A start-up for electric boat sharing on Lake Garda and in La Spezia.
No license needed
All you need is a phone to search the app's map for the closest boat. As you approach the rudder is unlocked with a click. And then you sail, freely, without a boat license. And most importantly without polluting. Because we are talking about electric boats, and the first completely online electric boat sharing initiative, launched in Italy.
A fully-automated system
Michele Lauriola and Leonardo Caiazza, two young entrepreneurs announced the launch of the web app: “Our system is fully automated. The boat is unlocked, and it I navigated with the assistance of a virtual skipper who suggests itineraries and destinations to visit, then it is moored after the user has put it on charge. This is the only obligation for the user.”
Requests for protected marine areas
The start-up, which has developed both the software and the hardware for managing the procedures, started the business with two boats, produced by the Swedish shipyard Nimbus: one is moored in the port of Mirabello in La Spezia and the second is given under license to an operator on Lake Garda, "The first weeks of operation went very well and we were sold out on weekends,", say Lauriola and Caiazza. “Many requests are coming from the 22 Italian protected marine areas, fragile ecosystems where petrol-engine boats would damage the natural balance. We would like to direct our business there.”
The boats can take up to 6 passengers
The start-up will initially make the two boats of its own fleet available to which others will be added thanks to agreements with shipyards. The boats are 6.30 metres long, can take 6 passengers and are equipped with bow and stern sundecks, retractable table, pro audio system, USB charger, on-board computer and Simrad with maps.
