SOLAR-POWERED BOAT MAKES 200km EXPEDITION DOWN THE THAMES TO TEDDINGTON
Torkmar, 19ft day boat with four solar panels on its canopy, is planning a 200km expedition down the River Thames ending at Teddington to demonstrate the potential of sustainable boating.
Torkmar, a UK business providing sustainable propulsion solutions for inland and coastal waters, is preparing to embark on an ambitious week-long voyage along the River Thames, travelling from Lechlade in Gloucestershire to Teddington using a day boat powered solely by solar energy.
The expedition will see Tim Knox, and his wife Sue, navigate approximately 200 kilometres of the UK’s most iconic river without relying on fossil fuels or shore-based charging.
Instead, the vessel will be powered entirely by electricity generated from its onboard solar panels throughout the journey.
Taking place from the 11th of August, starting in Lechlade, to the 15th of August ending in Teddington, the challenge has been organised to showcase the growing potential of clean, renewable energy in inland waterway transport while demonstrating how innovative technologies can reduce environmental impact without compromising practicality.
Tim and Sue will travel through many of the Thames’ best-known towns and communities, including Lechlade, Oxford, Abingdon, Wallingford, Reading, Henley-on-Thames, Marlow, Windsor, Staines, Kingston upon Thames and Teddington, providing opportunities for local residents, businesses and media to follow the expedition as it progresses downstream.
Tim Knox, owner of Torkmar Ltd says “This journey is about more than simply travelling from A to B. We want to demonstrate what’s already possible with today’s renewable technology and encourage conversations about sustainable transport, innovation and the future of our waterways.
“We hope people along the Thames will follow our progress and come along to support us during the week.”
Throughout the expedition, Tim and Sue will provide regular updates, photographs and videos documenting daily progress, weather conditions, energy generation and the unique challenges of completing a long-distance river journey powered only by the sun.
Opportunities to meet local communities, boating enthusiasts and environmental groups at locations along the route are welcomed.
Local media are invited to arrange interviews or photO opportunities as the boat passes through their area or at the official departure and arrival events.
Contact Details:
Tim Knox
Torkmar Ltd www.torkmar.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mothership_torkmar
Introduction https://youtu.be/WEhdYkHC368?si=5eiXcQGbo8iEnR40
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/people/Torkmar/61586016154894/?locale=ms_MY#
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/torkmar26/Itinerary:
ITINERARY;
Mon 10th August Tim and Sue will be in Lechlade ahead of departure in the morning
Tues 11th August Depart from Lechlade Marina – Arrive Head of the River, Oxford
Weds 12th August Depart from Oxford – Arrive Shillingford Bridge Hotel, Wallingford
Thurs 13th August Depart Wallingford – Arrive The Relais Henley, Henley on Thames
Friday 14th August Depart Henley – Arrive The Crown & Cushion, Eton
Saturday 15th August Depart Eton – Arrive Hilton Kingston upon Thames
Sunday 16th August Depart Kingston upon Thames head to Teddington