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Team Rafa Win!
⚡️ Answering the question: Is it time to go electric on the water?
Your weekly newsletter covering the electrification of the marine sector. Issue 73. Not a subscriber? Join here.
🌊 E1 RACE SERIES - DOHA, QATAR
The E1 Series, the world’s first all-electric race boat championship, kicked off its second season this past weekend, February 21-22, 2025, with the Visit Qatar E1 Doha GP in Doha, Qatar. Held at the Corinthia Yacht Club on The Pearl Island, the event featured nine celebrity-owned teams competing in a series of heats, semifinals, and finals. Team Rafa, owned by tennis star Rafael Nadal, emerged as the winner, securing maximum points.
The race weekend began with qualifying heats on Friday, February 21. Three groups of three teams each competed in two sessions, allowing both pilots per team to set lap times. Team Rafa dominated qualifying, earning pole position and an extra championship point. Aoki Racing, led by DJ Steve Aoki, and Team Drogba, owned by soccer legend Didier Drogba, also posted strong times, setting the stage for competitive semifinals.
On Saturday, February 22, the semifinals split the nine teams into three groups of three. The top team from each group advanced directly to the final, while second-place finishers raced in a playoff for the last final spot. Third-place teams competed in an eliminator race to determine lower rankings. Team Rafa won its semifinal group, joined by Aoki Racing and Team Drogba as direct qualifiers. Team Brady, owned by football icon Tom Brady, took the playoff win, rounding out the final four. The final consisted of two Super Final races, with combined results determining the winner. Team Rafa, piloted by its duo, maintained consistency across both races, clinching first place and the Visit Qatar E1 Doha GP title. Aoki Racing secured second, marking back-to-back podiums to start Season 2. Team Drogba finished third, an impressive result for pilot Micah in his debut race weekend. Team Brady placed fourth, hampered by a penalty in Final 2 when pilot Sam Coleman hit a race marker (see YouTube clip below), costing the team a higher finish despite teammate Emma Kimiläinen’s first-place result in Final 1.
According to the E1 Series website, the event showcased thrilling racing action against Doha’s coastal backdrop. A press release dated February 18, 2025, highlighted the championship’s partnership with Visit Qatar, emphasizing tourism promotion and sustainability.
This race marked the first of seven planned Grand Prix events for the 2025 season, following an inaugural 2024 season won by Team Brady. With stars like LeBron James (Team AlUla) and Will Smith (Westbrook Racing) also in the lineup, the series continues to blend sports celebrity with electric racing innovation. The next race location remains unannounced, but the E1 Series promises more action as Season 2 unfolds. Team Rafa’s win in Doha sets a high bar for the competition ahead.
🏄🏾♂️ AWAKE EARTH EFOIL
Awake Earth eFoil: A New Wave in Electric Water Sports
Awake Boards, a Swedish company founded in 2017 by Philip Werner, is making waves in the electric water sports industry with its innovative Awake Earth eFoil. Known for blending advanced technology with sustainability, Awake Boards aims to transform water sports by offering premium, eco-friendly equipment. Their mission emphasizes high-quality materials and efficient designs, catering to both beginners and seasoned riders alike.
The Awake Earth eFoil comes in two standout models: the VINGA 3 and the VINGA S. The VINGA 3, measuring 170 cm x 70 cm x 17 cm and weighing 20 kg (without battery), offers a 95 L volume and is perfect for ease of use across skill levels. Meanwhile, the VINGA S, at 140 cm x 60 cm x 15 cm and 19 kg with a 60 L volume, is built for experienced riders seeking agility. Both models hit a top speed of 50 kph, powered by a Linear Jet System, and offer two battery options: the Standard Range (SR) with 2 kWh for up to 80 minutes of ride time, or the Extended Range (XR) with 4 kWh for up to 120 minutes.

Source - Awake website
What makes the Awake Earth eFoil unique are features like the Click-to-Ride system, which simplifies setup and battery swaps without tools, and the Flex Battery System, allowing the same battery to power both eFoils and jetboards. Safety is also a priority, with a shielded jet propulsion system reducing injury risk during falls. These innovations highlight Awake Boards’ focus on performance and sustainability.
The Awake Earth eFoil combines cutting-edge technology, user-friendly design, and environmental consciousness, cementing Awake Boards’ reputation as a trailblazer in electric water sports.
⚓️ RECREATIONAL 14 FOOTER
The Tahoe 14' Electric Boat by Beau Lake seamlessly blends classic design with modern electric propulsion, offering an eco-friendly and luxurious experience for water enthusiasts.
Inspired by vintage lake runabouts, the Tahoe 14' showcases a real mahogany deck, achieved through a proprietary wood/resin infusion process that ensures durability and maintenance-free use. The lightweight molded fiberglass hull simplifies transport and maintenance, while mirror-polished stainless steel castings and hardware enhance its nautical elegance. Luxury features include a hand-carved mahogany tiller, marine-grade upholstered seats, and a removable two-compartment cooler with a charcuterie board.
Powered by a Torqeedo 2.0 Cruise Electric Pod Drive, the Tahoe 14' reaches a top speed of 6 knots and maintains a cruising speed of 3 knots. The high-performance lithium smart battery provides up to 8 hours of operation at cruising speed on a full charge. The boat measures 14 feet in length, with a 5-foot beam, a hull draft of 5 inches, and an overall weight of 480 pounds.
The self-draining construction of the Tahoe 14' ensures ease of use, with the hull, cockpit liner, and deck surface designed for efficient water management. The ergonomically designed, hand-carved wooden tiller with joystick component provides responsive navigation. Optional accessories include a stainless steel Bimini top with Sunbrella® fabric, a protective boat cover, trailer, swim ladder, and anchor.
The Tahoe 14' Electric Boat represents a harmonious fusion of timeless aesthetics and contemporary, eco-conscious technology, delivering a serene and stylish experience on the water.
For a closer look at the Tahoe 14' in action, you can watch the following video:
⚙️ SOCIAL MEDIA POST OF THE WEEK
Video footage of a lead change at the E1 Series race in Doha, Qatar - amazing race and venue.
🖌️ ELECTRIC STANDUP PADDLE BOARD
SipaBoards produces electric stand-up paddleboards with integrated jet propulsion. The built-in electric motor provides assistance for paddlers in various conditions, making longer rides and challenging waters easier to navigate. The system is designed for recreational and touring purposes, offering different models tailored to specific needs.
The propulsion system consists of a jet drive integrated into the board, powered by a lithium-ion battery. The motor is controlled via a wireless remote attached to the paddle, allowing users to adjust speed settings. The propulsion system also functions as an automatic inflation pump, inflating the board in minutes.
Tech specifications for the different models include:
SipaBoards Drive
Length: 11’
Width: 35”
Thickness: 6”
Motor: 160W jet propulsion
Battery: 144 Wh Li-ion
Speed: Up to 3.5 knots (4 mph / 6.4 km/h)
Max rider weight: 130 kg (286 lbs)
Inflation time: 5-7 minutes
Material: Double-layered MSL PVC
SipaBoards Tourer
Length: 12’
Width: 32”
Thickness: 6”
Motor: 160W jet propulsion
Battery: 144 Wh Li-ion
Speed: Up to 3.5 knots (4 mph / 6.4 km/h)
Max rider weight: 120 kg (265 lbs)
Inflation time: 5-7 minutes
Material: Double-layered MSL PVC
SipaBoards Fisherman
Length: 11’
Width: 35”
Thickness: 6”
Motor: 160W jet propulsion
Battery: 144 Wh Li-ion
Speed: Up to 3.5 knots (4 mph / 6.4 km/h)
Max rider weight: 130 kg (286 lbs)
Inflation time: 5-7 minutes
Material: Double-layered MSL PVC

Source - SipaBoards website
All models include a rechargeable battery that lasts up to three hours, depending on speed and conditions. The jet system provides a smooth ride and additional stability. The lightweight design allows for easy transport and storage.
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