As part of the goal to introduce emission-free Alster boating, we were able to conduct a test weekend with our rowing clubs & associations located on the Alster.

The test runs were conducted on the Alster, accompanying our statement from August of this year, as part of the hearing “Specific Requirements of the AAC/NRB State Rowing Association Hamburg”.

An RS eCat 16 demonstration model from RowingSolutions, with 6 kW and an acquisition value of approximately €33,000, was deployed. For competitive sports and regattas, a more powerful motor is required to meet the necessary speed demands.

As a conclusion from the observations and evaluation forms, we can state that the British catamaran is quite robust and practical. At the same time, existing catamarans (High Tech, see photo) can continue to be used with a new Torqeedo motorization, subject to appropriate conversion costs. Clubs and associations will differentiate their purchases based on needs: youth training / high-performance training / regattas. A charging infrastructure – without a wallbox – must be professionally installed. In Hamburg, a professional contact person is available for clubs and associations for various technical matters, equipment, and support. Already today, some clubs and associations are very active in testing this new type of propulsion.

The Authority for Environment, Climate, Energy and Agriculture (BUKEA), after intensive discussions with the HSB and us as an association, published new, improved conditions for funding the conversion to electric mobility on the Alster. This aims to alleviate the financial burden caused by additional price increases due to global political events.

The offer for a test weekend, coordinated by us and involving technical exchange between manufacturers, technicians, and users, led to high transparency & information regarding e-motorboats.

Ultimately, it is the responsibility of the clubs and associations to draw the appropriate conclusions for their motorboat fleet, considering operational sports requirements, financial possibilities, and funding measures within the framework of emission-free Alster boating.