3 ELECTRIC FOILING POWERBOAT SERIES
A revolutionary new all-electric powerboat racing championship looks set to reignite interest in the sport. Called E1, it will be contested by a new breed of identical superlight, battery-powered hydrofoil craft with a top speed of around 60 knots.
Looking more like props from a Star Wars movie than any existing power boat design, the computer-generated renderings show an ultra-sleek single-seat monocoque design with triple jet-style propulsors located on a hoopshaped foil with a front wing extension.
Currently under development at British start-up Seabird Technologies, the project is being driven by Norwegian Sophi Horne, a young industrial designer with superyacht experience. Horne tells us that the finished boats are likely to use just one propeller and make use of computer-controlled trim and steering technology to keep them “flying” several feet above the water. A target weight of just over 450kg should allow for at least 15 minutes of racing at speeds of over 55 knots. A prototype should be in the water by next summer.
Racing them will not simply be about speed and handling but will depend on the team’s ability to manage battery power, as charging for the quarters, semis and finals will be rationed.
The E1 calendar is expected to run in parallel with the Extreme E electric racing SUV series and include some of the most glamorous cities in the world. The intention is for up to 12 teams to compete in E1, each of which must purchase two boats; one will be used for the European races while the other will be stored aboard the 344ft former cargo ship RMS St Helena, which will be converted into a floating paddock for events in America and Asia.
The E1 series is being backed by Dr
Raffaele Chiulli, president of the UIM, Spanish entrepreneur Alejandro Agag and E1’s CEO Rodi Basso. Agag is the man behind the successful Formula E racing car series and the new Extreme E Series of off-road electric racing SUVS. Basso, meanwhile, has worked at Ferrari, Red Bull F1 and Mclaren.
“I am delighted that we are able to announce this unique step forward in marine-based sport,” said Agag. “We believe this series will engage not only the sporting public and boating and tech enthusiasts around the world, but also ocean conservationists who care about the future of our planet.”