Post by LAPP Group

A boat that flies above the water, powered by solar energy and hydrogen? Sounds futuristic. But “Dahu”, a hydrogen-powered foiler, already crossed Lake Geneva in 2024. And its successor is now preparing for the Energy Boat Challenge 2026 in Monaco. 🚤 It started with Dahu, the world’s first foiling proa developed by the Swiss Solar Boat project at EPFL. By lifting above the water on foils, it reduced drag and delivered strong performance. The results: an Eco-Design Award (2021) and first place in the championship race at the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge (2022). 🌍Building on this, the team focused on improving range and autonomy. On 22 May, the next chapter was unveiled at EPFL: the Renewable Energy Foiler (REF), brought to life by a team of 75 students. What are the advancements?⚡ • Hybrid propulsion combining solar energy and hydrogen • Speeds up to 35 knots (65 km/h) • Range of up to 160 to 250 kilometers The ambition is clear: to present the boat at this year’s Energy Boat Challenge 2026 in Monaco. 🔧 LAPP supported the team in solving key technical challenges. One example was the CAN communication cable, which not only had to have 2 or 4 conductors and be well shielded against interference, but also have a sufficiently thin outer diameter to fit easily into the boat’s cable connectors. Together with LAPP Switzerland, a solution was developed that met all requirements. Read more about it here: https://lnkd.in/ggm-fnBE #EngineeringInnovation #SustainableEngineering #MarineEngineering