Imagine a water taxi or a ferry which produces zero emissions in operation, meticulously crafted to elevate passenger journeys. Artemis Technologies, a world leader in commercial foiling vessels might be exactly what Doctor Environment prescribed for a mess that Toronto traffic has become.
Foiling technology allows vessels to “fly” above the water, reducing drag and increasing speed, making them highly sought after in transportation, professional racing, and leisure sailing. The rise of high-performance hydrofoiling sailboats used in events like the SailGP, America’s Cup, and other world championships has created a surge in demand for foiling technology. Moreover, the increasing adoption of eco-friendly and energy-efficient boats is expected to further fuel the market, as consumers become more environmentally conscious.
Question is how can Toronto and Canada benefit from such developments and embrace the innovation cycle in spite of drunken sailors with their pirate hats flexing muscles in the tarriffs bar while the world is passing us by? Congestion Pricing just imposed on drivers in New York is around the corner in Toronto, and funding from this toll is meant to support projects aimed at improving public transit. And that could mean ferries which made “the Commodore”, Cornelius Vanderbilt, the richest and most notorious Robber Baron once upon the time.
This is the first in a series of posts and contextual insights on how the hydrofoiling technology greatly improves the way we travel, transport goods around, and enjoy the beauty of foiling in recreational settings. A futuristic perspective with business models and how they can benefit communities that embrace the beauty of foil.
EF-12 ESCAPE hydrofoiling water taxi and EF-24 PASSENGER hydrofoiling ferry are well suited for Toronto’s ferry connection between downtown core and east and west end of the city. EF-24 with 150 passenger capacity would be used as a dedicated ferry route services at certain peak and daily intervals, where EF-12 ESCAPE with 12 passenger capacity makes for a water taxi that embodies luxury and sustainable travel services.
In the west end, the Humber Bay Park would serve as the ferry and water taxi hub with easy access to public transportation and parking. The same would be done at the Bluffers Park in the east end, utilizing existing city infrastructure and the similar architectural design. Moreover, both places are Toronto’s public boat lunches with proper protection against the elements, easily accommodating such vessel types.
With cruising speed of 34 knots (63 km/h) EF-24 would have to cover about 16 km from Scarbourough and 12 km from Etobicoke in order to reach downtown core while utilizing existing Toronto Port docking infrastructure at the Cherry Beach. Aside from beautiful and scenic sightseeing experience, this could be also the fastest way to reach downtown from its suburbs.

On other hand hydrofoiling water taxi services using EF-12 ESCAPE would reuse downtown, east and west ferry hubs, but also dock at various other destinations around Toronto Harbour, Toronto Island, Exhibition Place (arrr!), and the new Cherry Beach developments with both dedicated and layover routes and on demand services. Something like Uber but better.

Smart Cities are partnering up with Artemis and other innovative companies that can help them better understand waterfront as under utilized asset and improve the way people visiting and living in the city move around. Thus, city of Toronto should start exploring foiling technologies as tremendous business and clean technology opportunity. It could nicely complement the Behind-the-Times Betty aka Fashionably Late Felicia LRT Crosstown Line and provide yet another way to connect GTA’s east and west end while flying over water. And scaling is easy. You add a boat or two and suddenly there is Mississauga to Toronto ferry service. Something like a flying Golden Horseshoe Go Train on the water.
I looked at my crystal ball and it looks like a good time to start following Foiling Canada on the quest to showcases ways in which hydrofoiling technology shapes water transportation and leisure of the 21st century. It seems that everyone wants to deliver a burger with a drone so maybe we can move some people and goods around with them flying boats.
Stay tuned and get in touch if you want more details and catch a ride on this amazing journey.
Goran Bajic – Foiling Canada Founder & Waterman