The Wey & Arun Canal Trust's new electric visitor boat has arrived. On Monday, April 27, 2009 the 50-seater public trip boat was craned into the water at Loxwood. A Martime & Coastal Agency (MCA) team was on hand, and as soon as the boat was moored, it underwent the MCA heeling/stability test. This involved volunteers loading 220, 25Kg bags of cement onboard (total of 5.5 tonnes). After the test, the volunteers of course had to unload the bags.

The boat will be named 'Wiggonholt', and will carry information about the activities of the Wiggonholt Association. The boat is being sponsored by the Wiggonholt Association, with a private donation from a benefactor, also a member, who much admires the Canal initiative and wishes at the same time to give a benefit to the Wiggonholt Association. The official naming ceremony will take place at 11.15 on Saturday, 9th May 2009 in Loxwood.

Built by Colecraft Engineering Ltd of Long Itchington, Southam, Warwickshire, the boat is 18.5 m (60ft 8in) long and will fit in the existing original locks on the canal. Its gross weight (without passengers) is 19 tonnes and the power supply is two banks of 24 volt, lead-acid traction batteries, connected in series to give 48 volts. The batteries have a capacity of over 1250 ampere hours. Consideration has been given to fitting solar panels. At this time they do not give a financial return on the cost. However, the system has been designed with a future installation in mind should such panels become financially viable.

Peter Foulger, Chairman of the Canal Trust, said: "It was a very exciting day to see the boat in the water and it was marvellous to see it travelling up to Brewhurst bridge for the first time".

Dusty Miller, Chairman of W & A Enterprises Limited, the trading arm of the Canal Trust, said he was also delighted at the outcome. "We had thought of extending an existing boat, the Zachariah Keppel. When we were asked by the Wiggonholt Association if the diesel engine could be replaced by an electric one it became clear that this was impractical, hence the birth of the new boat, thanks to the Association's generous support."

Peter Flatter, Chairman of the Wiggonholt Association, "There is great admiration for what has been achieved and we are pleased to have been able to give our support for a silent, non-polluting boat which will greatly increase the number of passengers able to enjoy the very popular canal trips. We particularly appreciate the Trust's efforts to protect and enhance the canal environment and we hope to widen support for our own work to protect the Sussex countryside and rural life, through our contacts with the Trust and its conservation enthusiasts."

Further information can be obtained from the Wey and Arun Trust's Public Relations Officer: Sally Schupke (01483 560543): e-mail: pr@weyandarun.co.uk.

For general information on the work of the Wey and Arun Canal Trust, please telephone the Trust office on 01403 752403.