SIBS 2023: Electric foiling no longer a novelty, says Candela

Bringing its C-8 to the UK for viewing at Southampton International Boat Show (SIBS), Maria Rohman Candela’s head of marketing (pictured above) admits “it’s not a novelty anymore.” And she’s delighted. Rohman says that signifies proof of concept. “Hydrofoiling is not strange. We see competitors. That’s more proof of concept.”

Candela says its craft use 80 per cent less energy than conventional boats, which translates into far longer range and higher speeds on pure battery power. According to the company, what makes hydrofoils so effective is the dramatic reduction in drag. A typical planing hull has a 4-to-1 lift-to-drag ratio, while the Candela C-8 has a 20-to-1 lift advantage.

Boat number 31 is being displayed at SIBS. Rohman says the reception so far has been “amazing”. And even though the company saw a marked slow down last year, she’s excited that Candela is coming to the UK leisure market, courtesy of SE Yachts, while it also develops its moves into ferries “as the next big thing.”

According to Kate Porteous, marketing for SE Yachts, both sailors and the power boat market are interested. Her plan is to open up the opportunity to experience the excitement of being in flight above the waves to both groups.

In order to make that happen, she’s planning a series of roadshows at MDL Marinas with dates to be confirmed. It’s a 12 month plan with as many events as possible to get people onboard.

Porteous says the C-8’s “coped with Solent chop with no problems and a variety of conditions so far.” She’s keen to do more and take it around the Isle of Wight.

“Our aim is to give the boating community the chance to learn more about the Candela C-8 in the UK through a series of roadshows across some of the MDL Marinas’ network. SE Yachts, the exclusive Candela UK dealers are based at Hamble Point Marina and have the Candela C-8 there,” Porteous says. “MDL Marinas are leading the charge in terms of adding fast-charging facilities via Aqua superPower at their marinas which supports the fact that Candela is 100 per cent electric. Dates for the roadshows will be revealed soon alongside a comms campaign to grow awareness of the Candela C-8 electric hydrofoiling powerboat.”