The Motorboat Museum in Wat Tyler Country Park has unveiled the world’s first ever solar powered boat after rescuing it from a garage inWarwickshire. Solar Craft I, said to be “historically priceless”, is acknowledged in the Guinness Book of Motorboating as the first ever vessel to harness the sun’s rays.
It was built in 1976 by inventor Alan Freeman and is the forerunner to Sun21 - the first solar powered boat to cross the Atlantic last year. Measuring just eight feet long, the catamaran is built out of plywood and duralumin and had a top speed of 4mph – on a sunny day. It lay undisturbed in the garage of its inventor, who also built the world’s first ever solar powered car, until an enthusiast revealed its existence this year. Officials contacted Mr Freeman, now in his 90s, who generously agreed to donate it to the museum.
Julie Graham, curator of the Motorboat Museum, said: “This is a fantastic addition to the museum and we are thrilled to have it in our collection. The boat was in danger of being lost forever, but is now safely on displayfor everyone to enjoy.The museum, which is owned and run by Basildon Council, was started in 1986 with just five boats – all of them on loan from other museums. Since then it has developed into one of the country’s best collections of modern and historic motorboats with more than 40 exhibits on display. They include the Fairy Huntress, used in the James Bond film From Russia With Love, and Miss Britain IV, which powered its way to a world waterspeed record in the 80s.
“It is officially recognised as the world’s first ever solar powered craft which makes it an historically priceless exhibit. The craft is an important part of our maritime heritage and we are delighted to be preserving it for future generations to see.”
The museum is located in Wat Tyler Country Park and is free to visit. It is open from 10am - 4.30pm every day except Tuesday and Wednesdays.
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