Press release -
Meet The Flying Electric Boat That Eliminates Seasickness: UK Premiere
The Candela C-8 is the world's first electric hydrofoiling boat in production. It soars above the water on two wings, reducing drag and energy consumption by 80%, leading to long range at high speed. A standout feature? It prevents seasickness, using tech derived from jet fighters. The C-8 will have its UK premiere at the Southampton Boat Show, which runs from 15 to 24 September 2023.
(Media test drives available)
The Candela C-8 has two carbon-fiber wings slung under the hull, which at high speeds lift the boat out of the water, slashing drag by approximately 80% compared to traditional boats. The benefits over conventional vessels are long range and high speed, but there are more perks: Its unique computer system, a Flight Controller, automatically adjusts the hydrofoils in real time, ensuring the ride remains stable and smooth, even in choppy waters. This system, reminiscent of the control systems found in jet fighters, allows passengers to experience the exhilaration of gliding over water without the discomfort of motion sickness.
- It's a vastly more comfortable ride than ordinary boats. The C-8 is the ultimate cure for seasickness, says Mikael Mahlberg, Candela's Head of Communications.
In a unique collaboration with premium electric car maker Polestar, the boat is powered by the same 69 kWh battery used in the Polestar 2 electric car. The battery drives a dual-motor pod with contra-rotating propellers, called the Candela C-POD, which is designed for high efficiency and emits almost no noise even at 20+ knots cruise speed. The C-POD and foil system makes the C-8 the most efficient powerboat ever. At a speed of 22 knots, it only draws 25 hp from the battery. For comparison, a conventional, planing, 28-foot cabin cruiser is typically equipped with a 300-horsepower gasoline outboard motor.
The Candela C-8 can cruise for longer distances than any electric powerboat in production before it: over 50 nautical miles on battery power at a speed of 22 knots. The C-8 can also reach a top speed of 27 knots.
While the Candela C-8’s tech stands out, it is also designed to be a luxury cruiser with all the amenities expected in a premium boat. It has a large, comfortable cockpit with seating for eight persons, a big sunbed, a spacious front cabin equipped with berths for two adults and two kids, and a marine toilet.
The unique combination of long range, comfort and high tech features have made the Candela C-8 an international best-seller with over 150 orders in short time.
The C-8 will, for the first time in the UK, be on display at the Southampton Boat Show, where visitors will have the opportunity to see it up close and learn more about its features and benefits. After the show, Candela will also offer media test drives for journalists who want to experience the thrill of flying over water.
To book a media test drive or to request more information, please contact:
Kate Porteous Marketing Manager, Candela UK/SE Yachts
Phone: +44 (0)7977 470710
Email: kate@seyachts.com
Mikael Mahlberg Head of Communications, Candela
Phone: +46765376678
Email: mikael.mahlberg@candela.com
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Stockholm-based Candela Technology AB is the world leader in hydrofoiling electric vessels. The company was founded in 2014 by engineer and business leader Gustav Hasselskog with the mission to accelerate the world's transition to fossil fuel-free lakes and oceans by developing electric vessels that outperform those powered by fossil fuels.
Candela's watercraft have wings (hydrofoils) that lift the hull above the water and reduce friction, using 80% less energy than conventional ships at high speed. This technology allows for long-range water travel solely on battery power, a first in the industry. Candela's hydrofoils also enable operators to transition to sustainable fleets by providing up to 50% lower operational costs.
At the heart of Candela's hydrofoil tech stack is the Flight controller, which automatically stabilizes the vessel during flight by regulating the foils, using sensors that gauge wave height and wind speed, among other factors. Even in rough weather, passengers experience 90% less g-forces than they would on a traditional boat. All Candela vessels are fully connected and receive over-the-air updates.
After five years of research and development, Candela began producing the world's first electric hydrofoil leisure boat in 2019, the Candela C-7 open "roadster of the seas". This was followed in 2021 by the high-volume market Candela C-8, which will be delivered to the first customers in spring 2023. Over 150 C-8 units have been sold to date, and the vessel has been lauded as a "game changer" by Motorboat and Yachting magazine, winning numerous awards including the 2022 European Powerboat of the Year award for its superior seakeeping, long range, and high speed.
In 2023, Candela is launching its first commercial vessel, the Candela P-12 Shuttle ferry. It is poised to set multiple world records for being the fastest and longest-range electric ship ever built, with a top speed of 30 knots and a range of up to 60 nautical miles. It will also be the most energy-efficient fast ship ever made in its size class. Substantial operational cost savings are expected. The first unit is water launched during summer 2023.
Candela is a technology company with headquarters in Stockholm, Sweden, employing over 200 engineers, technicians, and production staff. The company develops the entire tech stack, from the C-POD motor to the control system and carbon fiber hulls, in-house. Candela's two wholly-owned factories in Stockholm, Sweden, produce the Candela C-8 and P-12 vessels. The company also has leisure boat resellers in 12 countries and wholly-owned sales offices in San Francisco, USA, and Cannes, France.
