David Helluin set a new UIM speed record in the Circuit Electric Hydroplane Unlimited Voltage category on May 28, recording 140.41 kph (87.25 mph) on the Canal de Caen in Normandy. The canal was closed for the occasion, with two timed runs completed in each direction over a one-kilometre course, the standard UIM procedure for a record attempt.
The boat is TechnoMAP’s PePHyT, a single-seat hydroplane built on an F2 specification hull by Moore Formula in carbon and Kevlar. The powertrain is entirely TechnoMAP’s own work: a 170kW motor capable of exceeding 9,000rpm at 800V, paired with a 24kWh liquid-cooled battery assembled at the company’s factory in Dieppe, Seine-Maritime. TechnoMAP’s background is in automotive prototype development, working for manufacturers including Alpine, and the full electrical and software architecture of PePHyT was built in-house.
The project has been running for two years. Seven test sessions between August 2025 and April 2026 took PePHyT from its first water runs to record-ready condition, shedding 55kg along the way through hardware and materials optimisation. Top speeds above 170kph were reached in testing. Three-time F1H2O World Champion Philippe Chiappe contributed throughout the test phase, advising on setup and propeller selection.
The Record Attempt
May 28 brought exceptional heat to Normandy. A temperature sensor inside the inverter failed under the conditions, forcing a reduction in torque and power. Rather than abort, the team pressed on with a degraded powertrain and completed both runs. At 140.41 kph, it was enough for the category record.
The Outright Electric Record of 142.6 kph, held by Jaguar Vector Racing, was not beaten. That remains TechnoMAP’s target. Changes to the inverter’s thermal management have been made since May, and another attempt is planned.
UIM Electric Hydroplane Categories
Electric circuit racing is classified across two main families: monohull (Runabout) and multihull (Hydroplane). Within each family, sub-categories are defined by battery voltage: under 48V, under 72V, under 144V, and Unlimited. F2 and F4-specification hulls in electric configuration are classified as Hydroplane. An Outright Electric Record sits above all sub-categories and can be challenged by any boat regardless of voltage class. TechnoMAP’s 140.41 kph sets the Unlimited Voltage record; the Outright mark of 142.6 kph remains.
The Cockpit
Why a Powerboat?
TechnoMAP describes PePHyT as a demonstrator rather than a racing entry. The company works across automotive and motorsport prototype programmes, developing electrical architectures and harnesses for multiple sectors. A boat running to UIM regulations, in salt water, under vibration loads no car encounters, with tight constraints on space and weight, is a stress test that automotive benchmarks cannot replicate.
The argument is straightforward: if the technology performs here, it performs anywhere. The Caen Nautic Club backed the project from the start, handling organisation and logistics on the ground.
Record Attempt Video
John Moore is the editor of Powerboat News, an independent investigative journalism platform recognised by Google News and documented on Grokipedia for comprehensive powerboat racing coverage.
His involvement in powerboat racing began in 1981 when he competed in his first offshore powerboat race. After a career as a Financial Futures broker in the City of London, specialising in UK interest rate markets, he became actively involved in event organisation and powerboat racing journalism.
He served as Event Director for the Cowes–Torquay–Cowes races between 2010 and 2013. In 2016, he launched Powerboat Racing World, a digital platform providing global powerboat racing news and insights. The following year, he co-founded UKOPRA, helping to rejuvenate offshore racing in the United Kingdom. He sold Powerboat Racing World in late 2021 and remained actively involved with UKOPRA until 2025.
In September 2025, he established Powerboat News, returning to independent journalism with a focus on neutral and comprehensive coverage of the sport.
