The Whaly as Safety Boat – What We’ve Learned

 

The Whaly as Safety Boat – What We’ve Learned

Or: How Not to Run Over a Capsized Dinghy

We’ve now used the Whaly 455R electric boat for dozens of safety shifts at the sailing club, often in the thick of junior races, training courses, and midweek chaos we fondly call “Wednesdays on the Water.” From calm afternoons to gusty dramas, the Whaly has become a familiar sight — and after all this time, we’ve learned a lot.

Here’s what worked, what didn’t, and what we’d do differently (other than not forget the paddle).

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🔌 Electric Power – Surprisingly Practical

Our Whaly is powered by a 3kW E-Propulsion outboard with a 30kg battery, charged at home via solar. It’s almost silent, which makes it great for filming and sneaking up on dinghies in trouble — though it does mean you sometimes surprise sailors who don’t hear you coming. (“Oh! Where did you come from?”)

What we’ve learned:

• You need to check the battery level before launch. The range is sufficient for a day on the water or two if a day is not exciting. The battery is not used if you are not moving.

• Top speed is enough to reach a capsized boat quickly — but not to chase a Laser with a grudge.

• It turns sharply at low speeds with the right trim and balance. Steer, then gear.

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🧡 Space for People, Gear, and Wet Sailors

The Whaly’s wide hull and open deck mean there’s plenty of room for:

• Rescue gear

• Buoys and anchors

• Four soggy Cadets and their dripping sails

• One small dog (don’t ask)

Boarding from the water is easy — we’ve seen several successful rescues and a few unscheduled entries by crew members with uncooperative feet. The Whaly floats very high, so you’ll often need to help people up — or have a sturdy rope step tied to the side.

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🚤 Handling – Slow and Steady Wins the Rescue

Unlike the petrol Dory, the Whaly doesn’t plane. But for safety work, that’s not a problem. The key is precise control. On a busy race day:

• We hover just behind the fleet

• Approach capsized boats on the leeward side

• Cut power and coast gently in

• Always stop well clear, then drift into position

One memorable moment: helping a sailor who was still clinging to the wrong end of their Topper. A gentle nudge from the Whaly, a rope thrown, and a well-timed lean saved the day — and avoided the usual dunking.

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🎥 Camera Boat Mode – Bonus Feature

Thanks to its silent motor and open layout, the Whaly doubles beautifully as a camera boat for our sailing films. Mounting a tripod, gimbal, or even a sound recordist is simple — just bring extra battery packs and pray no one gybes onto your lens.

✅ Final Tips for Whaly Safety Use:

• Use neutral gear to coast in

• Approach slowly from the right angle

• Keep your tow ropes, paddles, and bailers ready. Especially the bailers for the Merlins

• Always check the prop, especially in weedy water

• Practice manoeuvres in calm weather — don’t wait for the chaos

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The Whaly might not be the fastest, flashiest, or fiercest safety boat out there — but it’s stable, reliable, silent, and forgiving. And frankly, so are we.

Most days.