Rhode Island-based startup Regent Craft has reached a significant breakthrough in high-speed maritime travel. On March 6, 2025, the company successfully completed the first water test with passengers on board its full-scale, crewed electric seaglider, the Viceroy prototype.
Innovative Three-Mode Operation
The Viceroy seaglider is a revolutionary high-speed vessel designed to operate exclusively over water. Measuring 55 feet in length with a 65-foot wingspan, it can carry 12 passengers and two crew members or transport up to 3,500 pounds of cargo. The seaglider operates in three distinct modes. When stationary or moving at low speeds, it floats on its hull like a traditional boat.
As it gains speed, it transitions to foiling mode, where it lifts above the water on hydrofoils, reducing drag and improving efficiency. Finally, at high speeds, it enters flying mode, using the ground effect to glide just above the water’s surface, allowing for smooth, energy-efficient travel.
Speed, Range, and Applications
Designed for efficiency and speed, the Viceroy seaglider can cruise at 180 mph and cover distances of at least 180 miles. This makes it a cost-effective and convenient option for a variety of applications, including passenger travel, cargo transport, and emergency response. With its zero-emission electric powertrain, the Viceroy seaglider aims to provide an eco-friendly alternative to traditional boats and aircraft.
Successful Water Trials and the Future
The successful passenger test took place in Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island, marking a critical step toward human-piloted flight tests later this year. As Regent Craft continues development, the Viceroy seaglider could transform coastal transportation, offering faster, more efficient, and sustainable travel over water.
Would you travel on a seaglider like this?
Source: Regentcraft
