Stars, Speed, and Sustainability: How Celebrities Are Powering the Future of Electric Boat Racing at Lake Como
Last month, the fifth race of the inaugural E1 Electric Boat Racing Series took place against the breathtaking backdrop of Lake Como. With the iconic Villa d’Este in the foreground, the event showcased how electric boating is rapidly evolving—and gaining serious traction among high-profile personalities from sports, entertainment, and beyond.
The Race at Lake Como: A Star-Studded Affair
The Como race wasn’t just another leg in the E1 series; it was a spectacle that drew attention far beyond the boating world. The Westbrook Racing Team, owned by actor Will Smith, secured a first-place finish, while Rafael Nadal’s Team Rafa followed closely to claim second place. Although Tom Brady’s team faced challenges and finished fifth, they still retained the top spot in the overall season standings.
The star-studded lineup of team owners reflects a broader trend: electric boat racing is becoming a stage for some of the world’s most recognized and accomplished figures. Alongside Smith, Nadal, and Brady, other team owners include global sports stars like Didier Drogba and Virat Kohli, music icons such as Steve Aoki and Marc Anthony, and F1 driver Sergio Perez. This diverse ownership roster amplifies the visibility of the sport, blending excitement with sustainability and showcasing the immense potential of electric boating.
The Racebird: A Technological Marvel
The Racebird boats, the technological marvels of the series, are making waves in more ways than one. These 7-meter foiling electric boats, designed by Seabird Technologies, are not just competitive racing machines—they’re groundbreaking innovations in marine propulsion. Powered by 150 kW electric motors and supported by 35 kWh batteries from Kreisel, these sleek vessels are redefining what high-performance electric boating can achieve.
The Como race, the first of the season held on a lake, added unique challenges for pilots. The strategy-driven format, which allows each boat to use one energy boost per race, created thrilling moments of overtaking and defending leads. The five-lap course saw electric-powered performance at its best, making the event a memorable part of the season.
A Platform for Gender Equality in Racing
One of the standout features of the E1 series is its commitment to gender equality. Each team fields both a male and female pilot, who alternate racing different stages of the event. This inclusive approach not only highlights the talent of female racers but also sets a new standard in professional racing. For example, Team Rafa’s Cris Lazarraga, the only female pilot to compete in Final 1 at Como, showcased her skills and contributed to her team’s impressive second-place finish.
The Celebrities Behind the Teams: More Than Just Owners
What makes the E1 series even more unique is the active involvement of its celebrity owners. These are not just high-profile names attached to teams; they are genuinely engaged in promoting innovation and sustainability through the sport. Will Smith’s victory with Westbrook Racing was more than just a win on the water—it was a win for the future of clean, electric-powered boating.
Rafael Nadal has also embraced the electric boating movement, reflecting his commitment to sustainability. His involvement in the E1 series underscores how electric boating is becoming a driving force in global efforts toward environmentally friendly technologies.
Tom Brady, despite a difficult weekend in Como, has been a dominant presence throughout the season. His team’s strong overall performance exemplifies the strategic prowess and competitiveness required to stay at the top of this thrilling new sport.
A Glimpse into the Future
With just one race weekend left in the season, the championship battle is heating up. Team Brady remains in the lead, but Will Smith’s Westbrook Racing is closing the gap, promising an exciting final showdown. As the season wraps up, the E1 series has proven that electric boating is more than capable of captivating both traditional racing fans and newcomers alike.
Electric Boating on the Rise
The E1 Series is blazing a new trail in the world of electric boating, showcasing not just high-speed thrills but also the future of sustainable marine technology. With celebrities like Will Smith, Rafael Nadal, and Tom Brady actively promoting this movement, the world is paying attention to the exciting potential of electric boating.
