- Events and Regattas
This E-Foil Is an Audi: Why Aerofoils Just Changed Everything at Monaco
The New Horizon: The Water Just Got a New Air Force
The Monaco Yacht Show is a stage for the world’s most luxurious vessels, but this year, all eyes are turning to a smaller, quieter, and faster kind of craft. Aerofoils, a company that fuses engineering, surfing, and aeronautics, is making a deliberate statement with its electric hydrofoils. This isn’t just a new water toy; it’s a bold move that is challenging the notion of what a personal watercraft can be. Their presence at MYS isn’t just a debut; it’s a declaration that the future of fun on the water is here, and it’s flying.
From the Hangar to the Harbor: The Audi Backstory
Every great product has a story, and Aerofoils’ is rooted in a dream: to build an “Audi for water.” Co-founder Franz Hofmann, an electric vehicle developer at Audi, saw an opportunity to bring the precision and technology of automotive engineering to the marine world. Their idea was met with enthusiasm at Audi, with various departments for design and innovation management providing support. This collaboration adds a level of credibility and engineering depth that is a rare sight in the water sports industry, proving that this isn’t just a passion project; it is a serious pursuit of excellence.
The Secret to a Silent Ride: Aviation Meets Surfing
The team behind Aerofoils is a unique blend of specialists in the fields of engineering, surfing, and aeronautics. The technical mind, a German champion in model flying, understood that “a hydrofoil is essentially an airplane made for water.” This insight allowed the team to engineer a safe impeller drive that few believed could be done efficiently. The result is a ride that is fast, smooth, and quiet, with zero direct emissions. This is not just a technological feat; it is a deliberate choice to deliver an experience that respects marine life and the serenity of the shoreline.
A New Benchmark: Performance Meets Responsibility
Aerofoils’ eFoils are built to a new standard. They deliver a thrilling, dynamic ride with a speed that reaches up to 30 knots, but with a quiet, relaxed gliding that is just as compelling. The team’s passion for the elements is clear. This is a product for those who want to ride hard, but also want to be responsible. By adopting all-electric propulsion, Aerofoils is providing a clean energy solution that allows owners to enjoy the thrill of flying over water without causing noise or wake pollution. It is a new kind of luxury, where excitement and responsibility are not at odds.
The Verdict: The Final Word on Foiling
Aerofoils is a brand with a clear vision and a proven product. Their presence at the Monaco Yacht Show, along with their exclusive “Try & Fly” sessions, is a bold challenge to the market: experience their technology for yourself. This was a must-see for anyone interested in the future of yacht tenders and personal watercraft. Aerofoils is a testament to what happens when you combine engineering with passion and audacious vision. The future of fun has arrived, and it’s flying.
