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THE ICON – innovative tides

17 May 2023

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An ocean of ideas: This is particularly true of automotive engineering when it comes to developing a new model, a new platform or the new direction of the brand, as with the Neue Klasse from BMW. The goal? To think outside the box, but with a firm trajectory in mind. For example, the BMW i7 (➜ Read more: The BMW i7 – a new perspective ) recently reinterpreted the notion of luxury: sustainably innovative.

But what if you could transfer this luxurious, yet emission-free form of transport from the road to a new element – let’s say, to the water as we mentioned at the beginning? BMW, together with world-leading experts and boat builder TYDE, has dared to do just that with THE ICON. And besides batteries, it has contributed its technical expertise for the construction of a completely new watercraft.

Just as the tides are created by the interaction of the earth and the moon, the interplay of two factors was crucial in this shared vision: a focus on innovation and the joy of sustainable mobility.

Because, as Peter Dengler, head of THE ICON project, points out, this can be made possible in all segments. “Mobility on water is nearly ten times more energy-intensive than mobility on land. In the meantime, however, professional sailing has come up with solutions for substantially saving energy, paving the way for climate-friendly solutions. The decarbonization of mobility is already taking place in some areas. In other areas, however, there has not yet been innovation, so decarbonization has not even begun. There is currently no equivalent of luxury electric vehicles like the BMW i7 M70 offered on the water.”

He saw an extraordinary fascination in that visionary triad of sustainability, luxury and conscious pleasure: “Our team was particularly driven by the idea of creating the magical combination of innovation, digitalization and the relationship between people and technology, but most importantly, an incomparable zero-emission experience for the water.” What does the new mobility on the water look like? “The same characteristics found in BMW luxury vehicles like the BMW i7 M70 will be key in this element too: maximum sustainability combined with design, innovation and a unique driving experience.”

from sailing

The team broke free from the shackles of established development and design conventions right from the start. They deliberately set out not to design a boat, but rather create their own experience on the water. BMW has had trailblazing experience and long-standing involvement in sailing sports such as the premier class America’s Cup, the Formula 1 equivalent of boat racing.

A team of engineers built the first bridge between nautical technology and the most advanced electric mobility. Leading experts from all over the world were brought on board for this – including Guillaume Verdier, the world’s leading designer of the fastest and most efficient sailboats and responsible for the hull and hydrofoil of the last winning boat in the America’s Cup.

and the technical milestones

TYDE , a new, progressive lifestyle tech company and provider of experiences for luxury mobility at sea, was also at the rudder of this intelligent transfer of technology and expertise in the development of THE ICON. Dr. Christoph Ballin, the longstanding CEO of electric mobility pioneer Torqeedo, was instrumental in making electric mobility on the water fit for everyday use. Tobias Hoffritz is already a long-standing partner of BMW for technology and innovation projects with his company Second Sphere.

Developing the first maritime luxury electric vehicle has been an exciting journey for both: “THE ICON has a wealth of groundbreaking innovations on board that are suitable for anchoring climate-friendly mobility in the high-end segment as well. The yacht is available as a series product, and the technology platform developed means the model range can easily be expanded.”

delivers up to 80-percent energy saving

Foiling, a technology that delivers up to 80-percent energy saving, is a pioneering technical development that supports the sustainability goals of the new watercraft. This means BMW i batteries (➜ Read more: the material cycle of a battery cell ) can be used as a power source. How does that work? Foils consist of a stabilizing fin and two wings. They act like underwater wings that allow the watercraft to literally hover over the water – enabling THE ICON to be electrified by the power of BMW batteries alone.

The upper-side curvature creates a negative pressure, generating buoyancy. Water resistance on the hull is no longer a factor. The craft is lifted out of the water, reducing the resistance to a minimum – the watercraft literally hovers over the water. Two propellers on the rear foil provide propulsion for THE ICON. It takes between 10 and 12 seconds from startup to hovering. Flying about one meter above the water, feeling no wave impact at all feels exactly the same as comfortably gliding in the rear of the BMW i7 (➜ Read more: Theater screen in the BMW i7 ) on the road.

between people and technology

Dengler and Hoffritz found the interface was much more advanced in cars than on yachts. As a result, all maritime controls and navigation displays were bundled into a single control interface. “The intuitive, integrated user interface, based on the BMW ID8 operating system and a touch-sensitive display, delivers an automotive standard in boating,” explains Dengler. This ensures that operation is intuitive and integrative and can also be controlled interactively via voice commands.

SUSTAINABILITY

For all the senses.

Because the interpretation of modern luxury embraces all the senses, the technical innovations in the development and design of this new mobility concept, both below and above water, go hand in hand with a design that impressively combines esthetics and function. Designworks (➜ Read more: 50 years of Designworks ), the BMW innovation studio, has already served as a creative partner on land in the design of the BMW i3 and BMW i8 and in the air with the electric wingsuit (➜ Read more: The making of the wingsuit with e-motor ).

Water was yet another element to provide an exciting challenge for the Designworks team led by Tom Allemeier and Tommy Forsgren. The BMW Group subsidiary has earned a reputation over 50 years for designing mobility concepts for tomorrow – from road to rail and water to air.

When designing THE ICON, the design team was not looking to design a boat, but a new experience on the water. “We have developed a new design approach for a watercraft that is not exposed to waves but flies over the water with the help of foils,” said Tom Allemeier, Director of Design at Designworks. “So instead of the conventional side of the ship, a ceiling-high panorama window forms the outer facade. The result for passengers inside is a whole new experience with an unobstructed view – a luxurious ‘Infinite Space View’. This makes the view across the deck seem endless, merging with the water and the horizon,” says Allemeier.  The architecture is supported by what is known as a center spline, an iconic strut that extends centrally from the stern over the roof to the bow. With so much technological innovation, the design process was also unorthodox.

There was a lot of digital technology involved. We were able to use VR glasses to experience the space and see how the perspectives worked before the built model was ready.

Lead Designer on the Munich-based Designworks team

The expressive design language on the exterior is also reflected in the interior. The materials used evoke the feel of an elegant salon, the design language of a modern luxury lounge. Each passenger takes a seat in their own swiveling chair, including their own infotainment interface. A high-end DOLBY ATMOS audio system is on board. The interior space is promoted into a living space.

for the future

Where else can this technology transfer lead? Dengler and Ballin are upbeat about the development of future maritime mobility: “Solutions developed as part of THE ICON project will be used for various vehicles and applications to follow in the wake of THE ICON: from advanced private luxury to premium commercial and public mobility. THE ICON and its successors will inspire zero-emission luxury mobility at sea and open a new segment for sustainable luxury yachts.”

Author: Markus Löblein; Art: Verena Aichinger, Lucas Lemuth, Ha My Le Thi; Photos & Video: BMW

ELECTROMOBILITY

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Official data on fuel consumption, CO2 emissions, electric consumption and electric range were determined in accordance with the mandatory measurement procedure and comply with Regulation (EU) 715/2007 valid at the time of type approval. In case of a range, figures in the WLTP take into account any optional equipment. For vehicles type-approved after 01.01.2021 only WLTP values officially exist. For more information on the WLTP measurement procedures, see  https://www.bmw.co.uk/en/topics/discover/efficientdynamics/bmw-emissions.html .

For more information on the official fuel consumption and official specific CO2 emissions of new passenger cars, see the 'Guide to Fuel Consumption, CO2 Emissions, and Electricity Consumption of New Passenger Cars', which is available free of charge at all sales outlets, from Deutsche Automobil Treuhand GmbH (DAT), Hellmuth-Hirth-Str. 1, 73760 Ostfildern-Scharnhausen, and at  https://www.dat.de/co2/ .

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• Superyachts , Video

BMW ‘The Icon’ is the world’s first all-glass flying yacht

• BMW has teamed up with Tyde to build an electric boat called ‘The Icon’ – the world’s first all-glass flying yacht
• It features two 100kW electric motors powered by six BMW i3 batteries
• The emissions-free Icon can cover 50 nautical miles, using a hydrofoil-style set up to glide smoothly at up to 30 knots

Published on Dec 22, 2023 at 7:08PM (UTC+4)

• by Adam Gray

Last updated on Dec 28, 2023 at 4:01PM (UTC+4)

It’s probably not the news you were expecting to hear, but BMW has launched the world’s first all-glass flying yacht.

Built in collaboration with yacht manufacturer, Tyde , it’s a hydrofoil boat that looks like a supercar flying above the water.

Interesting fact: it’s called ‘The Icon’ as it’s actually powered by the same batteries you’d find under the hood of a BMW i3 – six of them to be precise.

READ MORE: Step into the future with this captivating 342ft Star Wars-inspired superyacht

The Icon is a hydrofoil, which means it can lift itself from the water as its speed increases.

Apparently ‘foiling’ – where the hull is above the surface, not below like conventional boats – reduces the energy required by up to 80 per cent.

It’s powered by two 134-hp (100-kW) electric motors that, when combined with the six batteries, provide a total capacity of 240kWh, giving it a top speed of 30 knots – equivalent to around 55 km/h on land.

In terms of range, The Icon can cover 50 nautical miles (100 kilometers / 62 miles) on a charge.

Okay, they may not be record-breaking stats, but then again this boat isn’t designed for speed and power – it’s designed as a work of art and a toy for the mega rich.

Design-wise, the inspiration came from Japanese origami.

It has a pointy ‘nose’ and a larger section at the back.

Speaking of which, the stern is characterized by two key features: a vertical structure that looks like a car spoiler, and a sizable aft deck.

Each section of the exterior is adorned with LED lights to make it shine at night, and the result is outstanding.

The interior is gorgeous, just like the cabin of a supercar or a luxury sedan.

It follows the same color theme as the exterior, with ocean blue upholstery and gold-tone accents.

In the cabin, you’ll find six 360-degree rotating armchairs with individual tablets within arm’s reach, as well as plush sofas and soft suede carpeting.

In the middle of the deck, the command station has iDrive-style controls and voice control.

What’s more, you also get a 32-inch ‘infotainment’ touchscreen display with 6k resolution.

But the best part about it is the noise aka the ‘on-board soundscape’.

A while ago, BMW partnered up with Oscar-winning score composer Hans Zimmer to create custom soundtracks for its cars.

The partnership extends to other BMW’s vehicles as well, including this boat.

As you sail along, the boat produces notes composed by Hans Zimmer himself.

Now that does sound good.

• Tags - BMW , superyachts

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BMW Just Unveiled a New 43-Foot All-Electric Foiling Yacht for Zero-Emission Cruising

Christened the icon, the zero-emission vessel can hit 30 knots at full tilt., rachel cormack.

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One world premiere at Cannes blew the others out of the water. 

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The Icon is fitted with foils that ensure smooth cruising across the water with minimal drag and maximum efficiency and speed. In fact, BMW says the wings reduce the energy requirement by up to 80 percent compared to a conventional planing boat. 

The 43-footer is also equipped with a powerful electric propulsion system that runs on high-voltage batteries supplied by BMW. A pair of 100 kW electric motors convert the 240 kWh of energy supplied by six batteries from the BMW i3 for a range of more than 50 nautical miles and a cruising speed of 24 knots. Of course, the electric vessel navigates the seas silently, smoothly, and cleanly. 

Like any good bimmer, the Icon will be ultra comfortable. With a beam of nearly 15 feet, the newcomer has a generous aft entertaining area and a very spacious lounge entrance. The lounge is adorned with designer furniture and a kaleidoscopic carpet that uses metal sheeting to reflect sunlight like waves on the sea. The yacht also sports 360-degree rotating seats and a tablet-based infotainment system.  There’s also a 32-inch, 6K touchscreen display in the central command station that emulates the BMW iDrive operating system. Everything from the mileage to the weather can be ascertained via voice commands.

Sounds like the Icon could be a hit. 

Click here to see all the photos of the Icon.

Rachel Cormack is a digital editor at Robb Report. She cut her teeth writing for HuffPost, Concrete Playground, and several other online publications in Australia, before moving to New York at the…

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BMW teams up with tech start-up to present 13.5m electric boat

Car giant BMW has teamed up with German tech start-up TYDE to present a new 13.5-metre foiling watercraft named The Icon. Built as a showcase boat, the first unit has been manufactured in Europe and is making its debut this week at the Cannes Film Festival.

The battery-powered model has an impressive range of over 50 nautical miles at 24 knots, with a maximum speed of 30 knots. Hydrofoils aim to improve efficiency by up to 80 per cent compared to a conventional hull and contribute to improved speeds and enhanced comfort while underway. 

The boat's design is characterised by a flat trimaran-style hull with "prism-like" layout and a central support for the superstructure. The sea-inspired two-tone exterior is enhanced by strips of LED lights, which carve out the boat's profile by night.

On the interior, the yacht has good head heights thanks to an "origami" style design which allows passengers to remain standing upright across the cabin. The cabin is separated into twin lounge areas and a BMW-designed helm station, which features rotating helm seats that allow the space to function either as part of the social area or independently. At the centre of the helm station is a 32-inch touch digital control unit with 6k resolution that has been designed to look and feel like the BMW iDrive operating system. Voice control is also integrated into the same system.

The cabin is flanked by glass panels which promote a continuous connection to the water. This ethos is extended to the swim platform on the aft, which spans 4.5-metres and creates an "exceptionally spacious" entrance to the cabin.

In a press release, TYDE explained that each individual furniture piece is made of grainy metal which reflects sunlight around the cabin like waves on the water. 

The Icon is also fitted with Dolby Atmos system which harnesses input from two-time Academy Award winner Hans Zimmer. 

The craft has been designed "as a series product with pioneering technology for private or even commercial use" intended "to inspire CO2 -free mobility at sea". It will be on display at Vieux Port for the duration of the Cannes Film Festival. 

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BMW THE ICON Debuts As Posh Electric Yacht With i3 Batteries

Home » BMW THE ICON Debuts As Posh Electric Yacht With i3 Batteries

Adrian Padeanu

May 17, 2023 / 2 minutes read

While we’re patiently waiting for BMW to introduce the Touring Coupe Concept on Friday and the new 5 Series / i5 next week, an entirely different type of product is making its debut at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival. THE ICON is a joint effort between the Munich-based luxury automaker and boat manufacturer TYDE. The unexpected project traces its roots to an idea and concept conceived by BMW, with the styling penned by subsidiary Designworks.

At 13.15 meters (43.14 feet) long, THE ICON is imposing large, and yet it has zero emissions since it gets its necessary juice from no fewer than six batteries sourced from a BMW i3 . The large 240-kWh pack feeds a pair of electric motors, each producing 134 horsepower (100 kW). This dual-motor setup enables the posh boat to hit a top speed of 30 knots and provide an operating speed of 24 knots. With the battery fully charged, it can cover more than 50 nautical miles or 100 kilometers.

Further bridging a connection with BMW’s road-going EVs is the interior with a tablet mimicking the experience provided by the eighth-generation iDrive found in current models. THE ICON boasts a 32-inch touchscreen with a 6K resolution, making it just about as large as the 31.3-inch, 8K Theatre Screen inside the new 7 Series / i7. As with the electric road cars, Hans Zimmer was asked to develop a bespoke soundtrack to replace the thrill provided by a conventional engine.

Using an electric powertrain for such a large yacht is not as common as you might think as this type of drivetrain is mainly used for smaller boats. BMW goes as far as to say THE ICON is more than just a concept or a design study, mentioning it’s a “fully production-ready example.” It gets everything from 360-degree rotating seats to a lounge area, thus making it ideal for deep-pocketed customers looking for a high-end watercraft.

We can’t even fathom how much it would cost to buy but we’re certain it will spark an interest among one-percenters.

Source: BMW

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PressClub Global · Article.

The icon: bmw and tyde develop innovative watercraft for emission-free urban mobility., 11.04.2023 press release, +++ bmw teams up with boat manufacturer tyde +++ pioneering solution for waterborne mobility +++ mobility concept designed by designworks showcases sustainable luxury at work +++, press contact..

Cypselus von Frankenberg BMW Group Tel: +49-89-382-30641 Fax: +49-89-382-28567 send an e-mail

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Munich. BMW is presenting THE ICON, a craft offering emission-free mobility on water. Developed in collaboration with boat manufacturer TYDE, this watercraft exemplifies an ecosystem underpinned by a holistic way of thinking that re-defines emission-free mobility and incorporates travel on water alongside transportation on the road.

Urban conurbations, in particular, are in need of new and more sustainable solutions that make sense for the people who live there. Boat manufacturer TYDE is responsible for the development and realisation of THE ICON. The design of the innovative watercraft was created in the studio of BMW Group subsidiary Designworks.

This novel concept sees BMW utilising existing technologies and knowledge to create an integrated solution offering sustainable premium mobility in urban areas. The many years of experience of the BMW i brand in electric mobility combines with the expertise of boat manufacturer TYDE. With a future-focused design and locally emission-free drive system, THE ICON also showcases a progressive interpretation of luxury in the form of responsible pleasure.

THE ICON once again demonstrates how BMW keeps re-thinking mobility. This approach spans the relentless expansion of electric mobility and shrinking of environmental footprints throughout the value chain. And it also includes getting involved in the field of urban transport management. Through its myriad co-operations with cities, universities, companies and organisations, and in the areas of politics and society, the BMW Group is working on solutions that will re-imagine urban mobility in a more sustainable form. Its aim is to use innovations to help meet the mobility needs of people and at the same time safeguard quality of life in urban areas.

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BMW Unveils Luxury Yacht Powered By BMW i3 Batteries

No less than BMW i3 batteries power this electric luxury yacht.

BMW and boat maker Tyde have unveiled The Icon - a new watercraft that's set to rival the Lexus LY in the realm of luxury yachts. With the 76th Cannes Film Festival as a backdrop to its arrival, The Icon is touted to be the first of its kind to feature a battery-powered marine propulsion system.

BMW spearheaded the development of The Icon, while Tyde turned the concept into reality. Designworks, a subsidiary of the BMW Group, was responsible for the design, while the electric drive system is also powered by a BMW. One of its key features is hydrofoil technology derived from yacht racing. According to the German marque, this innovation significantly reduces energy consumption by up to 80% compared to conventional hulls, while also providing enhanced comfort and higher speeds.

The Icon is propelled by two 100-kW electric motors, which convert the energy stored in six BMW i3 batteries into a quiet journey at sea. Measuring 43 feet in length (shorter than the 65-foot Lexus LY), it can reach a top speed of 30 knots or 35 mph. In comparison, the Volvo IPS 1350 motor-equipped Lexus LY has a top speed of 32 knots or 37 mph.

Like the interior soundtrack of the BMW i7 , The Icon features an exclusive soundtrack composed by two-time Oscar winner Hans Zimmer. The yacht also boasts a Dolby Atmos sound system, which should provide a rich listening experience to the passengers and crew alike.

Inside, The Icon has a lounge area decorated with artistically designed furniture. The 360-degree rotating seats are said to have the capacity to adapt to different occasions, as well as enhance interaction among passengers. Meanwhile, the digital control unit uses BMW's iDrive, while functions are accessible through voice commands and the 32-inch touchscreen display with 6k resolution.

BMW's The Icon adds to the list of cool things automakers make beyond cars . If you're interested, BMW and Tyde haven't disclosed the pricing as of this writing, but doubtless, it's something that only one-percenters can afford.

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German automotive giant BMW continues its foray into electric watercraft by unveiling a new foiling day yacht that glides over the water and sets new standards for emission-free luxury watercraft design.

Christened The Open, this new luxury electric boat represents the second collaboration between BMW and German boatbuilder Tyde, following The Icon, which debuted at the 76th Cannes Film Festival in May this year.

The aim of the two companies for the new design was to create a larger, even more luxurious electric foiling yacht tailored to cater to the needs of private users who are interested in sustainable luxury watercraft. Actually, the design team claims The Open is the largest luxury foiling motor yacht for private owners.

“With The Icon, we have shown how elegant and luxurious sustainable mobility on the water can be,”  comments Christoph Ballin, co-founder and managing director of Tyde.  “The continuation of the cooperation with BMW is now fuelling the launch into another segment. The new model brings future-orientated mobility to the day yacht segment.”

Just like The Icon, the new Open foiling watercraft was developed in collaboration with the expert team at BMW’s industrial design studio spin-off Designworks and borrows state-of-the-art components and technology from the field of electromobility.

The renderings unveiled by the two companies showcase an open-walkaround day boat that measures 49 feet (15 meters) in length and has a maximum beam of 14.7 feet (4.5 meters). It is equipped with hydrofoils adapted from racing yachts, which significantly reduces energy consumption.

According to the designers, the foils allow the motor yacht to glide over the surface of the water with minimal drag, wake, and emissions, all the while saving almost 80 percent of energy.

In terms of power, the vessel will be equipped with a zero-emissions drivetrain similar to that fitted on The Icon. As such, we expect the foiling boat to boast a 400kWh bank of BMW i3 batteries and twin 100kW Torqeedo Deep Blue electric motors, which will allow it to start gliding above the water at around 17-18 knots. Lift will be generated by a T-foil at the bow and a twin-strut horizontal foil aft with forward-facing counter-rotating props.

The Open will be able to reach a maximum speed of 30 knots and will offer 50 nautical miles of range while cruising at 25 knots.

In terms of amenities, The Open incorporates everything one expects a luxury day boat to offer. There is a two-seat helm station protected by an angular wraparound windshield and a large hardtop covered in photovoltaic panels. A small seating area can be found forward and presents a vantage point for spectacular views. The aft area of the open deck includes a dining space with sofas and a table, a sunpad, and a bathing platform.

As for the interior space of the new foiling day boat, there is accommodation for two people in a prismatic cabin with a spacious sleeping area, a small workspace, a large TV screen, and a fully equipped bathroom. Modern and luxurious, the cabin is flooded by natural light, which enhances the sense of space.

Tyde will handle everything related to the production and marketing of the Open  electric foiling yacht . The startup has now started taking orders for the innovative watercraft, with the first deliveries expected to commence in autumn 2024

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Tyde Open first look: World’s largest foiling motor yacht to launch in 2024

• Electric boats
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German start-up Tyde has just released teaser renderings of its next BMW design collaboration, an e-foiling weekender called simply The Open...

Billed as the world’s largest foiling motor yacht, this open-walkaround model measures 14.7m (48ft 3in) overall, has a maximum beam of 4.5m (14ft 9in) and has a potential top speed of 30 knots.

Said to be aimed at private owners interested in the very latest in sustainable boating technology, the Open is based on Tyde’s first extraordinary prototype, the 13m (43ft) LOA Tyde Icon , a foiling glass lounge that first came to public attention during the Cannes Film Festival in June , but got her boat show debut four months later in September at the Cannes Yachting Festival .

Both the Icon and the Open were developed in association with automotive giant BMW and its industrial design studio spin-off Designworks.

The Open has a square-stem with razor-sharp-entry around the displacement waterline but flattens out considerably aft.

Above the at-rest waterline, the bow flares to a raked-forward chisel that conceals a fold-out anchor system and maximises usable space forward above and below deck.

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There’s bench seating space forward of the two-seat helm position, which is nicely protected by an angular wraparound windshield and a substantial buttress-supported hardtop that not only shades two-thirds of the open deck area, but also will be completely covered in photovoltaic cells.

The back half of the cockpit is fully in the shade and provides booth-dining with flanking sofas and table, a stern sunpad-sofa and bathing platform. Beneath the foredeck there will be berthing for two and a head-shower compartment.

The Open’s zero-emissions drivetrain will be similar to the Icon’s. There will be a 400kWh bank of BMW i3 batteries and twin 100kW Torqeedo Deep Blue electric motors. It should be capable of a 50nm range at a 25-knot fast cruise.

And like The Icon, The Open is likely to start flying at around 17-18 knots from lift generated by a T-foil at the bow and a twin-strut horizontal foil aft that will incorporate forward-facing counter-rotating props.

The set-up is said to save 80% of the energy required to run a conventional comparable-size planing model.

The biggest benefit of a hydrofoil boat is the smoothness. Those foils run beneath the surface, while the hull should fly above any waves. And the fact that it is also an electric boat means it does so softly in terms of both vibration and noise. The maximum draft should be 1.95m (6ft 5in) and the air draft is claimed to 3.5m (11ft 6in).

Tyde may well be a new company, having only started in 2021, but it certainly has plenty of experience on which to draw. Its founders are no stranger to ‘sustainable mobility’.

Managing director Dr Christoph Ballin’s previous entrepreneurial ventures include electric outboard manufacturer Torqeedo and Sea.AI, which specialises in collision-avoidance technology for the marine environment. And his business partner, Tobias Hoffritz, was formerly BMW’s innovation director.

Tyde tells us it is almost ready to take Open orders and expects its first deliveries of production boats to commence in autumn 2024.

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BMW Just Unveiled a New 49-Foot Electric Foiling Yacht That Glides Over the Water

BMW and Tyde may have just proved bigger equals better.

The German marque and boatmaker have teamed up to create a larger, more lavish successor to the electric foiling yacht they debuted at the 76th Cannes Film Festival in May. The new 49-foot Open has a good six feet on the previous 43-foot Icon . In fact, BMW claims the newcomer is the largest luxury foiling yacht for private owners.

"With the Icon , we have shown how elegant and luxurious sustainable mobility on the water can be," Christoph Ballin, cofounder and managing director of Tyde, said in a statement. "The continuation of the cooperation with BMW is now fueling the launch into another segment."

Once again penned by the folks at BMW's Designworks studio, Open is equipped with hydrofoils adapted from racing yachts that significantly reduce energy consumption. Indeed, the setup saves almost 80 percent of energy, according to the design team. Essentially, the foils allow the vessel to glide over the water with minimal drag, wake, and emissions.

As you might expect, the yacht features radical innovations developed by BMW for the automotive sector. The marque is again contributing components and expertise from the field of electromobility. The designers didn't give any figures regarding Open's speed or range, but Icon has a top speed of 30 knots, a cruising speed of 24 knots, and a range of more than 50 nautical miles on a single charge.

 "Our aim is to use pioneering design and intelligent technology transfer from the automotive sector to provide additional impetus for the BMW-typical joy of sustainable mobility," adds Stefan Ponikva, vice president of brand communication and brand experience for BMW. 

As its moniker implies, Open features a breezy open cockpit that connects guests with the sea. It offers "all the amenities of a luxury day yacht," according to the team. The futuristic exterior is balanced by a classic interior. Light streams in from both the top and sides, ensuring the salon is bright and airy. If you're wondering what it's like to ride on a high-speed foiling yacht, you can read about it  here .

Open is now available to order, with production set to start later this month. The first examples will be delivered in the fall of 2024.

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Electric boats

Candela raises record funding to solve the biggest problem with electric boats.

The innovative Swedish electric boat maker Candela has just announced its biggest funding round ever, reeling in €24.5M (US $26.6M). Fresh off the announcement of the first commercial user of the company’s new P-12 electric ferry , Candela is now flying closer to its goal of replacing combustion engine watercraft with efficient electric boats in both the recreational and commercial boating industries.

The company is well on its way to achieving that goal, using an innovative design with computer-controlled hydrofoils that help its boats fly above the surface of the water. The hydrofoils enable the boats to use 80% less energy than comparable vessels covering the same route.

That efficiency improvement is an even bigger achievement in the water than on land, since electric cars only have to consider aerodynamics when they push air out of the way. Boats dealing with the hydrodynamic issues of much heavier water result in significantly lower efficiencies. Electric boats thus typically require incredibly powerful motors and massive battery banks. But Candela’s high-tech hydrofoils mean the boats can be much more efficient and economical with smaller motors and batteries that still achieve longer range.

And major boatbuilders seem to agree with Candela’s approach. In fact, one of the key contributing members of Candela’s latest record funding round is Groupe Beneteau, a leading global boat maker with a turnover of €1.46B, 15 factories, 9 brands, and more than 8,000 yachts built annually.

As the company explained, the move correlates with its own goals.

“Our investment perfectly aligns with Groupe Beneteau‘s ecological transition objectives, scaling up innovative solutions for more sustainable boating and unparalleled navigation experiences. Candela’s technology, enabling significantly more efficient electric vessels, will transform waterborne transport into its next sustainable phase”, said Bruno Thivoyon, CEO at Groupe Beneteau.

It’s a major score for Candela, as the company’s CEO Gustav Hasselskog added:

“We couldn’t be more excited about having Groupe Beneteau on board. As the leading global boat company, their trust is a stamp of approval for our technology to transform waterborne transportation. We’re excited for the possibilities ahead.”

Candela expects the new investment round to help scale up production to meet demand for the recently launched Candela P-12, the world’s first electric hydrofoil ferry.

The P-12 marks a new chapter in waterborne transport, as it’s the first fast and long-range electric ferry on the market. Its efficient hydrofoil tech cuts lifetime emissions by an impressive 97.5% compared to diesel vessels, while simultaneously cutting operators’ costs in half.

Since it generates minimal wake, the P-12 has been granted exemptions from speed limits in many no-wake areas, such as on its maiden route in Stockholm, where in July it will begin cutting travel times in half compared to road transport and legacy diesel vessels.

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Micah Toll is a personal electric vehicle enthusiast, battery nerd, and author of the Amazon #1 bestselling books DIY Lithium Batteries , DIY Solar Power,   The Ultimate DIY Ebike Guide  and The Electric Bike Manifesto .

The e-bikes that make up Micah’s current daily drivers are the $999 Lectric XP 2.0 , the $1,095 Ride1Up Roadster V2 , the $1,199 Rad Power Bikes RadMission , and the $3,299 Priority Current . But it’s a pretty evolving list these days.

You can send Micah tips at [email protected], or find him on Twitter , Instagram , or TikTok .

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Jet fighter flights Moscow

Top Gun Russia

Starts at 9 am

Duration: 1 day

Tour available in

Fly a fighter jet in Moscow !

Live one day in the shoes of a Russian jet fighter pilot.

Dream day recipe : meet your guide directly at your hotel. Together, drive with a comfortable car or fly by helicopter (optional) to the jets’ airfield. There, start by putting on your flying suit before attending the pre-flight brief. Together with your professional pilot , define the flight plan. Are you more into a  relaxed flight , going to tickle the clouds at 650km/h or are you ready for a professional jet fighter training ? The choice is yours but if you go for the latest, you’ll experience a breathtaking aerobatics  program combining loopings, inverted flight and barrel rolls with impressive low passes. Just like us, you’ll get hooked on the speed and the Gs !

To close off this unique day, we will invite you to share a very Russian lunch .

1 - Select your jet aircraft

L-29 delfin trainer jet.

The L-29 Delfin trainer jet is a Soviet military plane produced in Czechoslovakia between 1963 and 1974. At its time, the L-29 was the primary trainer jet for the Soviet Air Force’s pilots .

Its turbojet engine producing close to 9kN of thrust allows the L-29 to climb at an impressive rate of 14m/s. The plane top speed is 820 km/h , similar to most conventional airliners.

Put-in Tours invites you to the copilot seat of this legendary training jet for a unique and unforgettable flying experience .

L-39 Albatros fighter jet

The L-39 Albatros has been developed to succeed the L-29 Delfin as primary trainer jet for the Soviet Air Forces from the early 1970s on to the late 1990s.

Additionally to its versatile trainer role, the L39 was being used as a strategic reconnaissance aircraft and in combat as a light ground attack aircraft .

The L-39 is powered by a turbofan engine, developing close to 17kN of thrust. The jet rate of climb is a skyrocketing 21m/s and its top speed a whooshing 910km/h .

With its impressive performances, the L-39 is the perfect ride for your most extreme flying experience in Moscow.

2 - Select your flight duration

L-29 delfin.

20 min – 90 000 RUB 30 min – 135 000 RUB 45 min – 180 000 RUB

L-39 Albatros

20 min – 115 000 RUB 30 min – 160 000 RUB 45 min – 205 000 RUB

Helicopter transfer - option

Start your flying experience directly from Moscow!

The transfer to the airbase is performed with a confortable car or van. However, if you want to start your flying experience earlier and save time on the road, we offer a helicopter transfer . Board a Robinson R44 or R66 directly from Moscow and enjoy a direct private flight to the airbase and back.

Hotel pick-up

Transfer by car or helicopter (optional)

Flight in a Soviet jet aircraft

Professional pilot and equipment

Russian lunch

L-29 Delfin: from 90 000 RUB / passenger

L-39 Albatros: from 115 000 RUB / passenger

Helicopter transfer:

120 000 RUB / group up to 2 passengers

240 000 RUB / group up to 5 passengers

Good to know

Please contact us before the tour to make an appointment

Dresscode: comfortable

Minimum age: 16 years old

Maximum height: 1m95

Maximum weight: 130kg

Join the experience, book your seat now!

We will pick you up at 9:00 at your hotel .

Contact us for more details

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Put-in tours

At Put-in tours, we put you in our classic Soviet vans to go explore Moscow, Saint Petersburg and Russian culture off the beaten path. Discover our Moscow city guided tour, visit Moscow by night, join our banya & Sergiyev Posad excursion, visit and dine in one of Moscow's oldest monastery or even Luzhniki stadium, before you party on our famous pubcrawl! Original and atypical tours : Shoot AK47 and a bazooka after riding on a tank with our tank & bazooka excursion ! Extreme tours: Fly a fighter jet in Moscow onboard a L-29 or L-39 aircraft!

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