SEAir x LMDC, the Airborne Future of Boats
The SEAir x LMDC hydrofoil boat collaboration is one of the most striking examples of what happens when advanced naval engineering meets fine art: a foiling rigid inflatable boat (RIB) that literally lifts out of the water and soars above the surface, wrapped in an artist-designed paint scheme that makes it unlike anything else on the water.
What Is the SEAir Hydrofoil System?
SEAir is a French company based in Lorient, Brittany, specialising in retractable foil systems for motorised watercraft. In naval engineering, foils work by generating lift as water flows over their surfaces, similar to the wings of an aircraft. Once enough speed is reached, the foil lifts the entire hull clear of the water, drastically reducing drag. SEAir applied this principle specifically to rigid inflatable boats (RIBs), a category of watercraft that had never benefited from foil technology before.
The results are exceptional. According to SEAir's own technical documentation, their automatic foil systems lift the hull off the surface at approximately 16 knots, increasing speed by 20 to 30% versus conventional semi-rigid inflatables and cutting energy consumption by around 30%. Stability is dramatically improved, even in rough seas, and engine load is reduced. The systems can be retrofitted to existing boats for leisure, cruising or regatta use.
The SEAir x LMDC Ortolan: Where Art Meets Naval Innovation
The collaboration with Louis-Marie de Castelbajac (LMDC) took the SEAir foiling concept into entirely different territory. De Castelbajac, a French artist and creative entrepreneur who grew up surrounded by art and fashion, applied his bold visual language to the hull of the SEAir vessel, creating a striking hand-designed paint scheme. The result was named "Ortolan," after a small French bird prized for its elegance and rarity. The choice of name was deliberate: the Ortolan evokes the quality of flight, which is precisely what the SEAir x LMDC boat achieves on water.
The vivid livery paired with the futuristic foiling technology produced something that feels entirely new: a watercraft that is simultaneously a performance tool and a piece of kinetic art. It demonstrated that the aesthetics of a boat do not need to be an afterthought, and that technical innovation and artistic vision can coexist at the highest level. Read more about SEAir's engineering approach at Bretagne Sailing Valley.
The Future of Foiling Watercraft
The SEAir system represents the direction the marine industry is heading. Foiling technology, already established in competitive sailing through events like the America's Cup and Olympic racing, is now making its way into everyday leisure and expedition watercraft. The efficiency gains are real: less fuel, faster transit times, smoother rides in choppy conditions. As electric propulsion continues to advance, the pairing of foil systems with electric motors opens up the possibility of near-silent, zero-emissions, high-speed water travel.
The SEAir x LMDC project showed that this future does not have to be purely functional. The best watercraft, like the best cars and motorcycles, deserve to be beautiful objects in motion.
Explore Performance Watercraft at TheArsenale
At TheArsenale, we curate the watercraft that redefine what is possible on the water. Discover our full Water Sport collection, featuring the most innovative electric surfboards, hydrofoil boards and high-performance watercraft available. Explore the Q2S Electric Hydrofoil Boat for a taste of the foiling experience, or the AIRFLY E-Foil for individual hydrofoil riding. Our broader Boats collection covers everything from luxury speedboats to performance RIBs.
