This weekend, the first-ever UIM E1 World Championship will unfold in the sparkling blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Monaco. For two days, the port and the Yacht Club will come to life with the excitement of this remarkable race boat series, which will showcase the world’s first high-performance electric powerboats, the RaceBirds.
E1 champions green technology and provides spectators with an exhilarating new race on the water. To fill us in on all the excitement, Monaco Life’s Editor in Chief Cassandra Tanti speaks to Rodi Basso, Co-Founder and CEO of E1.
Monaco Life: How are the preparations going for this weekend’s UIM E1 World Championship in Monaco, the first-ever competition to be held here?
Rodi Basso: The team moved to Monaco a few days ago, and we’ve been fully immersed in preparations. Leading up to our arrival, we conducted extensive due diligence to ensure that the event runs smoothly and safely. This means not only focusing on the water but also ensuring the safety and enjoyment of fans, guests and sea life. We’ve invested significantly in making sure that our impact on the environment is minimal. This involves a meticulous approach to event management, covering everything from logistics and safety protocols to environmental preservation strategies. There is a lot of energy and excitement among the team, and we feel well-prepared for this historic event.
This is the inaugural series. Can you tell us more about the E1 World Championship and these world-first electric race boats called RaceBirds?
Yes, this is the very first season of the E1 World Championship. We kicked off in Jeddah on February 2nd and 3rd. The project began three years ago with funding from the Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia. Since then, we’ve been working tirelessly to build not just the boats, but the entire brand and championship from scratch. The boats, known as RaceBirds, were conceptualised by Norwegian designer Sophi Horne. She drew inspiration from the efficiency of surfing foils and the graceful gliding of birds on water.
See also: Revealed: the RaceBird final design
As an engineer, I took her concept and defined the technical parameters needed for the boats. This included everything from the battery and propulsion systems to the overall race format. We assembled a top-tier team of engineers, partners and suppliers to deliver the first prototype in just nine months, an impressive feat given that there had never been a powerboat based on foils and electric propulsion before. We’ve tested the RaceBirds in various water conditions, and they have performed exceptionally well.
The RaceBird was launched and unveiled at the Yacht Club de Monaco. How does it feel now to see your creation in action on the water?
Unveiling the RaceBird at the Yacht Club de Monaco was a monumental moment for us. Back in September 2020, we announced the birth of the E1 World Championship in Monaco, marking the city as a pivotal part of our journey. Seeing our creation come to life here, especially with the support of Prince Albert II and the Yacht Club de Monaco members, is incredibly rewarding.
The initial unveiling event was attended by around 300 people, right after we validated our first prototype, and the reaction was overwhelmingly positive. Monaco, being the capital of yachting, holds a special significance for us.
The championship focuses on sustainability and the future of marine technology. Has this contributed to the success of the race, particularly with securing team owners like Will Smith, Tom Brady and Rafael Nadal?
Sustainability is indeed a cornerstone of the E1 World Championship. We aim to promote eco-friendly navigation because scientists warn us about the urgent environmental issues we face. Awareness is very important, and during our events, we hold panels and discussions to inform people. But sustainability is in a delicate phase. Awareness is important, but it is now crucial to overcome the anxiety and provide solutions. Our RaceBirds are part of that narrative. They produce zero emissions, create minimal waves and generate very limited noise, all of which are crucial for protecting marine ecosystems. Working with experts like Carlos Duarte, one of the world’s leading marine biologists, we’ve learned how significant noise reduction is for marine life.
Sustainability is not just a goal but a delicate and complex challenge. I believe that the word efficiency is now more important than sustainability because this allows us to avoid the unhelpful debate that I often hear, which is ‘let’s go back to diesel because the technology is not ready yet’.
We recognise that while we are making strides, there is still much to be done. Our focus is on continuous improvement, efficiency and innovation. We’re collaborating with technology suppliers globally to test new solutions that can address the next level of efficiency. Last year, $1.8 trillion was spent in the clean tech landscape to find new solutions, and these are the kinds of people we are talking to: those who are solution driven and who want to develop more efficiency in the industry.
What has been the reaction from fans and the general public to this new racing concept?
The reaction has been very positive. We are in our first season, and Monaco will be our fourth race. We started in Jeddah with 8,000 people registering and 5,000 attending, which was a strong turnout for our debut event. By the third race in Puerto Banús, attendance had grown to 10,000. The interest and excitement from the public are growing steadily.
Watching the RaceBirds is a unique spectacle. We’ve designed the race format to maximise unpredictability and excitement. Features like the Boost button, which gives pilots extra power for 20 seconds, and the mandatory Long Lap add strategic depth to the races. The foils allow the boats to glide at high speeds, but managing them requires great skill and sensitivity from the pilots.
Our modern format includes sprint races of 10 to 12 minutes, match races and knockout rounds. Each team has one male and one female pilot, and one is, of course, Lisa Caussin-Battaglia (Team Blue Rising) from Monaco, who is very strong.
The response from fans, guests and viewers on social media and TV has been enthusiastic. They appreciate the modern, fast-paced racing format and the innovative technology behind the RaceBirds.
What can people in Monaco expect this weekend?
This weekend’s event spans two days. On the first day, we’ll have free practice sessions, allowing pilots to get a feel for the course, and qualifying rounds in the afternoon, which include sprint and match races to determine starting positions for the final race on Sunday.
The final day includes semifinals and finals. The top teams from the semifinals will compete in the finals, while the slower teams have a chance to improve their positions. We also have a placement final to determine positions 5th through 9th.
In terms of hospitality, our main focus is on Sunday 28th July, where guests can enjoy the exclusive experience at the Yacht Club de Monaco. They’ll have prime viewing spots and access to live feeds and race information, ensuring they don’t miss any action.
It looks like a fun family event, do you encourage families to get involved?
Absolutely, it is a family-friendly event. Our marketing analysis showed that our races appeal to families, especially those passionate about water sports. We’ve seen positive family engagement in Jeddah and Puerto Banús, and we hope to see the same in Monaco.
Engaging the younger generation is crucial for us, as we want them to enjoy and protect coastal areas for the future. We hope to inspire boys and girls to dream of a motor racing career, showing them that it’s possible to pursue their passions while also caring for the environment.
You’ve just launched the new Pilot’s Academy. Are you looking for the next generation of pilots?
Yes, we have launched the Pilot’s Academy to find and train the next generation of pilots. Our rules state that each team must have one powerboat pilot, while the other pilot can come from any water or speed-related sport. This has brought in a diverse group of talents, including those from car rally, jet ski, BMX and sailing backgrounds.
E1 aims to be a convergence point for motorsports, powerboats and sailing enthusiasts. We focus on competition and sustainability, ensuring minimal environmental impact while fostering a vibrant sports community. The academy is crucial for nurturing new talent and ensuring the future growth of our sport.
You’ve chosen some luxurious locations for the championship, such as Jeddah, Venice, Marbella and Monaco. Next is Lake Como, followed by Hong Kong…
Yes, we are fortunate to host our events in some of the world’s most iconic locations. Lake Como, and specifically Villa d’Este where our event will be hosted, is a prime example. The area is deeply committed to sustainability, hosting important conferences on electric mobility and using electric boats for their guests.
Lake Como is a global icon and a place worth preserving. Hosting our events in such prestigious locations helps us attract fans and guests who appreciate both the beauty of the surroundings and the importance of our mission. These events also provide a platform for discussing technology, innovation, and sustainability. We’ve had notable guests, including prime ministers and C-level executives, and we expect an even more distinguished delegation in Monaco. Our goal is to combine exceptional experiences with meaningful discussions on protecting our planet for future generations.
For more details on the UIM E1 World Championship in Monaco, visit the website: www.e1series.com.
Listen to the full interview with Cassandra Tanti in our Podcast on Spotify…
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Main photo credit: Oscar Lumley, Spacesuit Media