FAQ
Certification / Regulation
What is the certification process for Viceroy seagliders?
The certification process includes submitting a Design Basis Agreement (DBA) to the US Coast Guard that establishes safety standards equivalent to other certified vessels.
Which regulatory body oversees certification of Viceroy seagliders?
In the US, the US Coast Guard oversees certification as maritime vessels under Subchapter T regulations; globally, Lloyd’s Register assists with certification for other jurisdictions.
Comparisons – alternative travel
How does a seaglider compare to helicopters in convenience and speed?
Seagliders offer quieter operation (30 decibels quieter), lower costs, zero emissions, and comparable speeds (up to 180 mph). They also provide smoother rides without turbulence.
How does a seaglider compare to planes in capacity and efficiency?
Seagliders have half the operating costs of planes while offering similar speeds (180 mph) and twice the range of electric aircraft at their size.
How does a seaglider compare to ferries in speed and comfort?
Seagliders are six times faster than conventional ferries (180 mph vs ~30 mph), provide smoother rides insulated from waves via hydrofoils, and offer luxurious cabin configurations.
How does a seaglider compare to cars for regional travel?
Seagliders bypass congested roads by using open waterways, offering faster travel times over coastal routes while being more sustainable due to zero emissions.
How does this offering compare to private boats?
Smoother than private boats, with no chop, no crew, no waiting
Condor Club
What is the Condor Club?
The Condor Club is an exclusive ownership based membership anchored around a cutting edge fleet of revolutionary all-electric Viceroy Seagliders from Regent. The Condor Club harnesses the collective purchasing power of its global Chapters, to unlock access to top-tier luxury and bespoke opportunities-always on the cutting edge, always just beyond the reach of the ordinary.
What chapters will Condor have outside of the NorthEast?
After launching in the Northeast, we plan to launch new Chapters around the globe with reciprocal rights, most likely starting with Greece.
Crew
How many crew members operate a seaglider?
Each Viceroy seaglider is operated by two crew members who ensure safe and efficient travel.
What certifications do crew members hold?
Crew members are professional mariners with USCG credentials. They undergo extensive training including online, classroom, simulator, and in-vessel sessions specific to seaglider operations.
Emergency Scenarios
What happens if the pilot becomes incapacitated during flight?
The 2nd crew member will take over.
How does the seaglider respond if there is a bird strike?
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What happens if there is a power failure during operation?
In the event of a total failure the vehicle is above the runway at all times, and in this case you can trade altitude for speed to assume a safer landing profile. The viceroy will have an emergency mode that will allow the pilot to land safely.
What happens if the seaglider hits another vehicle or buoy?
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What is the passenger experience like?
Passengers enjoy a comfortable ride with aerospace fly-by-wire controls, zero emissions, and thrilling speeds over water at low altitudes of 30-60 ft (9-18 m).
How many passengers can the Viceroy carry?
The standard Viceroy carries 12 passengers and 2 crew members; luxury fit out reduces capacity to 8 passengers and 2 crew.
Regent
Who is Regent Craft?
Regent Craft is a Rhode Island-based company founded in 2020 that develops all-electric wing-in-ground-effect vehicles called seagliders for sustainable coastal transportation.
Who financially backs Regent Craft?
Regent has raised over $100M from investors including Founders Fund, Lockheed Martin, Japan Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, and Y Combinator.
Who are Regent’s competitors?
Competitors include maritime transport firms like Brittany Ferries and aviation companies exploring electric aircraft technologies.
Routes
What routes will Condor Club be operating?
Initially NYC to the Hamptons; Boston to Nantucket and Martha’a Vineyard; NYC to Atlantic City; Fairfield County to Hamptons and Nantucket.
Safety
What safety standards do seagliders meet?
Seagliders are built to the same safety standards as modern aircraft and watercraft, ensuring maximum safety in all operational modes: floating, foiling, and flying.
How does the seaglider handle rough waves?
The hydrofoil design increases wave tolerance, allowing smooth operation even in challenging conditions.
Are seagliders approved for passenger use?
Yes, the US Coast Guard has approved tests of full-size prototypes with passengers on board.
Speed / Range
How fast does the seaglider travel?
Seagliders cruise at speeds of up to 160 knots (180 mph, 300 km/h), three times faster than traditional ferries.
What is the range of a seaglider?
With current battery technology, the range is up to 180 miles (300 km) at full speed; further distances come at a cost of speed. Future upgrades may extend this to 500 miles.
How long/far does it take to go from float to foil to fly?
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Sustainability
Are seagliders environmentally friendly?
Yes, they are all-electric vehicles with zero emissions, offering sustainable coastal transportation. Their CO2 footprint is significantly lower compared to ferries and short-haul flights.
Technology
What makes seagliders unique compared to other transport options?
Seagliders combine the speed of airplanes with the cost efficiency of boats through wing-in-ground-effect technology and electric propulsion systems.
Weather and Travel Conditions
Can Viceroys operate in harsh weather conditions?
Viceroys are designed with high wave tolerance and can handle challenging wind and sea conditions safely. However, they have weather-based operating limitations similar to planes or boats.
What times of day can Viceroys operate? Can they fly at night
Yes they can fly at night, in fact the USCG has no mechanism to stop a vessel operating at night provided it has correct Nav lights. Visibility for such operations would be float (.25nm) foil (.5nm) fly (2nm).
What wind conditions could limit ability to fly?
21 knots docking; 17 knot crosswind t/o landing (but can choose to do both onto the wind)
Take distance from hydrofoil just over 700 feet, landing 1000
Ownership / Investment
What is the ownership model?
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What is the cost structure for ownership?
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What are my exit options as an investor/owner
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Membership – Privée
Can I sell my membership in the future?
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Can I transfer my membership to a family member?
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Operations
When will Condor Club be operational?
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