I recently visited the St Ives Electric Riverboat Company and spoke to Francis and Sarah who have run the business since 2023.
The company has operated on the River Great Ouse since 2005 using electric boats with their fleet made up of two 21 foot Phoenix electric passenger boats, ‘Whisper’ and ‘Meander’. Due to their size and manoeuvrability the boats are capable of accessing the smaller backwater channels that the larger cruisers cannot access. They operate in the beautiful stretch of the river between the St Ives and Hemingford locks.
The boats are both child and dog friendly and operate throughout the warmer months. They’re here until the end of October so make sure to make the most of those last few days of sunshine!
Francis highlighted his concerns over the St Ives and Brownshill staunches and the impact they have on navigation of the river. I recently met with Sadia Moeed from the Environment Agency to discuss the sluice gate repairs that are needed. Following its reclassification as a navigation asset funding has been made available for some repairs.
