SeaBubbles has acquired Neocean’s foiling technology to accelerate its development of flight control expertise, specifically on inverted T foils.
Neocean is known for its Overboat foiling catamaran which was launched in 2019. Despite a promising reaction to its last iteration, the F Series electric catamaran-like jetski, the company was forced to cease trading in March 2024 and was wound up.
“Foils significantly reduce the drag of our boats, allowing our hydrofoils to move more easily and with less energy than a conventional boat: a considerable gain in cost and energy,” explained Virginie Seurat, CEO of SeaBubbles.
“The acquisition of Neocean marks a decisive turning point and prepares us for our industrialization phase.
“We are ready to redefine the pleasure of boating and offer boats that comply with increasingly stringent environmental standards, while offering unique sailing comfort – zero noise, zero waves, zero emissions.”
The acquisition of Neocean marks a decisive turning point.
Virginie Seurat
Neocean produced several models, the flagship of which was the C Series, a catamaran, twin-hull ski offered in two sizes.
The F Series added retractable, inverted T-shape self-regulating hydrofoils.
SeaBubbles has also launched its SmartBubble flying boat model designed to carry up to eight people at a speed of 16 knots.
The craft follows on from SeaBubbles’ first public line on Lake Annecy, France, where hundreds of passengers experienced flying aboard The Bubble, the French hydrofoil company’s four-seater model.
The SmartBubble eight seater model is a new milestone for the company. The craft already has four patents, including for retractable foils.
The technology for the foils includes automatic flaps that allow the craft to fly at low speeds.
The flight control system is a central element of the SeaBubble flight experience. The technology is designed to ensure stable flight by dynamically and autonomously managing the mechanical inclination of the flaps on the trailing edges of the foils.
