Yachting Art Magazine

At Nice Boating Tomorrow 2026, BoatScopy shines a spotlight on one of the most original and forward-looking boats on display: the Elvene Amy. Presented by Emil Finne, founder of the Finnish Elvene shipyard, the boat is introduced live from the old harbor of Nice, in the heart of the French Riviera. More than a simple product showcase, this episode captures a wider shift in boating culture, where performance, design, and sustainability are no longer seen as opposites, but as complementary qualities. With Amy, Elvene proposes a credible and elegant answer to the challenges of modern navigation.

From the beginning of the interview, Emil Finne explains the philosophy behind Elvene. Founded around five years ago, the company focuses on developing self-sufficient boats, meaning vessels designed to operate with minimal dependence on external energy infrastructure. In Amy’s case, this ambition takes the form of a fully electric powerboat capable of running primarily on solar energy. Roof-mounted solar panels generate power throughout the day, while an integrated charger allows the boat to be plugged in when needed. Yet the central idea remains clear: for typical leisure use, the boat can harvest enough energy from the sun to cover most real-world needs. This makes Amy not only an environmentally conscious boat, but also a practical one.

Amy is presented as Elvene’s latest model, and also as a significant step forward in the yard’s development. Finne notes that the company has already delivered around 40 boats across Europe, North America, and Africa, showing that the concept is no longer experimental. This new version pushes the formula further, notably in terms of speed. In ideal conditions, Amy can reach around 30 knots, an impressive figure for an electric boat designed around energy efficiency and solar autonomy. Finne emphasizes that the hull has been refined over many years to achieve exactly this balance between low-speed economy and high-speed capability.

Measuring 6.5 meters in length and 2.1 meters in width, Amy has a compact but highly optimized format. One of the most distinctive aspects of the boat is its narrow, so-called “hyper-displacement” hull. Rather than relying on a conventional planing hull, Elvene has developed a shape that remains efficient at low speeds while still being capable of faster performance. According to Finne, the theoretical maximum speed of the hull is 35 knots, although the boat is currently powered to reach 30 knots for stability and efficiency reasons. This gives Amy an unusually broad operating range, from silent low-speed cruising to dynamic open-water performance.

The layout also reflects a clear functional logic. Elvene has chosen a center-console configuration, a solution that improves circulation on board and makes the boat easy to use for both captain and passengers. This arrangement is particularly attractive for hotels and rental operators, but it also suits private users looking for simplicity and versatility. The forward seating area can accommodate several people around a small dinette and can also be converted into a sunbed. Finne explains that the layout is modular, allowing owners to personalize the seating and deck arrangement according to their needs.

Material choices reinforce the boat’s environmental identity. On board, the deck and table surfaces are finished in natural cork, described as a by-product of the wine industry. This is not only a sustainable option, but also a highly suitable marine material: it is naturally anti-slip, stays comfortable under the sun, and remains pleasant in cooler conditions. The use of cork illustrates Elvene’s effort to reduce plastics and favor greener materials sourced in Europe, without compromising comfort or aesthetics.

Another key feature discussed in the episode is the propulsion system. Amy is equipped with an electric outboard motor and runs on a 48-volt system. Finne highlights the advantages of this approach: improved safety, easier maintenance, and the use of standard components that can be serviced more easily around the world. This fits Elvene’s broader vision of “easy boating,” where electric propulsion is not a complicated high-tech novelty, but a simpler and more accessible way to enjoy time on the water.

The discussion around solar autonomy is especially striking. Finne explains that the visible solar installation produces around 800 watts and can generate approximately 4 to 5 kilowatt-hours per day, enough for many leisure-use patterns. Additional panels can even be integrated under the roof, benefiting from reflections off the water to increase production. In direct solar operation, Amy can cruise at around 4 to 5 knots using only the energy generated by the panels in sunny conditions.

During the sea trial in Nice harbor, the real appeal of the boat becomes immediately apparent. Silence transforms the onboard experience. Without the noise, vibration, and smell of a combustion engine, passengers hear only the movement of the water and feel closer to the sea itself. The dashboard integrates navigation, motor, and battery data into a complete ready-to-use package, further reinforcing the sense of simplicity.

Performance figures confirm that this serenity does not come at the expense of capability. With a 45-kilowatt-hour battery pack, Amy can achieve around 150 nautical miles at 5 knots and roughly 35 to 40 nautical miles at 15 knots. Finne also mentions modular battery options ranging from 22 to 66 kilowatt-hours, allowing the boat to be configured for different uses.

Through this BoatScopy presentation, the Elvene Amy emerges as far more than a stylish electric dayboat. It is a practical demonstration that electric boating has already matured into a viable, enjoyable, and desirable reality. At Nice Boating Tomorrow 2026, Emil Finne makes the point clearly: electric boating is not a future promise anymore. With Amy, it is already here.