The ROCAT was entered into the first British Marine Federation's 'Concept Boat Competition' in 2002. The brief was to produce a design for a 'new kind of transportable boat'.

There were 96 entries, from 30 countries, and the judges awarded the ROCAT second prize. Probably more valuable than the cash prize was a space on the 'Concept Boat' stand at the 2003 London Boat Show. This was the boat's first exposure to the public, and the response was enormously encouraging.