VENICE, Italy—The world’s first e-regatta for electric boats recently took place here as part of the Salone Nautico Venezia at the historic Venice Arsenale (the birthplace of the assembly line). The three-day event showcased the benefits of e-boats.

One of the manufacturers participating in the event was Candela, a Swedish boatbuilder that has developed a hydrofoil motorboat dubbed the C-7. The hydrofoils feature computer-controlled wings that lift the hull out of the water and decrease underwater turbulence for a smooth, quiet ride.

Candela is also in the process of building a bigger boat to serve as an electric ferry. It hopes to have the P-30 plying the canals of Venice within two years.