eD-TEC, developer of the first fully electric surface-piercing propulsion system, announces a landmark partnership with Dr. Martin Fischer,
one of the most accomplished figures in high-performance yacht design. The appointment follows a strategic reset of eD-TEC’s FoilAssist development — and signals a bold move to redefine what’s possible in electric offshore performance.

A critical turning point

eD-TEC’s vision has always been clear: to enable clean, high-speed electric mobility on water — without compromise. At the core of this ambition lies the integration of high-power electric drives with dynamic lift from a Foil-Assist system. The initial concept, developed by an external partner, promised to enhance efficiency, stability, and control at planing speeds. But real-world sea trials have not demonstrated any
efficiency or stability gains. Despite significant tuning efforts, the design lacked the precision and hydrodynamic integrity needed. With no meaningful improvement in sight, eD-TEC made the strategic decision to restart. “With Martin Fischer, we gain not only one of the best hydrodynamicists in the world — we gain clarity and direction.” says Michael Jost, CEO of eD-TEC.

A new chapter — A Team powered by true expertise, built for performance

To lead the next phase, eD-TEC has appointed Dr. Martin Fischer as Lead Foil Consultant, overseeing the complete redefinition of the Foil-Assist system, from hydrodynamic concept to final validation. Dr. Fischer is widely regarded as one of the foremost authorities in foil and hull
design. A physicist by training, he earned his Ph.D. in geophysics at the Max Planck Institute and has since spent over two decades pushing the boundaries of yacht performance. His portfolio includes:
• Chief Designer of INEOS Britannia for the 37th America’s Cup
• Foil and hull architect for record-breaking offshore campaigns (incl. Groupama 3, Jules Verne Trophy winner)
• Developer of the Flying Phantom, the world’s first commercially available foiling catamaran
• Design on IMOCA, ORMA, and Volvo Ocean Race programs

Dr. Fischer is not just a consultant — he brings vision, systems thinking, and unmatched practical experience in fluid dynamics and simulation-based design. At eD-TEC, he will apply this expertise to a new frontier: high-speed, electric-powered vessels with extreme drive dynamics and surface-piercing behavior.

“A good foil design must be tailored to the operating conditions of the vessel. Our tools, developed during several America’s Cup campaigns allow us to adapt drag and stability characteristics specifically for the required conditions.” Dr. Martin Fischer

Supporting Dr. Fischer is a hand-picked team of leading specialists in maritime simulation and structural design — each bringing critical expertise to realize the full potential of the new foil system.

Among them is Dr. Mathieu Durand, a pioneer in fluid–structure interaction (FSI) and simulation-based design. With a research background spanning advanced CFD coupling methods for sails and foils, Dr. Durand’s work bridges high-fidelity numerical modelling with real-world performance. His experience optimizing appendage geometries for IMOCA and America’s Cup campaigns makes him uniquely positioned to refine the dynamic behavior of eD-TEC’s new foil system — particularly under complex planing conditions.

Joining from the world of elite composites engineering is Brett Ellis, founder of Ellis Engineered, a specialist in high-performance structural design for marine racing platforms. With a track record that spans skiffs, foiling yachts, and custom composite builds, Ellis brings deep know-how in materials engineering, manufacturing, and fatigue-resistant construction — ensuring the foil design is not only fast, but robust and production-ready.

Together, Fischer, Durand, and Ellis form a team that combines elite hydrodynamics, simulation, and engineering execution — a rare blend of theory and practice that sets the stage for true innovation.

Looking ahead: a new foil, a new standard

Development is already underway. Backed by Fischer’s leadership, eD-TEC’s new Foil-Assist architecture is being built from first principles — with entirely new geometries, and an uncompromising focus on hydrodynamic performance. Sea trials of the new foil system are scheduled for late summer 2025. “With Martin on board, we’re not just correcting a course — we’re unlocking a new category of performance,”says Michau. “This partnership represents the best of what eD-TEC stands for: innovation without compromise.”