Candela’s hydrofoiling electric boats are coming to New Zealand through a partnership with Wanaka based Next Generation Boats.
The first Candela C-7 is expected to arrive in early April 2022 followed by the bigger C-8 at the end of the year. Stockholm-based Candela has quickly gained worldwide fame for cracking the code to long-range electric craft. Flying on computer-stabilised underwater wings, Candela’s novel day cruiser Candela C-8 and sportsboat Candela C-7 use only a fraction of the energy conventional motorboats need at speeds of 30 knots. Once foilborne, Candela’s boats can travel for 2 – 2,5 hours at a speed of 20 knots and cover 50 nautical miles of range.
The active hydrofoil system allows the boat to fly over waves without causing discomfort to its passengers, whereas conventional boats would be slamming and throwing lots of spray around. The on-board computer automatically adjusts pitch, roll and height to account for side winds, waves and people moving around in the boat.
In addition to record-setting range and performance, Candela’s boats are respectful of the marine environment.
Since the hull flies above the water, a Candela boat uses 80% less energy than conventional boats, which translates not only into longer range but also to an almost non-existent wake behind the boat. At 25 knots, a Candela craft creates a tiny 5cm wave and therefore causes minimal disturbance to shorelines and marine habitats.
The Candela C-Pod submerged pod drive is whisper quiet, even at cruising speeds of 20-25 knots.
