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BAR Technologies to attempt new all-electric ‘Round the Island’ record


Portsmouth, 12th July 2023 Innovative simulation-driven marine engineering consultancy, BAR Technologies, is set to attempt a new record with its fully electric, ultra-efficient SpiritBARTech35EF foiler.

The vessel, the first fully-electric yacht with a range of 100 nautical miles between charges, will look to set an all electric record, for circumnavigating the Isle of Wight on 17th July.  The current record for an electric vessel stands at just under 6 hours, which BAR Tech is aiming to beat by 3 hours.

The record attempt, should the conditions allow, will begin on Monday 17th July at c.7:45am, with the Island’s Royal Yacht Squadron signifying the start with a cannon across the Squadron Line.

BAR Tech confirms that with the latest pioneering advances in foiling technology, which it has developed from its founding team’s experience with the America’s Cup, that the SpiritBARTech35EF is headed for record success.

Encapsulated within an elegant and sleek visual appearance, with a hull design courtesy of Spirit Yachts, the vessel combines electric propulsion and innovative design to deliver comfort and efficiency through minimal contact between the hull and the water. The foils exploit the mechanical properties of titanium by minimising the thickness cord ratio of the foil. Alongside, the vessel encompasses a modified electric motor, developed for motorsport, integrated in the aft ‘T’ foil, for ultimate optimisation, control, and efficiency gains.

The vessel can reach speeds of up to 30 knots, with a range of 100Nm at cruising speed as it quietly rises out of the water and flies over the surface.

For the challenge, which requires speed and streamlining, the electric flyer can be quickly adapted to convert its 6 seats in open cockpit configuration to an eye catching 2-seater spider configuration.

Commenting on the record attempt, Simon Schofield, Chief Technical Officer, BAR Technologies, said: “The Round the Island challenge presents an exciting opportunity to showcase the capabilities of BAR Technologies in technical and sustainable innovation.  The vessel is the embodiment of our pioneering approach for the luxury yacht sector, which is overdue more efficient designs that don’t compromise the needs of comfort and performance.”

“Alongside our Head of Vessels, Ollie Pendleton, I look forward to piloting the SpiritBARTech35EF in the challenge and bringing home a record-breaking time.”

The SpiritBARTech35EF is a limited edition boat with orders being taken by BAR Technologies.