British partnership embraces the competitive spirit as one of powerboating’s most iconic trophies enters the electric age.
One of powerboating’s oldest and most prestigious trophies has entered the electric age, with the SpiritBARTech F35 among the first challengers to set a benchmark under the competition’s new format.
First contested in 1903, the British International Harmsworth Trophy has long been regarded as one of the most prestigious prizes in powerboating. Once synonymous with powerful combustion engines and the pursuit of outright speed, the competition has been transformed for a new generation, with entry now reserved exclusively for electrically powered craft.
The move reflects a wider shift across the marine sector, where efficiency, electrification and advanced vessel design are increasingly shaping the next generation of high-performance craft.
The SpiritBARTech F35, a beautiful foiling electric powerboat developed through the collaboration of BAR Technologies and Spirit Yachts, was among the first challengers to answer the call.
The vessel utilises state-of-the-art hydrofoil technologies from BAR Tech that allows the vessel to fly above the water, making the ride smoother and more efficient. The result embodies the future of high-performance and sustainable boating: 100% electric with a range of 100 nautical miles, and a top speed of over 30 knots.
It was built bespoke for a client and as such, is utterly unique. BAR Tech is available to build crafts to a client’s individual specifications.
Skippered by Simon Schofield and supported by BAR Technologies’ Head of Operations & Vessels Ollie Pendleton, the fully foiling electric vessel completed the demanding Poole-Cowes-Poole course in a time of 1 hour, 36 minutes and 53 seconds, averaging 30.35 knots.
Unlike a traditional race, the Harmsworth Electric Boat Challenge is run as a time trial between May and October, with competitors setting benchmark times throughout the season. The winner will be announced at the end of the year, leaving the SpiritBARTech team waiting to discover whether their performance will be enough to secure the famous trophy.
For both companies, however, the challenge was about far more than the final result.
The Harmsworth Trophy has always celebrated innovation, ambition and sporting excellence. Today, those same qualities are driving a new era of marine performance, where speed and efficiency work hand in hand.
Ollie Pendleton, Head of Operations & Vessels at BAR Technologies, said: “The Harmsworth Trophy once rewarded bigger engines and more power. Today, it rewards smarter engineering, efficiency and innovation. That makes it a fascinating reflection of where the marine industry is heading.
“At BAR Technologies, we love solving difficult engineering challenges, but we also enjoy putting our technology to the test. The Harmsworth Trophy gives us the chance to do both. Working alongside Spirit Yachts to take on such a historic challenge was hugely rewarding, and now we’ll be watching with interest to see if anyone can beat the time.”
Simon Schofield, skipper of the SpiritBARTech F35, added: “There is a real sporting spirit behind this challenge. Whether you’re sailing, racing or powerboating, there’s always excitement in taking on a benchmark and seeing how you measure up.
“The F35 performed brilliantly and it was hugely rewarding to see BAR Technologies world class engineering come together on the water. We set out to post a strong time and showcase what electric performance boating can do, and we’re proud of what the vessel achieved.”
For BAR Technologies, the challenge provided another opportunity to demonstrate how technologies developed for elite racing programmes can be applied to the next generation of commercial and leisure vessels.
The challenge also highlights a broader shift taking place across the marine industry. The same competitive drive that once pushed engineers to build faster powerboats is now accelerating advances in electric propulsion, foiling technology, and vessel efficiency.
By combining Spirit Yachts’ renowned craftsmanship with BAR Technologies’ expertise in foiling, hydrodynamics and performance engineering, the SpiritBARTech F35 demonstrates how innovation and sustainability can sit alongside speed, excitement and the thrill of competition.
With the benchmark now established, attention turns to whether any challenger can better the SpiritBARTech F35’s time before the Harmsworth Trophy winner is announced later this year. Regardless of the final result, the challenge has already highlighted how rapidly electric and foiling technologies are reshaping the future of high-performance boating.
