SailGP introduces electric foiling chase boat in Chicago

The adrenaline-filled Sail Grand Prix finds itself set against Chicago’s beautiful skyline this weekend. The windy city will be turning its sights to Lake Michigan, set to watch 10 internationally renowned teams compete on board their 50-foot foiling catamarans.

In what could be called the Formula One of sailing, teams will be looking to achieve top position, setting themselves ahead in aim of the season’s million dollar prize.  

But the F-50 catamarans won’t be the only boats foiling on the course this race. A keen eye will catch a bright blue Candela C-7, a fully electric hydrofoil craft lifting itself above the waves.

One of the event’s official suppliers, the Swedish-made boat company is set to give SailGP’s partners and VIP’s a taste of the action – flying them across the water on foils like that of the F-50s. Thanks to the hydrofoils that reduce drag by 80%, the C-7 is the only electric chase boat with the range and speed to keep up with the flying catamarans.

“Our C-7 relies on the same kind of technology that the F50’s use for high speed – hydrofoils. They cut energy usage by 80% when compared to traditional speedboats, and allow for far better performance,” said Tanguy de Lamotte, Candela’s US CEO and international sailor.

The C-7 also boasts a different kind of chase boat experience—the hydrofoils allowing for no wake, minimal noise, and one of the smoothest rides available.

“We’ll be able to let passengers see those fantastic boats up close on the water, and they’re always amazed they can do so without disturbing the teams; flying above the waves in silence,” de Lamotte continued. This weekend, you’ll find him at the helm of the C-7.

SailGP is a racing championship with sustainability at its core, and a goal to be 100% “Powered by Nature” by 2025. The organisation has taken strides, involving companies like Candela and introducing the Impact League in Season 2– a competition encouraging the teams to reduce carbon emissions and improve inclusivity. This weekend you’ll also find SailGP partnering with local organisations to help restore native vegetation to the Chicago river.

“SailGP is a climate-positive sports series. This means we thrive to deliver more positive impact than our footprint. Partners like Candela help us achieve our sustainability goals by providing clean technology solutions to our events. The Candela C-7 boat is the perfect mix of new tech and smart design, to deliver high-performance with reduced carbon emissions” says Julien di Biase, SailGP’s Chief Operating Officer.

Candela's mission is to speed up the transition to fossil fuel-free lakes and oceans. Candela C-7 is the world's first electric hydrofoil boat in serial production. Combining long range, high speed and a silent drive train, C-7 is the first electric boat that can outperform fossil fuel powerboats.