eD-TEC is partnering with Dr Martin Fischer, owner of NC Raceboats and a specialist in performance yacht design, who will take the helm of eD-TEC’s next-generation Foil-Assist System.
Martin’s experience spans chief designer of the America’s Cup boat INEOS Britannia, developer of the Flying Phantom, the first production foiling catamaran and more than 20 years’ working on science, simulation and speed projects.
He is joined by Dr Mathieu Durand, a specialist in fluid-structure interaction and high-fidelity CFD, with IMOCA and America’s Cup experience of refining foil geometry under real-world planing conditions.
Ocean-class foiling platforms
In addition, Brett Ellis, founder of Ellis Engineered, has joined eD-TEC, bringing his experience of elite composite engineering from high-speed skiffs to ocean-class foiling platforms.
eD-TEC is aiming to engineer the world’s first 100% electric, high-speed, surface-piercing drive system with Martin’s role being to help ensure designs are fast, robust, manufacturable, and fatigue-resistant.
“Together, they unite hydrodynamic theory, simulation intelligence, and engineering execution,” said an eD-TEC spokesperson.
“The result: a system built to be faster, smarter, and ready for scalable production.”
Foil-assist technology
eD-TEC has been working on a foil concept with the ambition to fuse high-power electric drives with dynamic lift from foil-assist technology.
Sea trials for the concept took place earlier in 2025, which was engineered in collaboration with an external partner.
However the team admits the trials revealed the hydrodynamic precision didn’t hit the company’s targets in efficiency and stability and didn’t deliver the real-world breakthroughs envisioned.
“Instead of endless tweaking, we did what true pioneers do: we questioned everything — and rebuilt from the ground up,” said the spokesperson.
With Martin Fischer, we gain not only one of the best hydrodynamicists in the world — we gain clarity and direction.
Michael Jost
“The sea trials results indicated that the original setup did not deliver the desired performance gains.
“Thus, eD-TEC made a bold but necessary decision: We’ve opted for a new technical direction with a specialised foil engineering team.”
The company adds that: “With that spirit, we’ve brought in a game-changing new partner — an internationally renowned foil engineering team from the America’s Cup scene.
“These are true experts in performance, speed, and hydrodynamic stability at the highest level of competition.”
Development is underway on the next iteration with eD-TEC aiming to deliver unmatched range and stability at a speed of 30 knots.
“With Martin Fischer, we gain not only one of the best hydrodynamicists in the world — we gain clarity and direction,” concluded Michael Jost, eD-TEC chief executive officer.
