2 RACEBIRD TAKES FLIGHT
The hotly anticipated E1 Series of electric powerboat racing took a major step forward this month with the first sea trial of its radical new Racebird craft.
This all-electric one-design foiler took to the River Po near San Nazzaro in April, where it was driven by none other than ex-world champion powerboat racer Luca Ferrari. He put the lightweight flyer through its paces with a series of straight-line speed trials as well as tight, round-the-buoy manoeuvres to simulate actual racing conditions. The test team also took the opportunity to experiment with the positioning of the onboard cameras that will supply live feeds to a worldwide television audience.
Propelled by an all-new 150kw Mercury Racing electric outboard motor powered by 37kwh Kreisel batteries, this futuristic single-seat racer has a top speed of around 50 knots.
Weighing a mere 900kg, including its pilot, it flies above the water with only the tips of its foils and the propeller submerged, using state-of-the-art trim and steering technology to keep it aloft.
The E1 championship is due to kick off next year with as many as 12 teams competing. Each race will consist of three 10-12 minute knockout rounds with teams having to field two pilots of different genders.
The organisers expect to have around 30 identical Racebirds ready for the start of the season, guaranteeing close racing between the teams. These will be shipped around the world in containers, initially between venues in North America and Europe, although they hope to expand into Asia as well.
The futuristic looks of the Racebird were penned by Norwegian industrial designer Sophi Horne from Seabird Technologies, supported by Italian naval architect Bruno Acampora and Victory Marine, which is building the boats.
Crucially, the E1 Series has the backing of the UIM, the governing body of powerboat racing, but Spanish entrepreneur, Alejandro Agag, the man behind the popular Formula E Series of electric racing cars, and former aerospace and F1 engineer, Rodi Basso, are the other key players involved.