Future of the Maritime Industry
We are a student team from FH Kiel designing and building innovative human-powered waterbikes and sustainable sailing dinghies.
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We are a student team from FH Kiel designing and building innovative human-powered waterbikes and sustainable sailing dinghies.
Team Förderacer is a passionate group of engineering students from FH Kiel (University of Applied Sciences Kiel), dedicated to designing and building cutting-edge human-powered waterbikes and sustainable sailing vessels.
Since our comeback to the waterbike circuit in 2011, we have been constantly innovating and competing at the highest levels of international waterbike regattas. Our mission combines engineering excellence with environmental consciousness, exploring sustainable materials and green propulsion technologies.
From human-powered waterbikes to sustainable sailing dinghies
Our comeback to the waterbike circus in 2011. This carbon catamaran marked the Kiel shipbuilding students' entry into the carbon age. The Förderacer 1.0 achieved 8th place out of 33 boats at IWR 2015 in Berlin and 5th place at IWR 2017 in Iława.
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Our second-generation human-powered catamaran featuring advanced propulsion systems including an innovative Z-drive mechanism and custom 3D-printed propellers. Ikarus was christened in 2017 with improved hydrodynamic design and a more efficient pedal-powered propulsion system.
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Our sustainable sailing dinghy built for the 1001 Vela Cup competition. Using flax fibres laminated around a balsa wood core with bio-epoxy resin, Vela represents our commitment to exploring alternative materials for maritime applications with 75% sustainable materials by weight.
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We are aspiring engineers educated in a rapidly evolving environment that relies on innovation and rethinking of materials and resource use. We don't want to just sit back and watch – we want to contribute by exploring alternative materials for maritime and high-performance applications.
Engineering students from FH Kiel with a passion for innovation
Building hulls, decks, and structures
Propellers, Z-drives, and pedal systems
Materials research and testing
Mast, boom, and sail systems
Sponsoring and public relations
Measurement and data acquisition
Want to join our team? We welcome students from all backgrounds!
Get in TouchThe premier waterbike competition bringing together university teams from across Europe.
Annual EventSustainable sailing regatta focused on eco-friendly materials and innovative design.
ItalyWorld's largest boat show where we showcase our innovations.
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Thank you to all our partners who make our projects possible
Interested in becoming a sponsor?
Partner with UsGrenzstraße 3
24149 Kiel, Germany
foerderacer(at)fh-kiel.de
FH Kiel - University of Applied Sciences