A few months ago, Alejandro Agag and Rodi Basso surprised with the E1 Series announcement, the first 100% electric boat racing category.
The sensation effect was immediate, the expectation grew as the days went by until the official vehicle was revealed. Now, the countdown to its 2023 debut is beginning to wind down. However, this year will see the beginning of on-water tests that will give life to a new division of motorsport.
The objective of the division is to promote electrified powerboat racing, offering an unparalleled spectacle in large, imposing and beautiful settings around the world without forgetting the main goal: to echo sustainability at the marine level and, above all, to demonstrate how important it is for the ecosystem’s balance.
Twelve teams and ten locations are waiting for 2023, as well as motorsport fans. The RaceBird will be the main weapon of the E1 Series, an electrified boat designed by Sophi Horne, which besides being eye pleasing due to its aesthetic aspects, turns out to be a power machine on the inside.
Related content: Sophi Horne: The Star Behind E1 Series’ RaceBird
This is the RaceBird from the Driver’s Perspective
Seven meters long by three meters wide, strong and light enough to move easily on the water. It weighs just 800 kilograms and can develop up to 50 knots of force. “It was about designing something that goes with nature and not against it,” Horne said about his creation.
In addition, the RaceBird will bring with it hydrofoil technology, making the boat stick out of the water to decrease as much friction, drag force or blockage as possible. Also, being inches in lift will make it easier for pilots to fight each other without being affected by the slipstream caused by the electric motor.
Also, Sophi Horne had the opportunity to climb into her creation and experience what it’s like to be at the pilot’s seat. A spectacular first-person view was revealed by E1 Series weeks ago. The cockpit has a closed design, as if it were an army jet, giving an aggressive yet elegant impression of what is to come when the action finally begins in the various locations that the category has prepared.
“We believe it will be a big impact within motorsport. Just like Formula E or Extreme E, the E1 Series will be groundbreaking and will drive development. It will take time to make a drastic change in marine mobility, but we need to start the process somewhere, so we need to use the sport as a platform to create this change,” said Agag when the boat was unveiled.
Written by | Ronald Ortega
