Regent Craft Develops Winged Ferry to Revolutionize Coastal Travel, Support US Marines

Regent Craft has developed an innovative winged passenger ferry called the Paladin, which combines the speed of an aircraft with the ease of a boat, aiming to transform coastal transportation and potentially serve defense purposes. The electric-powered vessel features a 65-foot wingspan with twelve propellers and operates in three modes: float, foil, and fly, using hydrofoils similar to those in elite sailing competitions to lift and travel above the water at speeds over 50 miles per hour. The Paladin is designed to achieve ground-effect flight about 30 feet above the water at speeds up to 180 miles per hour, significantly reducing travel time—for example, it could cut a trip from Rhode Island to New York City to just about an hour. After initial test runs, Regent Craft is working to secure regulatory approval from the U.S. Coast Guard while lining up commercial customers in regions including Florida, Hawaii, Japan, and the Persian Gulf. The technology, inspired by seabirds that glide over the sea to conserve energy, promises a cleaner, faster alternative to traditional ferries and could revolutionize coastal travel globally. Investors such as Peter Thiel and Mark Cuban support the project, highlighting its potential impact on both transportation and defense sectors.