Flight of the Falcon
Superyacht tender specialist Falcon Tenders has unveiled its new electric tender, the Falcon E8, with design by ThirtyC Yacht Design.
08 February 2023
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With the electric boating revolution picking up pace – at least in Europe – tender manufacturers are starting to look at how they can incorporate electric drives into their designs.
The no-emissions, silent running style of boating is perfect for ship-to-shore and daytrip operations, where shorter range is not so much of an issue and where increasingly there are demands for and expectations of craft that do not impact too heavily on fragile coastal marine ecosystems.
Tender builder Falcon Tenders, which was co-founded by Mark Pascoe who has built over 200 superyacht tenders, is the latest to offer a stylish and sleek, all-electric 8-metre tender, the E8.
Design comes from the boards of UK-based studio ThirtyC Yacht Design, and the new open tender is set to continue Falcon’s collaboration with designers and stylists to produce what it describes as stunning, one-of-a-kind, revolutionary tenders.
The E8 has been conceived to deliver style and elegance in an efficient, buildable package, with clean lines blending classic and contemporary. A low, stepped aft adds to the look and convenience, making boarding a breeze.
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The decking is reclaimed teak, running from axe bow to stern, and a customisable console is paired with a bespoke exterior paint offering and a signature interiors package.
“We wanted to create a no-frills, stylish tender that doesn’t just look good or perform well but which will also complement any mother ship,” says Rob Armstrong, ThirtyC’s Creative Director.
“The Falcon E8 is an elegant boat for guest transfers but is equally suited to run alongside as a superyacht toy and facilitate fun on the water.”
Propulsion comes from a Vita Power system which comprises a high-performance electric powertrain with proprietary control software. Two electric propulsion packages are available: a 90 kilowatt continuous/126-kilowatt peak system (120/170 hp); and a 150 kilowatt continuous/220-kilowatt peak (200/300hp) variant. Projected top speed is 30 knots with a 20-knot cruise.
Of course, an electric tender is only as good as its charging system, and the E8 offers a 20–80 percent DC fast charge in just under an hour, and a slow charge of four to five hours. Range is projected to be 30 nautical miles with a two-battery system.
“We’re delighted to have been selected by Falcon Tenders as the key supplier of our all-electric and high-performance Vita Power propulsion system for the Falcon E8,” says Clive Johnson, CEO of Vita Power Division.
“We are seeing a significant increase in demand for electric solutions for superyacht tenders and onboard high-speed charging infrastructure as yachts move to reduce the environmental impact of their operations.”
Adds Mark Pascoe: “Pairing the highest build quality with beautiful design and sustainable propulsion solutions is what we do best at Falcon. The E8 is an exciting new addition to our Falcon portfolio, and we are delighted to collaborate with ThirtyC and Vita on such an enticing owner proposition.”
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