Transforming Coastal Mobility: The Seaglider Revolution

Regent Craft’s Viceroy “Seaglider”—nicknamed Paladin—redefines coastal travel with its unique three-mode operation: float, foil, and ground-effect fly. It begins like a conventional boat, transitions to hydrofoiling at speeds above 50 mph, and aims to soar just 30 feet above water at speeds up to 180 mph using ground-effect lift.

In March 2025, sea trials began with human-crewed testing of its Paladin prototype in Narragansett Bay, validating key systems and design.

Performance & Specs Tailored for Coastal Efficiency

• Capacity: 12 passengers or 3,500 lbs of cargo

• Dimensions: 55 ft length, 65 ft wingspan

• Speed & Range: up to 180 mph over 160 nautical miles on battery power, upgradeable to 400+ nm with next-gen batteries.
  
  

Sustainable, Quiet & Investment-Rich

Fully electric propulsion ensures zero emissions and ultra-quiet operation—about 30 dB quieter than comparable aircraft or helicopters—positioning it as an eco-conscious transport solution.

Backed by investors such as Peter Thiel, Mark Cuban, Japan Airlines, and Lockheed Martin, Regent has raised over $90 million and secured a global order book valued in the billions.

Strategic Value for B2B Travel Agents & Corporate Planners

Unlock Competitive Coastal Routes

Seagliders promise to connect key coastal hubs—think Rhode Island to NYC in just one hour, instead of a multi-hour overland trip—offering a compelling edge in sustainable, efficient routing.

Versatile for Cargo, Charter & Emergency Services

With rapid cabin reconfiguration, the Viceroy supports passenger transit, cargo logistics, emergency medevac, offshore crew transport, and more—ideal for diverse client needs.

Defense & Government Utility

Regent is collaborating with the U.S. Marines on military variants—potentially jet-fueled for extended range—suited for troop transport, surveillance, and covert operations in island-rich regions.

Regulatory Landscape & Engineering Milestones

The IMO and U.S. Coast Guard classify the Seaglider as a marine vessel, not aircraft, simplifying regulatory pathways.

Key milestones:

• 2022: Quarter-scale model demonstration

• March–June 2025: Full-scale crewed sea and foil testing

• Late 2025: Ground-effect flight trials expected

• 2026–2027: Commercial deliveries planned
  
  

Tailored Insights for AgentBazar.in Readers

As B2B travel professionals, consolidators, and airline partners, the Seaglider opens a new realm of high-speed, low-emission coastal travel that’s faster, greener, and more versatile than conventional modes.

Conclusion & Takeaway

The REGENT Viceroy Seaglider heralds a new era in coastal transportation—merging aircraft speeds with maritime accessibility and sustainability. As it nears commercial launch by 2027, this innovation offers travel professionals a transformative edge in planning greener, faster coastal logistics for clientele across the US, Japan, and the Gulf.

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