contribution of £10,200 was generously enabled by Rockfish.

Image credits: Till the Coast is Clear.