Duffy embarks on renaissance trip

Mathis Winkler

NEWPORT HARBOR -- A Duffy electric boat is probably not the first

vessel that comes to mind when picturing one of Venice’s centuries-old

canals.

But while the Newport Beach-made boats are unlikely to replace

gondolas in the near future, a specially designed version began making

its way to Italy on Tuesday.

Delivered by airplane, the San Cassiano will transport visitors from

Venice’s train station to their hotel in early March, said Gary Crane,

Duffy’s vice president.

It all began about a year ago when two American entrepreneurs

approached the company about designing a waveless boat to protect the

city’s buildings, Crane said. The constant water motion created by boats

has added to the erosion of bulk heads along the canals.

“They did not have an electric design in mind,” he said.

Two so-called “skirts” catch waves created by the central hull of the

boat, almost eliminating any waves.

Realizing that Venice’s waterways could benefit from a zero-emission

vehicle -- contrary to the crystal-clear canals at The Venetian in Las

Vegas, the ones at the real thing resemble conditions in Newport Harbor

-- Duffy’s partners decided to go with a completely environmentally

friendly version.

Whether the “mangia onda” -- that’s “wave eater” in Italian -- will

prove to be a success is still uncertain.

“An American company coming to save Venice may or may not fly,” Crane

said. “We’ll see.”

At a cost of more than $100,000, the prototype is also about three

times as expensive as regular Duffy boats, Crane said, adding that the

price could come down if the company starts producing them in larger

numbers.

“We think that opportunities exist to do it not just in Venice,” Crane

said. “There are other sensitive areas around the world.”

Even Newport Beach? Sure, Crane said.

“Ask any resident that sees a boat going by and his dock jumping up

and down,” he said. “Any waterfront could benefit.”