Autonomous Electric Buoys...

🌊 FALCON ELECTRIC OUTBOARD

The Falcon electric outboard motor from EPTechnologies debuted at METSTRADE in November 2024. It was built as a fully electric system rather than a retrofit of a combustion platform. The motor produces 130 kW continuous power. It uses an axial‑flux architecture. It weighs about 27 kg, far lighter than conventional engines at the same power level.

The steering system was redesigned so that only the propeller and hub rotate while the motor block remains fixed. The hub turns 360°, enabling tight‑place manoeuvring and removing the need for bow thrusters on many boats.

EPTechnologies supplies its own ultra‑light batteries that can be tailored to vessel weight and layout. Together they deliver extended range, improved efficiency and a lower environmental footprint.

The Falcon offers high performance, low weight and precise control in a fully electric package. More power, more range, less drag, zero emissions.

Learn more at the EPTechnologies site, here.

🖌️ AUTONOMOUS ELECTRIC BUOYS

While not quite a boat, these buoys are electric! GiPSy buoys, including the robotic variants used in sailing racing, derive their power from internal rechargeable battery systems that supply all onboard electronics and propulsion systems. Standard models rely on sealed battery packs sized to match the buoy’s electrical demands. More advanced versions, like the GiPSy Robotic Buoy developed by Effetto Venturi, include electric thrusters (either two or four) driven by high-capacity lithium‑ion batteries delivering up to 780 W or 1560 W per thruster, depending on configuration.

Control electronics include an autopilot module, GPS unit, LTE modem or GSM link, and power‑management circuitry. The battery pack powers navigation, position‑holding algorithms, remote LTE/GSM communication, and thruster actuation. Operation duration typically spans around ten hours under 20‑knot wind loads before battery recharge or swap is required.

Power inputs are protected and managed internally, with no external power source during deployment. Buoy recovery includes recharging or replacing the battery unit before reuse. Autonomous course‑setting systems (RaceDesigner or Press&Stay) depend entirely on internal power. These buoys offer self‑propelled anchorage without tethers or ground tackle .

🏄🏾‍♂️LIFT FOILS E-FOIL

Lift Foils has two new, the LIFT5 and the LIFTX. These boards share a common architecture designed for modularity, performance, and reduced setup time. Both use the Lift Connect System, which allows for tool-free assembly of masts, wings, and jet drives. A new drop-in Gen5 battery replaces cables and screws with a fast-lock mechanism and quick charging.

The LIFT5 focuses on ride refinement. It features a soft-touch startup, improved wireless electronics, and quiet propulsion. The board, mast, and wings have been redesigned for stability, smooth turns, and control. The system is lighter than past models, and the battery allows long sessions with fast turnaround between rides.

The LIFTX introduces a hybrid approach. It can be used as a powered eFoil or turned off to ride waves like a traditional foilboard. A folding propeller enables clean gliding. It is lighter than the LIFT5 and shaped for surf-style maneuvers. The LIFTX targets riders who want to reach a wave using power, then surf it without assistance.

Both boards share the same locking battery system and streamlined electronics. The mast integrates with the board using Lift’s quick-lock base. When ordering, riders must select a fixed motor position, as it cannot be changed later. Wings and jet modules also use the new quick-connect format.

Early feedback from riders points to increased convenience, quiet operation, and better control. Some note concerns over the fixed motor position. The Gen5 battery has been praised for its simplicity. Wing sets and accessories from previous models are not universally compatible, due to changes in connection design.

Riders can choose from multiple sizes and configurations in both models, based on riding style, location, and experience.

For more details visit: liftfoils.com.

📅WEEKLY ITEMS/TRENDS

• Danfoss’s new iC7 drives powered the Nerthus e-ferry that began regular service for Danish operator Molslinjen on June 23 2025. (link)

• Vision Marine Technologies acquired Nautical Ventures Group on June 23, creating North America’s first integrated electric-propulsion manufacturer and boat-dealership network. (link)

• Vancouver-based ACEL Power partnered with Spain’s Vector Náutico on June 27 to launch the MOLA-E line of zero-emission day-cruisers. (link)

• The Monaco Energy Boat Challenge opened this week with an all-electric boat parade showcasing student and industry prototypes in Port Hercule. (link)

• Boatmart’s June 23 feature spotlighted five breakthrough electric outboard motors, highlighting rapid advances in clean marine propulsion. (link)

🏄🏾‍♂️ TEAM BRADY WINS IN ITALY!

The Lake Maggiore GP in Northern Italy delivered the most eventful stop of the 2025 E1 calendar so far. Team Brady finally snapped its win-less streak when pilot Sam Coleman powered the RaceBird across the line, capitalising on teammate Emma Kimiläinen’s dominant place-race earlier in the afternoon. It is the squad’s first victory of the season and the first time the reigning champions have topped a podium since last year’s finale.

The drama started before the green flag: Aoki Racing jumped the start, earned an immediate disqualification, and never saw the final. Mid-race chaos followed when LeBron James’s Team AlUla tangled with Team Drogba; the contact damaged AlUla’s foils and forced the NBA superstar’s entry to limp back to the pontoon. Later, rough wake in a tight turn pushed Drogba into Team Brazil, adding more carbon-fibre confetti to the lake.

Behind Coleman, Rafael Nadal’s Team Rafa stayed clean and grabbed second, enough to edge seven points clear at the top of the championship table, while the consistent Blue Rising outfit completed the podium and Will Smith’s Westbrook Racing took fourth. Kimiläinen’s fearless opening stint earned her the “PIF Pilot of the Race” honour.

Marina di Verbella’s sheltered course kept winds down but couldn’t tame the wake-induced traffic—boats still hit 93 kph on the 750-metre straights. With four of nine rounds done, the series now heads to Monaco (19 July), where a revitalised Team Brady will try to claw back more of those precious championship points from Nadal and Aoki.