When Alejandro Agag and Rodi Basso recognised that the transition to sustainable mobility on the water was lagging behind advancements on land, they envisioned a transformative solution: E1, the world’s first all-electric offshore powerboat racing series.  

Their mission was not just to electrify marine sport but to drive a broader shift toward sustainable marine practices, leveraging the excitement of racing to inspire change. Central to E1’s ethos is a commitment to ocean health, habitat restoration and education.  

 The competition’s RaceBird boats, designed with cutting-edge technology, significantly reduce the environmental impacts associated with traditional combustion-engine powerboats, including pollution and noise. Yet the efforts of E1, which is sanctioned by fellow Sports for Nature signatory, Union Internationale Motonautique (UIM), extend well beyond the water’s surface, embedding biodiversity and nature conservation into every aspect of its events. 

At the heart of these efforts is the E1 Blue Impact Programme, a set of initiatives aimed at addressing threats to marine biodiversity while presenting actionable solutions.  

Each race weekend features thought leadership panels under the banner of the ‘Blue Impact Dialogue’, where experts discuss pressing topics such as the future of coral reefs, nature-based restoration solutions and ocean investment strategies. These discussions not only raise awareness but also drive collaborative action in the race locations, spotlighting local challenges and opportunities. 

The Blue Impact Programme is led by world-renowned marine scientist Professor Carlos Duarte, supported by E1’s Head of Sustainability, Leonardo Manzo, Sustainability Lead, Anna Kebke and partner Red Queen Sustainability. Under their guidance, E1 has already made significant strides.  

For example, in Puerto Banús, a harbour cleanup showcased how community engagement can make a tangible difference. Meanwhile, Westbrook Racing, a new signatory of the Sports for Nature framework, partnered with Run Blue to raise awareness about the global water crisis, further highlighting E1’s focus on impactful collaborations.  

Owned by Hollywood superstar Will Smith, the team is using its performance on the water to provide visibility, networking opportunities, fundraising activities and event collaboration to accelerate the work of its sustainability partner. 

Similarly, Team Rafa, owned by tennis legend Rafael Nadal, launched the ‘Protect Posidonia’ campaign to protect the Mediterranean’s vital Posidonia seagrass – an essential carbon sink and biodiversity hotspot.  

E1’s impact extends to its technological advancements. During the inaugural season, the organisation conducted an impact study on its RaceBird boats, demonstrating the environmental benefits of transitioning from internal combustion engines to electric propulsion. The results revealed a dramatic reduction in noise pollution, with a 50-fold decrease in airborne noise and a 10-fold reduction in underwater noise. 

Building on this progress, E1 will introduce the Blue Impact Championship in Season Two, an innovative competition that allows teams to compete not only on the water but also in their contributions to marine and freshwater health. This initiative encourages teams to execute impactful projects, form partnerships with conservation organisations and engage global audiences in addressing ecosystem threats.