The VS-9 Skye is based on an almost nine metre long carbon catamaran hull. Its characteristic feature is the hydrofoils, which lift the boat completely out of the water at speed. This significantly reduces water resistance, which in turn increases range and efficiency and makes the ride smoother and more stable. The foils on the Vessev can be fully retracted, allowing the boat to be manoeuvred like a conventional catamaran in harbours, marinas or shallow waters.
Drive and range of the Vessev
The electric drive is powered by a 110 kWh battery. In practice, this should enable a range of up to 50 nautical miles, depending on the load and mission profile. The cruising speed is around 25 knots, with speeds of up to 30 knots possible in the upper range. Charging is via AC charging up to 22 kW or via DC fast charging up to 90 kW.
Focus of use and design
The new Vessev model is designed for leisure use. The open, spacious deck is designed for day trips, short transfers or island hopping. The Skye deliberately dispenses with facilities such as enclosed cabins or extensive weather protection elements. It is therefore positioned between the existing variants of the VS-9, such as the closed cabin version or the hardtop version.
Driving behaviour and comfort
The foiling principle brings with it a number of special features: as soon as the foils are in place, not only is the energy requirement reduced, but the background noise is also significantly lower. Compared to conventional planing or displacement boats, this results in a significantly different sailing experience: more stable, calmer and less dependent on the swell. At the same time, operating a foiler requires a different approach to manoeuvres, speed and loading, which users have to get used to.
Significance for the European market
Electric drives and lightweight foiling designs are also becoming increasingly important in Europe, not least due to stricter environmental regulations and the rising operating costs of traditional combustion engines. Models such as the Vessev VS-9 Skye show that electric boats are no longer just experiments or niche products, but are realistic alternatives in certain segments. Especially in sensitive waters, in tourist regions or as tenders for larger yachts, foiling concepts could be used more frequently in the future.
Jan-Ole Puls
Editor Test & Technology
