MAKING WAVES
Futuristic electric boat that can FLY on water unveiled as luxury ‘river limo’ that quietly glides over bumpy waves
See the boat in action by hitting play on the video above
THIS is the moment an electric boat has been filmed flying on water, catching a glimpse of the future.
The futuristic footage has revealed the luxury "river limo", created by the man behind the Apple Watch.
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Capable of travelling up to 34 mph or 30 knots, the cost of running the hydrofoil vessel is 25 times cheaper than similar boats on fossil fuels.
Spotted quietly gliding over waves, it has been designed to be used as a water taxi in cities such as London or around the coast.
Measuring 8.95 metres-long, the VS-9 can carry up to 11 people including the skipper.
Unveiled on September 11, the boat could be used by super-yacht owners as tenders or hired as a private ferry with the ability to travel up to 50 nautical miles before needing to be charged.
The futuristic boat is the brainchild of Vessel CEO Eric Laakmann - who was part of the team that created the Apple Watch nine years ago.
A spokesperson told Luxury Boat News: "The user cases are vast. It can be anything from a water taxi to a private ferry for an eco-resort.
"They are also getting requests from super-yacht owners who want them as tenders for their yachts.
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"Vessev's first customer, Fullers360 is going to use them for luxury sightseeing trips for tourists."
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But the price of the hi-tech boat has not been revealed.
The spokesperson added: "Vessev hasn't disclosed a price as these vessels are usually calculated on the Total Cost of Ownership.
"And electric hydrofoiling boats will be significantly cheaper to operate and maintain than the equivalent displacement hull ferries using diesel power.
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"VS-9’s onboard passenger experience redefines marine transport with a luxurious cabin interior inspired by premium automotive design and a super smooth ride like travelling on a quiet waterborne aeroplane."
Mr Laakmann said: "Traditionally, larger vessels are required to deliver a comfortable passenger experience as they can handle the impact of waves and wake.
"By flying above the waves, the VS-9 delivers a large vessel experience on an agile platform that can be berthed and charged in nearly any marina.
"One way of looking at the impact of this vessel is that our waterways today are like roadways, where the only comfortable mode of transportation are very large multi-passenger buses – i.e. ferries.
"These large vessels are here to stay, but they will be augmented with point-to-point services delivered by vessels such as the VS—9. It’s like introducing a limo into a world of buses.
"Through enhanced comfort and reduced operating costs, the VS-9 platform delivers an entirely new transportation experience that hasn’t truly been viable until today."
He added: "In designing the VS-9 transportation configuration, we knew that we wanted to create something that highlights the unique advantages of this technology.
"She includes stylish seating for 10 where easy conversation can flow between guests while quietly gliding to their destination.
"The full-standing height cabin also includes wraparound glass with panoramic views of the environment around them.
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"Our goal was to make sure the passengers of the VS-9 are connecting with only two things – those on the journey with them as well as their surroundings.
"We’ve accomplished exactly that."
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