Boatbuilding News 14.04.22 Feat. E1 Series, Azimut Yachts and Tanaruz.

???This week’s boatbuilding news!????

???E1’s electric foiling raceboat has hit the water for the first time.?

The race bird prototype has completed a series of tests in Northern Italy. These test included runs with ex-powerboat champion Luca Ferrari behind the wheel.

The testing schedule, which will continue for several weeks, will consist of straight-line tests, qualifying runs, and race simulations, with the focus on set-up and performance analysis and gathering data on the foiling and handling characteristics in different racing conditions.

Engineers conducted a number of technical tests and systems checks to assess the overall performance and reliability of the boat and the various electrical components. E1 organisers also used the opportunity during the test to evaluate different elements of the racing format, including trialling autonomous buoys and cornering profiles, as well as testing the positioning of onboard cameras to be used in the world feed broadcast.

The RaceBird is a product of Saudi Public Investment Fund and E1 Series partnership to create the world’s first electric powerboat racing competition.

The UIM E1 World Electric Powerboat Series is the world’s first and only electric powerboat racing series and will see up to 12 teams competing on the water in global locations. The pilots will tackle tight and technical circuits, reaching speeds close to 50kt (93km/h or 58mph) in RaceBird powerboats designed by SeaBird Technologies and Victory Marine.

?????Italy’s Azimut Yachts has announced the simultaneous launch of the Grande 26M and Grande 36M motoryachts.?

Both yachts will be officially presented to the public at the Cannes Yachting Festival later this year.

The Azimut Grande 26M features a Sea View Terrace on an extended cockpit, while the Grande 36M introduces the first ever upper deck semi-walkaround, which extends over a single level almost to the tip of the bow.

The fold-up Sea View Terrace on the Grande 26M is created by opening up the stern hatch so that it becomes a natural extension of the cockpit. This intuitive and versatile design, inspired by that of the larger Trideck, transforms the cockpit into a terrace on the sea. It can be instantly changed into an al fresco living area, with a walkaround table for access on all four sides and unimpeded sea views.

The interiors feature an owner’s suite with Alberto Mancini’s floor-to-ceiling windows on the main deck and four guest cabins below.?

With the Grande 36M, Azimut has introduced a new concept in the form of an upper deck semi-walkaround which runs on a single level from the stern almost to the very tip of the bow. Offering an unprecedented freedom of movement, this is a never-before-seen feature, the company says.

For the first time, the upper deck becomes a physical place that takes in the entire length of the yacht. The sky lounge sits at the centre, with oversize slide-away glass doors opening up to allow the interior to seamlessly merge into the exterior with its all-glass hot tub and fully-equipped sundeck.

Both new models benefit from extensive use of carbon fibre and vinyl ester resin, which together reduce the superstructure weight by 30%,?optimising engine power which in turn reduces fuel usage.

The Grande 26M is powered by a new pod drive system which, together with the lighter structure, is said to lower fuel consumption by 20% in comparison with traditional boats of similar dimensions.

?????Tanaruz, a Dutch company that manufactures tailor-made 3D printed boats, has unveiled a 3D printed yacht made from recycled plastic.?

The boats are manufactured in Rotterdam using a “plug-and-play” 3D printer which is about 14 meters long. Four different models which range from 4.5 to 10 meters in length, constitute the portfolio of the company. Each of them can be customized – the customer can choose the color, interior and equipment of their choice – and equipped with electric motors, batteries and solar panels.

With an entry-level model priced at 15,000 euros (a cost that would be half the price of a traditional boat of the same size), Tanaruz ambitions to scale up the production of its boats to 300 by 2023. The?boats are said to be more sustainable and cheaper to produce than conventionally manufactured models.?

“With Tanaruz we want to make pleasure yachts accessible to everyone who is looking for an affordable, but above all a sustainable product“

comments Alex Shifman, the founder of Raw Idea, the startup behind Tanaruz.

If this plan is successfully implemented, Tanaruz would be the first company to achieve the production of 3D printed boats made from recycled material at scale.?

This year, the company plans to 3D print 100 boats in Rotterdam. They are actively looking to scale this with anew location and new partners to help them grow internationally.