Montreal, Canada-based Vision Marine Technologies has announced a partnership with offshore racer Shaun Torrente to pilot the Hellkats 32’ Super-Sport Widebody catamaran, equipped with a twin application of Vision Marine’s groundbreaking E-Motion powertrain system.
Vision Marine is a leading manufacturer in the electric recreational boating industry serving both OEMs and consumers. Torrente is the founder of Shaun Torrente Racing, his performance components company; he is also owner and throttleman of the 32′ Doug Wright catamaran and Super Stock competitor CMR Construction and Roofing, which he co-pilots with driver Eric Belisle.
In a statement released by Vision Marine, company spokesmen said Torrente is “an integral part of our plan to achieve the world’s fastest electric boat, powered by E-Motion, the world’s most powerful electric outboard.” Torrente is expected to apply his experience as a multi-series World Powerboat Champion and manufacturer of marine components, to work jointly with Vision Marine and HellKats Powerboats to design the lower unit section of the engine, in addition to assisting with rigging, fabrication, and setup of the the Hellkats 32’ Widebody boat in order to shatter the world speed record. “Mr. Torrente’s knowledge and expertise in racing, custom fabrication and machining capabilities make him an invaluable asset in the research and development of the world’s fastest electric powered catamarans,” the statement reads.
“I’m pleased to be working with Vision Marine Technologies and Hellkat Powerboats on this advanced new project,” Torrente said. “Technology and innovation are at the core of my racing team and manufacturing business. I’m excited to partner with a company that share those attributes.” Of the world record attempt, he said, “I’m extremely competitive, so I relish the opportunity to set a record in the world’s fastest electric boat. With the team we’ve assembled, and the commitment of the partners, I’m confident in our odds.”
Torrente’s racing career began in the United States when he was 15 years old, going on to become an SST-120 (F2) World Champion twice in 2002 and 2003, before moving up and winning the North American F1 Championship three times. His first full Formula 1 Powerboat World Championship season was in 2011, with Team Qatar. From 52 starts, Torrente finished on the podium fourteen times, winning nine races, and qualifying for pole position nine times.
The Florida native finished runner up in the world title competition in 2013 and 2016, and on two occasions placed third overall. After three terms with Qatar, he joined the Victory Team at the Grand Prix of France in 2015, before moving to Team Abu Dhabi at the end of 2017.
In 2018, Torrente was crowned Formula 1 Powerboat World Champion, winning the title, and repeating that success the following year with Team Abu Dhabi. Additionally, Torrente throttled the Team Abu Dhabi XCAT offshore race boat in 2018, winning the 2018 XCAT World Powerboat Championship, making him the only racer to win both major UIM world powerboat championships titles in the same year.
Vision Marine Technologies Inc. strives to be a guiding force for change and an ongoing driving factor in fighting the problems associated with waterway pollution by disrupting the traditional boating industry with electric power, in turn directly contributing to zero pollution, zero emission and a noiseless environment. The company’s flagship outboard powertrain, E-Motion, is the first fully electric purpose-built outboard powertrain system that combines an advanced battery pack, inverter, and high efficiency motor with proprietary union assembly between the transmission and the electric motor design utilizing extensive control software. E-Motion is uniquely designed to improve the efficiency of the outboard powertrain and, as a result, enhance both range and performance.