Candela Charges Ahead in the U.S.
Candela is moving full steam ahead in the U.S., maintaining its demo operations in Sausalito but has recently been focusing more on the East Coast. “We’re mostly doing demos out of Sausalito in the coming months and likely soon in Tahoe”, says Mikael Mahlberg, head of PR & Communication.
Those who attended the Green Transition event in Palo Alto earlier this year, during the visit of the Swedish Crown Princess couple and the IVA business delegation, may remember the Candela boat parked outside the entrance. Erik Eklund, the former chief for commercial vessels, who greeted visitors and introduced them to Candela, is now Director General at the Swedish Maritime Administration. Still, Candela’s U.S. expansion has continued, but it has had more focus on the East Coast lately.
“Candela is doing a lot! We just finished the Annapolis Boat Show, the Newport Boat Show. We’re hosting hundreds of people for test rides, factory tours, and events,” says Veronica Cargay, project manager at Candela U.S.
The Annapolis Boat Show in October is held in Annapolis, Maryland. The event is split into two major shows: the United States Powerboat Show and the United States Sailboat Show. The Newport International Boat Show in Newport, Rhode Island, was in September.
San Francisco, and the facility in Sausalito, was the company’s first entry point into the U.S.
“We have two full-time employees in San Francisco, and then people fly in and out from other places. On the West Coast, we’re mostly doing demos out of Sausalito in the coming months and likely soon in Tahoe. We’re also participating in the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show, so full steam ahead in the U.S. market,” says Mikael Mahlberg.
In the U.S., Candela is focusing on sales of its C-8 leisure boat while also discussing the larger P-12 model. Although no boats have yet been produced in the U.S., the company is looking for the right partners to expand production.
Candela is a leading company in the electric hydrofoil boat market, specializing in the development of boats that use hydrofoil technology to lift the hull above the water’s surface. This design reduces drag and increases energy efficiency compared to traditional boats. Candela’s boats are recognized for their electric propulsion systems, which lower fuel consumption and emissions. The company’s technology is applied to both leisure boats, such as the C-8, and larger models like the P-12, which are designed for public transport and commercial use.