Electric power boat from Portsmouth's BAR Technologies makes new 'Round the Island' record

The electric power boat SpiritBARTech35EF, which was designed by Portsmouth's BAR Technologies, has comfortably made a new record for such a vessel in the 'Round the Island' race.

The boat sped away to start off Cowes on the Isle of Wight at 11 am on July 18 (Tuesday) and completed the race in one hour, 56 minutes, breaking the previous record of just under six hours.

The boat was piloted by Simon Schofield (chief technology officer at BAR Technologies) and Oliver Pendleton.

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Schofield said the vessel was the "embodiment" of the firm's pioneering approach for the luxury yacht sector, which was overdue "more efficient designs that don't compromise the needs of comfort and performance".

The SpiritBARTech35EF is the product of Spirit Yachts’ partnership with BAR Technologies and the latter's America’s Cup simulation and design expertise.

BAR has said that, where previously, the average electric yacht of around 40ft has possessed a range between 25 to 70 miles at around 5 knots, dependent on the battery, the SpiritBARTech35EF has a 100-mile range at a cruising speed of 22 knots once it is "flying".

Spirit Yachts collaborated with BAR Technologies to implement its foiling technology, which minimises contact between the hull and the water.

The result is a boat that quietly rises from the water and flies over the surface at a top speed of 30 knots, said BAR Technologies.

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