Ouse News Page 26
New community boat craned into the canal at Milton Keynes On Wednesday 5th May, Electra the all-electric community boat was craned into the Grand Union Canal, just south of Milton Keynes. Electra travelled almost 50 miles by low loader from Colecraft Ltd, the Warwickshire boatyard where she was built, arriving at the Willowbridge Marina where careful preparations had been made to lift the 16-ton craft into the water. Commissioned by the Bedford & Milton Keynes Waterway Trust, Electra will be based at Campbell Wharf; Trust volunteers will run public trips and private charter cruises along the Grand Union Canal, giving residents and visitors a different view of Milton Keynes. Following the relaxation of the government’s COVID-19 restrictions and successful ‘sea trials’, Electra is now open for business. Lead Cabin Host, James Clifton said: “Guests may now choose from several public trip and private charter options, cruising along the Grand Union Canal in Milton Keynes. “Now that our crews are fully trained and qualified, we are excited by the prospect of launching our first public cruises in early August. “Electra is well-ventilated and designed for up to 12 guests on board, but we accept government advice to ‘proceed with caution’ with regard to COVID-19 and will start by taking a maximum of 8 guests per cruise” James explained. “Electra is a brand-new fully electric, 54-foot narrowboat, crewed by trained volunteers from the Bedford & Milton Keynes Waterway Trust. It is accessible, with a lift and lavatory that can accommodate a standard size wheelchair.”
