From yacht clubs to sailing schools and non-profit associations – sailing organisations around the world are using Torqeedo electric outboard engines to modernise their fleets, thereby reducing CO2 emissions and improving energy efficiency. As a pioneer, Verein Seglerhaus am Wannsee (VSaW), a tradition-rich Berlin club and the second oldest sailing club in Germany, has electrified one of its coach boats.

Modern and sustainable sailing clubs like Verein Seglerhaus am Wannsee put their faith in the successful Torqeedo electric drives to electrify their coaching and utility boats. The Cruise 10.0 outboard motor is now available with a new, even quieter gearbox, enabling optimum communication between the trainer and the team.

The company VSR, manufacturer of rigid-hulled inflatable boats, has optimised the VSR F10 model for electric propulsion systems by using extra-light materials and further improving hull efficiency. In a test, a 10 kWh battery bank consisting of two Power 48-5000 lithium-ion batteries had sufficient capacity for all-day operation at typical coaching speeds. With a top speed of 14 knots, run time is about an hour. If more range is required, additional batteries can be installed.

“We are proud that the traditional club VSaW has chosen to rely on innovative technologies to promote more sustainable sailboat racing in Germany’s capital,” says Dr.Christoph Ballin, CEO and co-founder of Torqeedo. Ballin continues: “Each step we take together towards cleaner mobility, be it on land or water, will benefit all.”

After extensive test drives during training and Optimist-class regatta sessions, VSaW youth coaches Lars Haverland and Marko Müller both unanimously agree: “The coach boat is easy to handle and runs very quietly and reliably. It is a great and pioneering step!”

There are also practical reasons for switching to electromobility: electric engines require considerably less maintenance than combustion engines, and electricity prices are lower and more stable than fuel prices. This allows sailing schools and yacht clubs to reduce their overall operating costs.