Leading British boat manufacturer Spirit Yachts has partnered with marine engineering firm BAR Technologies to produce a fully electric, 35-foot foiling yacht.
Spirit Yachts – whose boats have appeared in Casino Royale and No Time to Die – will style the electric boat while BAR will focus on the production of the hull using foiling technology in order to minimise contact with the water, helping to improve both comfort and efficiency.
BAR will also design the foil boat’s electric powertrain, which it expects to deliver a range of around 100 nautical miles (115 miles) and five hours of foiling.
Spirit Yachts state that the vessel will start to rise above the water at 14 knots (16mph) and once flying will cruise at 22 (25mph) knots with a top speed of 30 knots (35mph). That’s likely more than enough to help Mr Bond escape from any villain.
The foiler has six seats in open cockpit configuration which can be converted to a two-seater spider configuration if needed.
Spirit Yachts claimed that the new foil boat project will “exemplify BAR’s high-tech efficiency and sustainability while maintaining a classically beautiful aesthetic”.
“We are proud to work with BAR Technologies to deliver the next step in classic yacht design,” said Sean McMillan, Spirit Yachts’ CEO and head of design.
“BAR’s background in high-tech racing made them the ideal partner for this project, blending heritage with technology to create a sophisticated yet modern vessel.”
BAR Technologies boss John Cooper added: “There is significant market demand for sustainable leisure vessels, drawing innovation from the wider maritime sector, and it’s an exciting opportunity for BAR to collaborate with the sector’s leading yacht designers and builders.”
Spirit Yachts is aiming to deliver the first order in the second half of 2022 and will build the vessel at its yard in Ipswich.
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