In the middle of the America's Cup armada, a half dozen futuristic-looking craft are quietly zipping above the waves.

The sleek foiling machine, designed by New Zealand's America's Cup Team, looks more like a large sports car than a boat. It is powered by green hydrogen and its only emission is fresh water released into the ocean.

The Chase Zero boat is different from other boats in that it does not slam into the waves, but instead rides above them. This gives passengers a smoother ride, and a better view.

The computer controls the hydraulics. "We set a height target," said Ian Darby, as he drove one of the hydrogen boat out of the harbor and onto the Mediterranean Sea near Barcelona.

Darby explained that the low, medium, and high modes are between 0.7 and 1.2 metres. When the boat reaches 18 knots, it lifts automatically to fly that height above the water. The "pitch" is controlled by the long rudder.

"It is all automated." We are at the mercy and control of the computer when we fly. If you have too much roll it is unsafe and will set us down," said the New Zealander.

The boats that the event organizers and some teams are using to transport guests to watch races, have a hybrid design. Hydrogen is fed into two Toyota Fuel Cells which produce electricity for the motor and batteries.

Although the boat was not designed to make sharp turns, passengers are required to wear safety belts just in case. Large and "multidirectional" waves can be difficult to control.

This design is a derivative of the America's Cup giant sailing boats that now lift themselves above the water using foils. The foiling chase boat does not disrupt races because they create little or no waves.

The system dumps fresh water into the water, which is then pumped through. Phil Salthouse, on-water director for the 37th America's Cup told this week that they foil at 30-35 knots and carry seven passengers.

McConaghy, an Australian boat manufacturer, has manufactured the Chase Zeros in China. Salthouse stated that they may have a wider commercial use in the future.

Salthouse said that "Diesel or petrol will not be the future. These are prototypes. But ultimately, hydrogen will be used to run these boats and larger commercial boats."

On a good day it's amazing, you glide over the water and you do over 30 knots. He said that the boats can travel 160 nautical miles in 28 knots. (Reporting and editing by Toby Davis; Alexander Smith)

(source: Reuters)