TEMO·1000 Put to the Test on Crew Tender During Salcombe Merlin Rocket Week

TEMO 1000 on crew transfer duties to Mill Bay © MCI

Salcombe Merlin Rocket Week (29 June - 4 July), one of the most vibrant and fiercely competitive events on the UK dinghy calendar, proved to be the ultimate real-world test for the TEMO 1000 electric outboard motor.

With the estuary buzzing and tides racing, one savvy Merlin Rocket sailor brought the compact TEMO 1000 along to power their crew tender between Whitestrand in Salcombe and Mill Bay on the opposite side of the estuary, the daily commute for competitors. With notoriously fast-moving water and often windless approaches to moorings, the TEMO 1000 delivered effortless, reliable trips to and from the racecourse.

Temo 1000 on the East Portlemouth shore overlooking Salcombe - photo © MCI

Boasting 28 kg of static thrust (equivalent to 3HP) and a long-lasting cassette battery, the motor breezed through the estuary, even against the ebb. Its retractable tiller, twist-grip throttle, and 360 degrees rotating mount offered pinpoint control, a huge advantage in a jam-packed harbour full of dinghies, ribs, and spectator boats.

The TEMO 1000 was pushed to the max. On arrival in Salcombe the crew rigged their Merlin Rocket, inflated their tender and left from Batson Boat Park for Mill Bay, a trip across the harbour launching trolley and all. From there the tender and TEMO 1000 is used purely for crew transfer and a spot of Facebook Live on the Merlin Rocket Facebook page.

"It was brilliant having the TEMO on the tender," said sailor Mark Barwell. "Salcombe Harbour is a hive of activity, and it was so easy to mount each day, pick up fellow sailors, and get to Mill Bay and back. At the end of each race day, it came off just as quickly. No noise, no hassle - just smooth, silent power."

TEMO 1000 safely stored on Whitestrand Quay - photo © MCI

The TEMO 1000 delivered on all that was asked, providing enough power to get the crews across the harbour against the ebbing tide and follow the racing, with a range of 2 hours on one charge. If there was one drawback, it did struggle at times to keep up with the fleet, but that's probably not a bad thing as kept the owners with the harbour speed limits.

At just 15 kg (including battery) and with zero fumes or fuel, the TEMO 1000 was not only a smart and sustainable choice - it became the go-to tool for getting around with ease. Whether supporting racing or acting as a media boat, it delivered quiet, clean, and confident performance all week long.

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