An Auckland boat builder has secured its first European client for an 11-passenger electric hydrofoiling vessel, bringing America’s Cup-inspired technology to everyday passenger transport. The boat, known as the VS-9, is a high-speed electric catamaran that rises above the water on carbon fibre foils, much like the racing yachts that captivated global audiences during the America’s Cup.
Vessev chief executive Eric Laakmann confirmed that the launch customer will be eco-tourism resort Finn Lough in Northern Ireland, which has ordered a nine-metre catamaran for guest transfers and lake excursions. “The boat will allow the resort to access remote points of the lake and carry guests to their accommodations in a sustainable and innovative way,” he said.
Laakmann is particularly proud that the hardware and software are all designed and built in-house at Vessev’s 1,500sqm facility in Mt Wellington, Auckland. “We do everything ourselves: building boats, wiring motors, and manufacturing actuators. It all happens under one roof.”
The company has grown rapidly over the past year, expanding from just 14 employees to 45, with further scaling expected as orders increase globally. “By this time next year we should be producing one boat every five weeks,” Laakmann said, adding that the project reflects Kiwi ingenuity and innovation. “Hydrofoiling isn’t new, but Team New Zealand really brought the modern version to the world with the 2013 America’s Cup.”
The VS-9 cruises smoothly at 25 knots (46km/h) and offers a battery range of up to 50 nautical miles. Unlike the thrills and spills sometimes seen in racing, passenger safety has been a top priority. “The boat rides close to the water, so in the unlikely event it needs to settle down, it’s already very near the surface,” Laakmann explained. He added that new configurations, including a recreational model, are on the horizon.
Efficiency is a major selling point. “Hydrofoiling is a huge unlock to performance,” Laakmann said. The experience on board is equally impressive: “A flight on the VS-9 is smooth, silent, produces virtually no wake, and generates zero on-board emissions.”
Design has also been a focus. The VS-9 recently received a Red Dot Design Award, recognising its innovation and aesthetics. Wraparound windows provide uninterrupted views of the surrounding landscape, making it ideal for tourism and leisure operations.
While pricing remains confidential due to commercial contracts, demand is spreading quickly. “We already have orders on three different continents, and we’re not far from adding more,” Laakmann said. The first VS-9 will be delivered to Finn Lough next year, marking the start of what could be a new era in sustainable passenger boating.
