Candela's Revolutionary Boat Glides Above the Waves
Foil-assisted watercraft are enjoying widespread adoption, and perhaps no vessel better demonstrates the technology's capabilities than the Candela C-8 Polestar. A collaboration between the Swedish electric boat builder Candela and automaker Polestar, the C-8 marries cutting-edge Scandinavian design and engineering expertise. Its flashy gold hydrofoils allow for a top speed of 27 knots while achieving the unprecedented endurance of cruising 420 nautical miles on a single charge thanks to DC fast charging.
The adoption of foiling originated in the America's Cup over a decade ago, where boats shattered speed records by lifting above the water's surface drag. Since then, many have embraced the technique, from SailGP foiling catamarans to kitesurfers and boards that fly above the waves. Even superyachts like the Canova, built by Baltic Yachts in 2021, have incorporated foil assistance. For Candela, the goal with the C-8 was to create an electric boat capable of long-range, high-speed travel while delivering the comfort and amenities expected of a luxury tender. With its zero emissions and noiseless operation at 95% lower operating costs than a diesel counterpart, the C-8 appears to have achieved new benchmarks for performance, endurance, and sustainability on the water.
The Candela C-8 Polestar has found immense success since its 2022 debut, with over 150 units sold to date - making it the top-selling electric luxury boat. Robb Report had the opportunity to put the C-8 through its paces with a sea trial this past July. Here are some noteworthy aspects of Candela's innovative foil boat design that impressed us most!
While the flashy gold retractable hydrofoils certainly demand attention visually, it's the sophisticated software engineering that truly works magic. Candela equipped the C-8 with an advanced Flight Controller computer along with sensors that allow the angle of the hydrofoils to be adjusted in mere microseconds, seamlessly compensating for changing wind, current, and wave conditions to maintain steadiness. This system is what enables the hydrofoils to lift the hull above the surface for smooth cruising, but also instantly retract back into the safety of the hull as needed in shallower waters or at slower paces. Through precision software and hardware control, the hydrofoils transform from a stunning aesthetic feature into the technological backbone that makes the C-8's foiling performance possible.
Candela's team of engineers designed an advanced electric propulsion system tailored specifically for the C-8's needs. Called the C-POD, this 50kW direct drive pod motor boasts efficiency claimed to be four times greater than even the highest-performing electric outboards currently available. A pair of ultra-compact electric motors, totaling 100kW of power, are mounted discreetly under the waterline within a streamlined pod. There, they directly drive contra-rotating propellers without an intermediate gearbox or transmission system. This innovative arrangement delivers smooth, quiet operation while avoiding energy loss and preventing gearbox noise. The result is optimal performance both above and below the waterline for dynamic and sustainable boating.
The Candela C-8 Polestar presents owners with various configuration options to suit their preferred boating style, all while maintaining a signature Scandinavian minimalism reflective of its origins. Models are available as an open-day cruiser, a T-top version for sun protection, or a weather-hardened hardtop with a retractable roof for versatility. No matter the choice, Candela's design philosophy prioritizes form following function—aesthetics are cleanly streamlined to minimize weight, which is critical for maximizing the boat's remarkable foiling range and capabilities. The uncluttered aesthetic may not appeal to all tastes, but on the Candela, it seems apt—an understated style that complements the technical achievements happening both above and below the waterline. Ultimately, the no-nonsense design language reinforces that this is no ordinary boat.
Ergonomic comfort was a key consideration, and the C-8 features a bespoke set of carbon fiber seats unlike any found elsewhere in the marine industry. Weighing a mere three kilograms each, they were designed through a collaboration between Maria Uggla and Polestar's automotive designers to offer sculpted support reminiscent of racing buckets. Upholstered with high-quality materials and precisely profiled foam padding, these lightweight thrones promise enduring comfort even during spirited runs. In fact, the same crew responsible for Polestar's lauded electric vehicle seats, such as those debuting in the Concept BST unveiled this past July, lent their expertise to ensure an equally stellar ride at sea. Innovation travels seamlessly between counterparts at Candela and Polestar through collaborations like this, merging land and water for a world-class boating experience.
