This Electric Boat is "Winging" It - Quite Literally
Image Credit: Vessev.
I love the idea of skimming across the water on an electric hydrofoil boat. Ever since I saw the first hydrofoiling boat I was mesmerized by the sheer magic happening under the water that let’s the boat fly. And every time I hear about another company venturing into this incredible area of sailing, I’m all ears.
The futuristic sleek piece of nautical ingenuity you see here in the photos is called the VS-9. Brought to us by the folks at Vessev (previously known as Seachange), a New Zealand-based company with Apple alumni at the helm. You know what that means? They've got the design chops to make this boat not just functional, but downright gorgeous.
The VS-9 uses "foils" – underwater wings – to lift the hull out of the water, reducing drag and energy consumption by a whopping 95%. That's like sipping a martini instead of chugging a keg - way classier and efficient.
Image Credit: Vessev.
This electric baby can cruise at 29 mph (25 knots), accommodating ten passengers for a smooth, quiet ride. With a range of 57 miles (92.6 km), it's perfect for island hopping or a scenic tour. And charging? Easy peasy! Just plug it in at any marina like you would your phone - well, a very large phone.
But Vessev's ambition doesn't stop here. They've got their sights set on bigger fish - or rather, bigger boats. Their upcoming model, the VS-18, aims to transport 100 passengers. Imagine an electric ferry that glides above the waves like a seagull, leaving nothing but a whisper in its wake.
But here's an interesting thing – this isn't just a fancy toy for the rich and famous. Vessev is partnering with New Zealand's largest ferry operator, Fullers360, to bring this technology to the masses. So, who knows? Your next commute could be a breeze above the water, not a crawl through traffic.
Of course, there are still some questions to be answered. How will this technology scale up for larger vessels? What about rough seas? Will it make me seasick? Apart from those nagging questions – this electric hydrofoil boat is a glimpse into the future of maritime travel, and it's got me dreaming.
Vessev's VS-9, the electric boat that's making waves - or rather, flying above them. It's sleek, sustainable, and seriously cool. And while I might not be a professional sailor, I'm definitely on board with this electrifying innovation. After all, who wouldn't want to cruise smoothly across the water, regardless of the waves? I can just picture myself with a captain's hat and a mischievous grin.
