small foiling sailboat

F1x A-class foiling catamaran

World champion, lighter = better, craftsmanship, meet the foiling f1x a-class catamaran.

This is the ultimate singlehanded foiling catamaran of the moment: ultramodern, incredibly fast, very agile, extremely strong and feather-light, in an aerodynamic and ergonomic design. The perfect total package, packed in 1 foiling catamaran. This is the world’s coolest boat for singlehanded races and the winner of several A-cat world championships and many other sailing races.

The 2020-F1x A-cat is exactly the same foiling catamaran that made Mischa Heemskerk Vice-World Champion at the Herveybay Worlds 2018 in Australia and World Champion at Weymouth 2019. All our foiling F1x A-class catamarans come straight, ready to race and ‘Mischa-tuned’ from our factory.

Unique design enables top performances

The F1x A-class foiling catamaran is the ultimate reflection of our current design language. The aerodynamic design accentuates the performance qualities of this super fast foiling racing boat. The sophisticated deck plan provides clear control and minimal air resistance.

Foils The rudders and daggerboard foils used on the F1x A-class foiling catamarans are produced with the highest quality carbon pre-preg fibers. The foils are cured in our own Autoclave . Our winning foil design was created in close cooperation with Glenn Ashby and the designers of AC Team New Zealand .

Construction The F1x A-cat is manufactured entirely according to the carbon pre-preg/ Nomex production method, and cured in our Autoclave. This technology is the same as used in the aerospace industry and within other foiling boats like for example, the America’s Cup.

Design The design of the F1x foiling A-class catamaran was completely conceived by the DNA design team and made at DNA’s own yard. In the DNA design team Pieterjan Dwarshuis, Mischa Heemskerk and the renowned Dutch industrial design engineer Rudo Enserink worked closely together to create the perfect foiling A-class catamaran.

We build your new foiling boat!

Technical details.

The F1x A-class foiling catamaran has a number of unique features that improve performance. For example:

Semi ridged trampoline. Gives extra torsional stiffness to the boat and increases its aerodynamic characteristics.
Patented main-sheet-wheel-system. For more direct and faster trim of the main sail.
Aerodynamically placed traveller car.
Flexible daggerboard casings. For minimal water absorption in floating mode.
Aerodynamically shaped ‘beams’.
Adjustable T-rudders. Foiling with rudder differential is possible.

Specifications

LOA: 5.49 m BOA: 2.30 m Max. draught: 1.20 m Sail area: 13.94 m Total weight: ca. 53 kg Top speed: 31 kn Extra: All measurements according to IACA Class regulations.

Buy a champion's boat!

Are you excited to buy a F1x A-class foiling catamaran from DNA Performance Sailing? Please fill in our contact form:

Yes, I want a F1x A-cat!

Schrijf je in voor onze nieuwsbrief en blijf op de hoogte van de nieuwste ontwikkelingen.

Contactformulier

Company Name
Full name * First Last
Emailaddress *
Phonenumber *
Mijn vraag betreft * My question: TF10 F1x G4 F4 Custom Parts Hydrofoils Other
Name This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Registrieren Sie sich für unseren Newsletter

lassen Sie sich über die neuesten Entwicklungen informieren!

E-Mail-Adresse *
Phone This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Schrijf je in voor onze nieuwsbrief

blijf op de hoogte van de nieuwste ontwikkelingen!

First name *
Last name *
Email This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Wij gebruiken cookies om u de beste online ervaring te bieden. Door akkoord te gaan, accepteert u het gebruik van cookies in overeenstemming met ons cookiebeleid.

Wanneer u een website bezoekt, kan deze informatie in uw browser opslaan of ophalen, meestal in de vorm van cookies. Beheer hier uw persoonlijke cookiediensten.

wordpress_test_cookie
wordpress_logged_in_
wordpress_sec

10 Best Small Sailboats (Under 20 Feet)

Best Small Sailboats Under 20 Feet | Life of Sailing

Last Updated by

Daniel Wade

December 28, 2023

Compact, easy to trailer, simple to rig, easy to maintain and manage, and affordable, the best small boats all have one thing in common: they offer loads of fun while out there on the water.

So whether you're on a budget or just looking for something that can offer ultimate daytime rides without compromising on safety, aesthetic sensibilities, alternate propulsion, and speed, the best small sailboats under 20 feet should be the only way to go.

Let's be brutally honest here; not everyone needs a 30-foot sailboat to go sailing. They come with lots of features such as electronics, entertainment, refrigeration, bunks, a galley, and even a head. But do you really need all these features to go sailing? We don't think so.

All you need to go sailing is a hull, a mast, rudder, and, of course, a sail. And whether you refer to them as daysailers, trailerable sailboats , a weekender sailboat, or pocket cruisers, there's no better way to enjoy the thrills of coastal sailing than on small sailboats.

There are a wide range of small boats measuring less than 20 feet available in the market. These are hot products in the market given that they offer immense thrills out on the sea without the commitment required to cruise on a 30-footer. A small sailboat will not only give you the feel of every breeze but will also give you the chance to instantly sense every change in trim.

In this article, we'll highlight 10 best small sailboats under 20 feet . Most models in this list are time-tested, easy to rig, simple to sail, extremely fun, and perfect either for solo sailing or for sailing with friends and family. So if you've been looking for a list of some of the best small sailboats , you've come to the right place.

So without further ado, let's roll on.

Table of contents

The Marlow-Hunter 15 is not only easy to own since it's one of the most affordable small sailboats but also lots of fun to sail. This is a safe and versatile sailboat for everyone. Whether you're sailing with your family or as a greenhorn, you'll love the Hunter 15 thanks to its raised boom, high freeboard, and sturdy FRP construction.

With high sides, a comfortable wide beam, a contoured self-bailing cockpit, and fiberglass construction, the Hunter 15 is certainly designed with the novice sailor in mind. This is why you can do a lot with this boat without falling out, breaking it, or capsizing. Its contoured self-baiting cockpit will enable you to find a fast exit while its wide beam will keep it steady and stable no matter what jibes or weight shifts happen along the way.

This is a small sailboat that can hold up to four people. It's designed to give you a confident feeling and peace of mind even when sailing with kids. It's easy to trailer, easy to rig, and easy to launch. With a price tag of about $10k, the Hunter 15 is a fun, affordable, and versatile boat that is perfect for both seasoned sailors and novices. It's a low-maintenance sailboat that can be great for teaching kids a thing or two about sailing.

Catalina 16.5

Catalina Yachts are synonymous with bigger boats but they have some great and smaller boats too such as Catalina 16.5. This is one of the best small sailboats that are ideal for family outings given that it has a big and roomy cockpit, as well as a large storage locker. Designed with a hand-laminated fiberglass sloop, the Catalina 16.5 is versatile and is available in two designs: the centerboard model and the keel model.

The centerboard model is designed with a powerful sailplane that remains balanced as a result of the fiberglass centerboard, the stable hull form, and the rudder. It also comes with a tiller extension, adjustable hiking straps, and adjustable overhaul. It's important to note that these are standard equipment in the two models.

As far as the keel model is concerned, this is designed with a high aspect keel as the cast lead and is attached with stainless steel keel bolts, which makes this model perfect for mooring or docking whenever it's not in use. In essence, the centerboard model is perfect if you'll store it in a trailer while the keel model can remain at the dock.

All in all, the Catalina 16.5 is one of the best small sailboats that you can get your hands on for as low as $10,000. This is certainly a great example of exactly what a daysailer should be.

There's no list of small, trailerable, and fun sailboats that can be complete without the inclusion of the classic Hobie 16. This is a durable design that has been around and diligently graced various waters across the globe since its debut way back in 1969 in Southern California. In addition to being durable, the Hobie 16 is trailerable, great for speed, weighs only 320 pounds, great for four people, and more importantly, offers absolute fun.

With a remarkable figure of over 100,000 launched since its debut, it's easy to see that the Hobie 16 is highly popular. Part of this popularity comes from its asymmetric fiberglass-and-foam sandwiched hulls that include kick-up rudders. This is a great feature that allows it to sail up to the beach.

For about $12,000, the Hobie 16 will provide you with endless fun throughout the summer. It's equipped with a spinnaker, trailer, and douse kit. This is a high-speed sailboat that has a large trampoline to offer lots of space not just for your feet but also to hand off the double trapezes.

Montgomery 17

Popularly known as the M-17, The Montgomery 17 was designed by Lyle C. Hess in conjunction with Jerry Montgomery in Ontario, California for Montgomery Boats. Designed either with keel or centerboard models, the M-17 is more stable than most boats of her size. This boat is small enough to be trailered but also capable of doing moderate offshore passages.

This small sailboat is designed with a masthead and toe rail that can fit most foresails. It also has enough space for two thanks to its cuddly cabin, which offers a sitting headroom, a portable toilet, a pair of bunks, a DC power, and optional shore, and a proper amount of storage. That's not all; you can easily raise the deck-stepped mast using a four-part tackle.

In terms of performance, the M-17 is one of the giant-killers out there. This is a small sailboat that will excel in the extremes and make its way past larger boats such as the Catalina 22. It glides along beautifully and is a dog in light air, though it won't sail against a 25-knot wind, which can be frustrating. Other than that, the Montgomery 17 is a great small sailboat that can be yours for about $14,000.

Norseboat 17.5

As a versatile daysailer, Norseboat 17.5 follows a simple concept of seaworthiness and high-performance. This small sailboat perfectly combines both contemporary construction and traditional aesthetics. Imagine a sailboat that calls itself the "Swiss Army Knife of Boats!" Well, this is a boat that can sail and row equally well.

Whether you're stepping down from a larger cruiser or stepping up from a sea kayak, the unique Norseboat 17.5 is balanced, attractive, and salty. It has curvaceous wishbone gaff, it is saucy, and has a stubby bow-sprit that makes it attractive to the eyes. In addition to her beauty, the Norseboat 17.5 offers an energy-pinching challenge, is self-sufficient, and offers more than what you're used to.

This is a small, lightweight, low-maintenance sailboat that offers a ticket to both sailing and rowing adventures all at the same time. At about 400 pounds, it's very portable and highly convenient. Its mainsails may look small but you'll be surprised at how the boat is responsive to it. With a $12,500 price tag, this is a good small sailboat that offers you the versatility to either row or sail.

If you've been looking for a pocket cruiser that inspires confidence, especially in shoal water, look no further than the Sage 17. Designed by Jerry Montgomery in 2009, the Sage 17 is stable and should heel to 10 degrees while stiffening up. And because you want to feel secure while sailing, stability is an integral feature of the Sage 17.

This is a sailboat that will remain solid and stable no matter which part of the boat you stand on. Its cabin roof and the balsa-cored carbon-fiber deck are so strong that the mast doesn't require any form of compression post. The self-draining cockpit is long enough and capable of sleeping at 6 feet 6 inches.

The Sage 17 may be expensive at $25k but is a true sea warrior that's worth look at. This is a boat that will not only serve you right but will also turn heads at the marina.

Having been chosen as the overall boat of the year for 2008 by the Sailing World Magazine, the Laser SB3 is one of the coolest boats you'll ever encounter. When sailing upwind, this boat will lock into the groove while its absolute simplicity is legendary. In terms of downwind sailing, having this boat will be a dream come true while it remains incredibly stable even at extraordinary speed.

Since its debut in 2004, the Laser SB3 has surged in terms of popularity thanks to the fact that it's designed to put all the controls at your fingertips. In addition to a lightweight mast, its T- bulb keel can be hauled and launched painlessly. For about $18,000, the Laser SB3 ushers you into the world of sports sailing and what it feels to own and use a sports boat.

As a manufacturer, Fareast is a Chinese boat manufacturer that has been around for less than two decades. But even with that, the Fareast 18 remains a very capable cruiser-racer that will take your sailing to the next level. In addition to its good looks, this boat comes with a retractable keel with ballast bulb, a powerful rig, and an enclosed cabin.

Its narrow design with a closed stern may be rare in sailboats of this size, but that's not a problem for the Fareast 18. This design not only emphasizes speed but also makes it a lot easier to maintain this boat. Perfect for about 6 people, this boat punches above its weight. It's, however, designed to be rigged and launched by one person.

This is a relatively affordable boat. It's agile, safe, well-thought-out, well built, and very sporty.

If you're in the market looking for a small sailboat that offers contemporary performance with classic beauty, the Paine 14 should be your ideal option. Named after its famous designer, Chuck Paine, this boat is intentionally designed after the classic Herreshoff 12.5 both in terms of dimensions and features.

This is a lightweight design that brings forth modern fin keel and spade rudder, which makes it agile, stable, and faster. The Paine 14 is built using cold-molded wood or west epoxy. It has varnished gunnels and transoms to give it an old-time charm. To make it somehow modern, this boat is designed with a carbon mast and a modern way to attach sails so that it's ready to sail in minutes.

You can rest easy knowing that the Paine 14 will not only serve you well but will turn heads while out there.

Many sailors will attest that their first sailing outing was in a Lido 14. This is a classic sailboat that has been around for over four decades and still proves to be a perfect match to modern small boats, especially for those still learning the ropes of sailing.

With seating for six people, the Lido 14 can be perfect for solo sailing , single-handed sailing, or if you're planning for shorthanded sailing. While new Lido 14 boats are no longer available, go for a functional used Lido 14 and you'll never regret this decision. It will serve you well and your kids will probably fall in love with sailing if Lido 14 becomes their main vessel during weekends or long summer holidays.

Bottom Line

There you have it; these are some of the best small sailboats you can go for. While there are endless small sailboats in the market, the above-described sailboat will serve you right and make you enjoy the wind.

Choose the perfect sailboat, invest in it, and go out there and have some good fun!

I've personally had thousands of questions about sailing and sailboats over the years. As I learn and experience sailing, and the community, I share the answers that work and make sense to me, here on Life of Sailing.

by this author

Best Sailboats

Most Recent

What Does "Sailing By The Lee" Mean?

October 3, 2023

The Best Sailing Schools And Programs: Reviews & Ratings

September 26, 2023

Important Legal Info

Lifeofsailing.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies.

Affordable Sailboats You Can Build at Home

September 13, 2023

Best Small Sailboats With Standing Headroom

Best Bluewater Sailboats Under $50K

Best Liveaboard Catamaran Sailboats

Can a Novice Sail Around the World?

Elizabeth O'Malley

June 15, 2022

Best Electric Outboard Motors | Life of Sailing

4 Best Electric Outboard Motors

How Long Did It Take The Vikings To Sail To England?

10 Best Sailboat Brands | Life of Sailing

10 Best Sailboat Brands (And Why)

December 20, 2023

7 Best Places To Liveaboard A Sailboat

Get the best sailing content.

12 foiling boats for sailors of all levels

April 15, 2022
No Comments

THE PERFECT GIFT!

Give or treat yourself to a subscription to the print + digital Journal of Sailing and for only 69 euros a year you get the magazine at home plus read it on your PC, smartphone and tablet. With a sea of advantages.

There’s no denying that the phenomenon of the moment, when it comes to having fun, is foiling boats (as Checco Bruni told us himself in this article). In the wake of the latest editions of the America’s Cup, flying boats, especially in the dinghy segment, have become increasingly widespread. On one or two hulls, with one or more foils, more or less easy to fly, single or crewed.

We have selected for you 12 flying boats with which to enter the world of foils or with which to try and perfect your skills. We also tell you how much they cost and the “difficulty of flight” (XXX: difficult; XX: medium; X: easy). The only common denominator is that they are great fun!

Birdyfish – 4,7 m – For foiling beginners

Flying difficulty: X

The ideal boat for learning to sail foils, even for beginners. Very few trim adjustments for foils allow you to enjoy all the excitement and joy of flying. The crew will only have to deal with sail trimming. The appendages with a soft-angled L guarantee take-off from 10 knots of wind. The shape of the bow works well even in waves. Price: 16,980 euros.

FIND OUT MORE

Flo1 – 4.25 m

Flying difficulty: X

An interesting single to approach and perfect in the world of small foilers before moving on to more sophisticated craft. Produced by the Dutch company Aeronamics, it has a soft, almost C-shaped foil. There is no adjustment of the rake of the appendages but only its extension in the water, which makes the “trim” of these appendages easy and intuitive after just a few trips. Top speeds are around 20 knots. Price: 15,495 euros.

DISCOVER MORE

NACRA F20 – 6,20 m – Like America’s Cup cats

Flying difficulty: XXX

The Nacra yard, which specializes in open catamarans and produces the Nacra 17 Olympic class, has fitted its F 20 model with a “Flight Control System” to make it fly. The Nacra 20 FCS was designed by Pete Melvin and Gino Morelli, the authors of the 2013 America’s Cup rulebook, and its foils are reminiscent of those on the AC72 in San Francisco. A very physical boat and not for everyone. Price: 34,000 euro.

Foiling Dinghy – 3,86 m – Small and versatile

It weighs 30 kilos and can be foiled as early as seven knots of wind. The Foiling Dinghy is equipped with an inverted T rudder and a pair of curved foils that act as both lifting and straightening foils, with an automatic management system. The foils have a few simple adjustments depending on what you want to achieve (more flying or more straightening). Price: 15,500 euros including taxes.

Moth – 3,35 m – The foiling cult dinghy

The progenitor of the flying dinghies is still one of the most complete single foilers on the market today. Suitable mainly for advanced sailors who already have experience on foils, it has appendages that offer multiple setting options and the possibility of being changed according to wind strength. The international class is one of the most active and always organizes very crowded races. Cult product. Price: from 20,000 euros.

Peacoq 14 – 4.70 m – Like a flying Fireball

Flying difficulty: XX

With a hull that is vaguely reminiscent of the old Fireballs with a “cut” bow, the Peacoq 14, an evolution of the Club version, is a dinghy that can be a compromise for both novice and experienced foil sailors. In fact, the dinghies can be operated in automatic trim, or more experienced sailors can adjust their angle for maximum performance. Price: quote on request.

Persico 69F – 6,9 m – The trendy boat

This concept boat is the brainchild of the Italian racing elite (Giorgio Benussi, Dede de Luca, “l’oriundo” Maciel Cicchetti) and was designed by Argentineans Wilson and Marquinez. Flying the 69F is not too difficult, although it does require a good physique and strength in the arms, especially for the mainsail trimmer and the foil adjuster. The racing circuit has now been launched with an attractive programme. Price: rented by the season.

Skeeta – 3,35 m – Easy for anyone

Ease first. The idea behind Skeeta is the same as that of many other small foilers: to make this type of wing easy and open to everyone. Skeeta is a single glider that flies on two self-regulating appendages, not particularly technical to fly but still very high performance, with the particular shape of the hull that distinguishes all Quant models. Price: 15,345 euros.

Stunt S9 – 4,16 m – The Italian Foiling cat

This is an all-Italian One Design catamaran that can be sailed as a single with just a mainsail or even a jib depending on the weather conditions. Like other catamarans, to improve stability in flight, it moves on four submerged appendages. Physically it requires a certain amount of athleticism, also because there is a trapeze, but with a little training it can be suitable for a wide audience. Price: 16,600 euros.

Ufo – 3,00 m – Flying with two hulls

This small catamaran is equipped with a sensor that self-adjusts the inclination of the single central foil, coupled to the T of the rudder. It can take off even in light winds thanks to the lightness of its construction. The cat is quite easy to sail, suitable even for sailors who do not have much experience with foils.

The official european dealer for Foiling UFO is Sea-Change . Price: 8.980 euros + VAT

Waszp – 3,35 m – For the whole family

Very similar to the Moth, but with one big difference: the Waszp is a monotype, it is not made of carbon and the appendages being monotyped cannot be changed. For this reason it is less expensive than the Moth, even if it does perform somewhat less well. It is considered by many to be an ideal “family” boat because it is fun for both young and old. The foil adjustment system is managed by a sensor, but it is possible to set the appendages and modify some adjustments. Price: 12,200 euros.

Whisper – 5,40 m – Full performance

As light as the highest performing Cats, it features a one-piece, non-removable platform that provides great structural rigidity. Equipped with the four classic self-adjusting appendages, it is able to set sail in light breezes with a certain ease. It is a double, with trapeze, mainsail, jib and gennaker, fast even in light winds. Physically demanding. Price: 26,900 euros.

HELP US TO KEEP YOU ALWAYS UPDATED

The journalists of Giornale della Vela , together with Motorboats and Top Yacht Design, commit themselves every day to guaranteeing quality, updated and correct information on the world of boating for free through the websites. If you appreciate our work, please support us by subscribing to our magazine. The annual subscription costs only 49 euros!

DISCOVER OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL

Every day, interviews, sea trials, webinars. All the sailing world, minute by minute, but on line. CLICK HERE to sign up, it’s free!

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER, IT’S FREE!

To stay updated on all the news from the world of sailing, selected by our editorial staff, subscribe to the newsletter of Giornale della Vela! It is very simple, just enter your email below, accept the Privacy Policy and click on the “Subscribe” button. This way, you will receive the best sailing news in your email twice a week! It is free and you can unsubscribe at any time, without obligation!

Once you click on the button below, check your mailbox

Accetto la Privacy Policy

Check out the latest issue

Are you already a subscriber?

Read your magazine from your pc here! >>
Renew your subscription >>
Reset your account password >>

Your boating vacation in the Adriatic and Sicily is top notch with these operators – Ep. 3

The 4 partners to take a boating vacation around the world – ep. 2, 5 charter operators with bases in campania and sardinia – ep. 1, do you need power on board try these generators, ultimi annunci.

We give you a gift

Sailing, its stories, all boats, accessories. Sign up now for our free newsletter and receive the best news selected by the Sailing Newspaper editorial staff each week. Plus we give you one month of GdV digitally on PC, Tablet, Smartphone. Enter your email below, agree to the Privacy Policy and click the “sign me up” button. You will receive a code to activate your month of GdV for free!

You may also be interested in.

Sailing below the coast: how does the wind behave? (Episode 1)

When sailing near the coast, you always have to deal with wind, currents, tides (if sensitive) and sea conditions that are often directly related to the coastline profile and its topographical features. In this article we will discuss what to

USED BOATS Sell 4 Classic Boats not to be underestimated (8-13 m)

We keep going to discover the best used boat bargains on our classifieds marketplace. Here you can sell and buy used boats (even historic Classic Boats by Giornale della Vela!), accessories, berths, find the right idea for your vacation,

Classic IOR: Between prototypes and series, tell us about the Cult boats that still “live on”

If we look at the history of sailing, at that sailing which we can already identify in forms similar to today’s, we will undoubtedly find that there was a legendary near-thirty-year period, that of the IOR (whose history you can

Iconic IOR classics: Help us find and celebrate them

Between the late 1960s and early 1990s we find what was, perhaps out of nostalgia, perhaps out of merit, the Golden Age of sailing, nearly three decades of discoveries, exceptional racing, and inimitable boats. It was the time of the

Sailing Newspaper

Editor-in-Chief: Luca Oriani

TO COMMUNICATE WITH THE EDITORIAL STAFF 02 535 811111 – [email protected]

FOR ADVERTISING Senior account: Guido De Palma: tel. 02 535811208 cell. +39 347 2347433 [email protected].

Pierfrancesco Pugno: cell. +39 3496621980 [email protected]

Cookie policy Privacy policy

INFO SUBSCRIPTIONS, DIRECT SALES AND DIGITAL PRODUCTS

tel. 02 535811 111/200 [email protected]

Foiling 101

The F101 takes you through your foiling journey, providing a progression pathway from the beginner foiler to the Olympian. F101 sets new challenges and goals at whatever level you come in, from expert to beginner.

The F101 is an all-new foiling trimaran aimed specifically at those sailors that, for whatever reason, thought foiling was too difficult for them. The concept originates from the experience of teaching many people to foil in the International Moth class and addressing the main barriers they faced. So we set about creating a new boat without the design restrictions of a box rule – in this way, foiling has been made easier.

“The boats are great fun and I was foiling after about 10 minutes on the first day and having extended periods of foiling after day 2. Not having sailed dinghies for the better part of 20 years, I never really expected to foil, so the boats are fulfilling their designed purpose beautifully. ” — Pete Selby

As an F101 owner, you get access to all of this knowledge and experience, plus access to the F101 Tribe.

The F101 Tribe is an exclusive social media channel that only owners can access, share experiences, tips, and events and generally have a fun time with foiling at the heart of the journey. It is like having a 24/7 help desk..someone, somewhere in the World, is normally awake to help!

The ethos of Foiling World and the F101 TRIBE is to:

· Sail a Fun boat

· Sail with great friends

· Sail in great locations

The F101…more than just a boat! We guarantee to get you foiling, wherever you are in the world, as remote as you like. If you buy an F101, you will FOIL! GUARANTEED!

Whatever your chosen medium, whether it’s a phone, email, text or WhatsApp, we will get back to you!

You can find our phone number and email over on the right-hand side of this page. What are you waiting for?

Few companies give you direct access to this amount of experience, not just before purchasing a boat but throughout your foiling journey.

Got a question? Looking to become an F101 Tribe member? We’d love to hear from you! Contact us .

Subscribe Now
Digital Editions

Best hydrofoil boats: 6 of the most spectacular foiling motorboats money can buy

Electric boats
Top stories

Foiling technology has really taken off in the past few years. We pick out 6 of the best hydrofoil boats you can buy right now…

With its roots in the 19th century, foiling technology is as old as the hills, but in the past five years we’ve noticed an explosion of hydrofoil boats coming onto the market.

In part inspired by the foiling raceboats of the America’s Cup , the popularity of foiling is easy to understand – fuel efficiency gains are substantial, noise is almost eliminated (particularly if your foiling boat also happens to be an electric boat ) and they look as cool as a snowman in a freezer!

To help you understand the dizzying array of foiling boats available right now, we’ve put together the following guide to what we think are the most promising designs out there.

6 of the best hydrofoil boats

SEAir foiling RIB

Founded in 2016, French yard SEAir builds foiling RIBs, having been inspired by the speed of foiling racing yachts.

We tested their 5.5m model back in 2018 and since then they have expanded their range to cover superyacht chase boats, commercial and military vessels.

Our tester recorded a top speed of 32 knots, with the foils doing their best work at around 20 knots, but SEAir claims that 42 knots is possible in the right conditions.

Spirit Yachts launches spectacular long-range electric flying boat

BMW launches new ICON electric boat at Cannes Film Festival

The Cannes Film Festival has seen the launch of the new ICON electric boat. Created by BMW in collaboration with

Foiler-yacht-enata-running-shot-credit-Guillaume-Plisson

A dual helm set-up allows the boat to be piloted from the bow or the cockpit. Photo: Guillaume Plisson

Enata Foiler

Dubai-based Enata Marine added a healthy dose of glamour to the world of foiling boats in 2018 with the launch of its Foiler.

In addition to a superyacht tender-worthy exterior, this 32fter includes a bow window for spectacular views while underway.

A 40-knot top speed and a 190nm range makes this a very appealing option, although the premium price tag of $938,000 may put some off.

Princess R35

When British boatbuilding giant Princess Yachts got in on the foiling boat game in 2019 with a 35ft carbon-fibre dayboat, we knew that things had really taken off.

While the foil-assisted R35 may not have the spectacular cruising-above-the-waves appeal of some other foiling boats, it is highly efficient, beautifully designed (in collaboration with Pininfarina) and handles like nothing else we’ve ever driven.

In our review, we praised its rare combination of agility, refinement and stability, with spray kept in check impressively at high speeds.

Candela C-8

Swedish firm Candela burst onto the scene in 2021 with its debut, the Candela C-7 , which was billed as the world’s first electric foiling boat, but it was the 2022 launch of the Candela C-8 that really moved the game on.

Available with a 69kWh battery, adapted from the Polestar 2 electric car, owners can expect a range of 57nm at 22 knots, more than enough for dayboat use.

The consumption figures are truly staggering, with Candela’s figures suggesting that the C-8 is more than 12x more efficient than an equivalent 300hp outboard powered sportsboat.

Iguana Foiler

Not content with being at the forefront of the amphibious boats market with its caterpillar-track offering, French yard Iguana has set its sights on the world of foiling too.

Announced last year, the Iguana Foiler will be powered by the world’s most powerful electric outboard engine, the 300hp Evoy Storm .

Having tested both the engine and the boat separately, we can’t wait to see the result when they come together with the added advantages of foiling technology. Watch this space…

Mantaray M24

Another exciting model in the hydrofoil boats pipeline, this 24ft runabout is particularly interesting is its simplicity. Unlike its main foiling rival, the Candela C-7, the Mantaray M24 requires no complicated electronics to ‘fly’.

Instead it uses the builder’s patented mechanical hydrofoil system, which it has trademarked as Dynamic Wing Technology or DWT. The technology is said to be the result of ten years’ development work and uses a retractable T-foil in the bow and H-foil amidships that self-stabilise mechanically.

This allows it to lean naturally into corners and ride serenely over waves without relying on a network of sensors and algorithms to monitor and adjust the foils. If it proves effective this could drastically reduce the cost and complexity of foiling boats, while simultaneously increasing reliability.

Grand Banks 62 first look: new yacht set to launch in 2025

New boats at cannes boat show 2024: pershing gtx80, new boats at cannes boat show 2024: wilder 60, latest videos, watch: parker sorrento sea trial: 50-knot cruiser with a killer aft cabin, watch: virtue v10 sea trial: €272k weekender, how to mark your anchor chain: 6 top tips from our expert, watch: galeon 560 fly sea trial – the best galeon flybridge you can buy.

Published on June 2nd, 2017 | by Assoc Editor

Foiling and Foil Shapes, a Beginner’s Guide

Published on June 2nd, 2017 by Assoc Editor -->

by Mark Chisnell, Land Rover BAR The rules covering the design and construction of the team’s America’s Cup Class (ACC) boat have defined many of the parts of the boat, including the hull and crossbeams (together called the platform), and the wing shape and size. What’s left for the team’s designers and engineers to work on is principally the daggerboards and rudders, and the control systems that operate them along with the wingsail.

A lot of the technology that goes into the control systems is hidden well inside the hull, with just glimpses of the HMI (human machine interface) that the sailors use to control the board rake, wing trim and so on. The foils are on full view however, so we thought a beginners guide to ACC foil design would come in useful now the racing is approaching.

Basic Principles The foils use exactly the same scientific principles as an aircraft wing. Just as an aircraft wing will lift a plane up off the ground, the foils of an America’s Cup Class boat will lift it out of the water. Wings are foils too, called aerofoils because they work in air. The foils on the new America’s Cup boats are more accurately called hydrofoils, because they work in water.

The secret to both types of foil is the shape – aerofoils and hydrofoils use a special shape to guide the wind or water around them, and generate the lifting force to get planes and boats up in the air. Of course, the America’s Cup boats also use an aerofoil. The main wingsail works exactly the same way as an aircraft wing, it’s just rotated to stand up straight, rather than lie flat.

While an aircraft needs an engine to push the air over the wing fast enough to generate enough force to lift the aircraft up off the ground, the wingsail on the Cup boat generates force from the wind blowing past it. The harder the wind blows, the more force it makes to push the boat forward. When the boat is going fast enough, the hydrofoils will then be able to create enough force to lift the boat out of the water. This reduces resistance to the forward motion and the boat goes faster still.

There are four hydrofoils on the boat — we count the rudders at the back because they have small wings at the tips called elevators. However, the real power to keep the boat in the air comes from the hydrofoils (the daggerboards, as you will often hear them called by the sailors) and we will concentrate on these.

The L-Foil The L-foil is exactly that; a vertical daggerboard shaft that goes through the hull of the boat, with a single horizontal hydrofoil on the bottom, the whole thing shaped like an ‘L’. If nothing else changes, then the L-foil keeps generating lift as the boat goes faster and so the boat keeps rising, and as it rises, less and less of the daggerboard is in the water.

At the basic level, two things then happen: firstly, the boat starts to slip sideways because there is less of the vertical part of the daggerboard in the water and this makes the boat feel unstable and hard to steer. Then, ultimately, if the boat keeps rising the horizontal part of the board that is doing all the lifting will break the surface. If it does, there will be a catastrophic loss of lift and the boat will come crashing back down.

Aircraft use moving parts on the foils to control the amount of lift – trailing edge flaps — but the rules forbid these on the ACC boats, so to maintain stable flight the sailors change the rake or angle of attack of the whole dagger board (and hence the foil) to the water.

Rake If you rake the board backwards as the boat accelerates, the lift will reduce and the boat will come to an equilibrium at a steady height above the water. This is all well and good until the conditions change, maybe the wind speed goes up or down, or the boat hits some waves. When that happens the rake will need further adjustment to find the new equilibrium… until the next puff or lull when it must change again.

In the big breeze and rough water of San Francisco Bay in the 34th America’s Cup it turned out that these moments of equilibrium didn’t last very long and on occasions barely existed at all. The crew’s ability to generate the hydraulic power to change the board and wing trim was simply overwhelmed; they couldn’t achieve stable flight.

V-foil The solution was what’s called the V-foil, in which the horizontal part of the ‘L’ is angled upwards to form more of a ‘V’ shape (the angle at the bottom of the ‘V’ is called the dihedral – a dihedral of 90 degrees would define an L-foil, less than that is progressively more of a V-foil).

The V-foil uses the same principle as one of the most successful original foiling powerboats. The grand old man of 19th century innovation, Alexander Graham Bell put a couple of 350hp engines on the back of what was called HD-4 and set a new marine world speed record in 1919 of just over 70mph.

HD-4 used three ‘ladders’ of small foils, one at the front, and one each side close to the back. When the boat accelerated it started to lift out of the water, and as it lifted, one by one the ‘rungs’ of the foils would break clear of the water. As they did so the lift would decrease, and unless the boat continued to accelerate the boat would stop rising and settle at an equilibrium.

The V-foil achieves this same effect with a single foil and is used in the commercial application of fast ferries— one runs between Southampton and Cowes on the Isle of Wight, right across the Solent waters where the team train, and has done so (on and off) since 1969 – so V-foils are well understood.

When a boat equipped with a V-foil keeps rising as more lift is generated by faster speeds, both parts of the ‘V’ come out of the water together. Critically, when the ‘horizontal’ section starts to break the surface at the tip, it has the effect of reducing the lift gradually, because it doesn’t all come out of the water together. So the boat comes back down gently, working towards an equilibrium ‘ride height’ of its own accord.

It might be that it doesn’t reach this equilibrium before something else changes, but the V-foil has some inherent stability (unlike the L-foil) that doesn’t require human intervention. The shape provides a feedback mechanism to control the amount of lift and produce a more stable ride at a consistent height above the water. The downside of the V-foil is that it will generate less lift and more drag than the L-foil under the same conditions, because some of the lift generated is pushing sideways rather than up.

So one of the big questions facing the teams at the outset of this campaign was whether or not the sailors could achieve stable flight with an L-foil in the new boats and the new venue. Bermuda was a very different place to San Francisco; the winds were expected to be lighter, the water flatter and it seemed that stable flight should be easier to achieve with an L-foil under human control.

A huge amount of work has gone into foil and control system design and we now know that the answer is yes, they can – all the teams are using L-foils, often with unloaded dihedral angles of greater than 90 degrees. These angles close as the boat sails and the foil is loaded up to become much closer to, or 90 degrees.

Cant Another buzz word for the 35th America’s Cup is the cant. The cant of the board is similar to the rake, except that the bottom of the board is moving sideways across the boat, to and from the centreline, rather than backwards and forwards. When the board is canted outwards (towards the edge of the boat) it creates greater ‘righting moment’ and more power to drive the boat forwards.

Righting Moment When the wind hits a sail it creates the force to move the boat forward but it also creates a force that is trying to tip the boat over. If you have ever seen a dinghy or yacht knocked flat by a big gust of wind then you’ve already got the idea.

It’s considerably simplified, but essentially the more force that can be applied to resist the wind’s effort to tip the boat over, then the faster the boat will go, because more of the wind’s energy can be captured and applied to forward motion. The resisting force is called the righting moment and creating as much righting moment as possible is a fundamental principle of designing fast sailboats. It’s the reason that you see people leaning over the windward side when they are racing, putting bodies as far out on the windward side as possible is creating righting moment.

S-Foil Finally, there’s the question of whether the vertical part of the daggerboard should be straight or ‘S’ shaped. The curve of the S-foil could be used — like the cant — to move the bottom of the board outboard and increase the righting moment. So S-foils are more powerful, but they are also more difficult to use. The curves have to raised up and down through the bearings and internal mechanisms in the hull, and that means a lot of work to keep the friction down and the efficiency high.

Tags: AC35 , America's Cup , foiling , Land Rover BAR , Mark Chisnell

Ep12: Road to the 37th America’s Cup →

First glimpse of the AC75 racing →

America’s Cup: Alinghi dismasted again →

America’s Cup: Are teams ready to show? →

Privacy Statement
Advertise With Us

Get Your Sailing News Fix!

Your download by email.

Your Name...
Your Email... *
Phone This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

FlySafe ® Foil Control
iFLY Reviews
Our Partners
Distributors

Class Association

Enter your keyword.

Just enjoy high speed - foiling

” iFLY – Born to FLY “

Just enjoy foiling, ” high performance sailing “, ” we love speed “, ” join the adventure “.

iFLY15 – Technical SPECS

Length 4.63 m, 15 ft..

A Foiling Catamaran for 1-2 person(s) does not need to be any longer than this. The ancient rule that says you need length to achieve speed does not apply, as hulls do not touch the water at most times.

Width 2.50 m.

This width provides plenty of righting moment, still being road legal ato be transported in horizontal position without disassembly.

7.5 m mast / 11.2 sqm mainsail

7.5 m mast with 11.2 sqm deck-sweeper mainsail. – 8.5 m mast on iFLY RAZZOR Pro with bigger rig

Draft: 95 cm

Weight: 90 kg.

90 kg ready to sail. A very light boat, providing nonetheless excellent stability for everyday suitability.

Crew 1-2 - max.180kg

Flysafe® foil control.

T-Foils Main Foils and Rudders FlySafe automatic dynamic foil control Additional Option: Main Foil Differential >>>

Know More >>>

Different - Rig Options

LATEST DEVELOPMENT OF “DECK SWEEPING” MAINSAIL THE ROLLABLE HERU WING RIG LIGHT WIND FORESAIL «CodeF»

Full Carbon Hulls

Looking for the perfect setup for your foiling sailboat.

We can recommend the best iFLY setup and accessories for your boat. Get in touch for the ultimate sailing experience!

Performance

A great number of innovations all over the catamaran and the perfect match of all components allow controlled high-speed foiling experience. iFLY15 is full of innovations, e.g. in hull design, hydrofoils, rudders, automatic flight control system, two-layer wing trampoline, high performance rig…

HULL Design

full carbon – lightweight – performance design: Born to foil

High Performance Rig Options

LATEST DEVELOPMENT OF “DECK SWEEPING” MAINSAIL WORLD PREMIERE: THE ROLLABLE HERU WING RIG : WORLD PREMIERE: LIGHT WIND FORESAIL «CodeF». ALLOWS UPWIND FOILING (as well as other courses/points) ALREADY IN EXTREMELY LIGHT BREEZE. Know More >>>

Two Layer Trampoline

AERODYNAMIC INNOVATIVE WING TRAMPOLINE CREATING LIFT.

Full Carbon T-Foils

SCIENTIFICALLY DEVELOPED high-end foils for early take off, high speed and maximum stability.

flySafe® dynamic foil control system

The foils are controlled independently, dynamically and precisely on both sides by the flySafe® foil control system . This enables high performance sailing through stable flight. The unique foil control system of IFLY15 is a 7 years proven system developed by CEC Catamarans. Know More >>>

IFLY MAIN FOIL DIFFERENTIAL TECHNOLOGY

MDT FOIL CONTROL – iFLY rake control The sophisticated main foil differential is an active flight assistance – The Rake is adjustable while sailing. Advanced Rake Control is for the experienced, performance-oriented Catamaran sailors / pro sailors and is a feature on the iFLY RAZZOR Pro. Know More >>>

Innovations and more >>>

In the hand of the experienced sailor, iFLY15 is a high-performance racing machine. STABILITY IS NOT CONTRADICTORY TO HIGH PERFORMANCE OR SPORTINESS , on the contrary, it is a prerequisite for safe reaching and maintaining constant high speeds. Stable flight allows the sailor to concentrate on the course, on the wind, as well as on opponents and strategy – rather than permanently getting distracted by working on the foiling balance.

EARLY TAKE OFF IN WINDS AS LOW AS 2Bft. / 6 KNOTS , by combining the innovative “KickOff” foil control with a trampoline that provides boost and with the latest generation of rig and foils.

BOAT SPEEDS FAR BEYOND DOUBLE WIND SPEED CAN BE ACHIEVED . Enjoy high speed foiling with top speeds far beyond 25 knots – in ideal conditions up to 30 knots.

CONTROLLED FOILING EVEN IN THE UPPER WIND RANGE BEYOND 22KNOTS OF WIND SPEED – supported by the new FlySafe® Automatic Foil System.

FOILING PLEASURE AND PERFORMANCE ALSO IN CHOPPY WATERS

FREEDOM ! FLYING SOLO OR OPTIONAL WITH CREW . You have the choice. No manhunt for crew. But still enjoy the opportunity of taking a friend or family to fly with you. Up to 140kg of crew weight. (To keep the boat and especially the mast light, we specified the iFLY15 components intentionally not for double trapeze.)

NO HOISTING AND LOWERING OF DAGGERBOARDS while sailing. (Only for beaching or in shallow waters.)

FREEDOM TO SWITCH BETWEEN FLYING MODE OR SAILING AS A CONVENTIONAL CATAMARAN (with at least the leeward hull touching the water). Within seconds iFLY15 can be switched to Non-Flight mode, even while sailing. In that mode, iFLY15 will not take off, but the foils will still create lift and give an extra agile sailing behavior, which is on the same time very stable as rudder Foils will avoid pitch poling. Non-Flight mode is providing additional security in extreme high wind speeds. It is also useful for less experienced sailors or in all situations, where taking off is undesirable (e.g. in the harbor or while towing…).

EASY TO LEARN FLYING BY AVERAGE SKILLED AND TRAINED SAILORS

EASY BEACHING AND SLIPPING , as simple as with any conventional beach catamaran by using a standard catamaran beach trolley. Foils remain flat under the keel, with the daggerboard lifted as on a conventional catamaran.

SIMPLE TO DISASSEMBLE PLATFORM . Width of 2.50m is also road legal in most countries for horizontal transport without disassembly.

DAGGERBOARDS CAN BE PLUGGED IN FROM ABOVE and Foils securely anchored from below with one central screw.

FAST SET-UP OF THE iFLY15 FROM ROAD TRAILER TO SAILING . Simple rigging the mast, no genacker boom, no foresail, no spi.

SILENT AND CALM PLANING ABOVE THE WAVES . Flight height of up to 90cm, avoiding even high waves below.

EASY TO FOIL THE JIBE (without landing). Stable maneuvers are made easier by the fact that the four T-Foils always remain in the water.

« INTERNATIONAL FORMULA 15 FOIL » Class Association. The new development class for FOILING, SINGLE HANDED on MULTIHULLS. Multi manufacturer class in the tradition of a Formula18, A-Class or international Moth. Enables large regatta fields and evolution of the boats, following the technical progress (which is especially essential in the case in Foiling). Strict regulations to avoid uncontrolled exaggerated development.

Contact : [email protected]

Catamaran Europe Central

The iflysail team, is looking forward to your message, more to know about ifly foiling , interesting tech, high performance rig options >>>, flysafe® dynamic foil control system >>>, ifly main foil differential technology >>>.

MDT FOIL CONTROL – iFLY rake control

News and More

Ifly foiling experience >>>, press articles >>>, events >>>.

{{>productsMenu}} Products
{{>trendsMenu}} News & Trends
Sailing >
Monohull sailboats >
Foiling sailboat

Foiling sailboats

My filters foiling Delete all

Manufacturers

ABSOLUTE DREAMER (1)
Befoil (1)
Black Pepper Yachts (1)
Design Catamaran Inc (1)
Farrier Marine (NZ) (3)
Flying Mantis (1)
Foiling World (1)
McConaghy (1)
Nautor Swan (1)
Quant Boats (3)
SL Performance (2)

Number of hulls

multihull (10) trimaran catamaran
monohull (6)

Intended use

racing (13) one-design coastal racing ocean racing
cruising-racing (3)
daysailer (2)
classic (1)
sport keelboat (1)
cruising (1) fast cruising coastal cruising

Overall length

Displacement, motor power, fuel capacity, number of cabins.

1-cabin (3)
3-cabin (1)

Maximum berth number

4-berth (1)
6-berth (1)
8-berth (1)
foiling (16)
fixed keel (2)
twin rudders (1)
dinghy-type (1)
lifting keel (1)
with bowsprit (3)
carbon mast (3)

Other characteristics

semi-custom (2)
with ballast (1)
folding arms (1)
sail-drive (1)
transportable (1)
twin steering wheels (1)

& reach your clients in one place, all year round

{{#each product.specData:i}} {{name}} : {{value}} {{#i!=(product.specData.length-1)}} {{/end}} {{/each}}

{{{product.idpText}}}

racing sailboat ClubSwan 36

Overall length : 11 m Width : 3.6 m Draft : 2.75 m

The fortune of Nautor’s Swan was born with a 36 footer, one of the first few yachts built in fiber-glass. When the Swan 36 arrived on the scene a new datum was set. With her combination of fast lines, incorporating the modern separated ...

racing sailboat AC40

Overall length : 11.8 m Width : 3.38 m Draft : 3.5 m

Presenting the AC40, a scaled AC75 foiling day-racer designed by Emirates Team New Zealand and built by McConaghy. A one-design class that brings America's Cup foiling performance to a competitive ...

catamaran SL 33

Overall length : 12.6 m

Main advantages of the SL 33 one design! Excellently well tested, we are foiling for nearly 2 years together with ETNZ and Luna Rossa Our foils come directly out of the AC Lowest possible weigth, built out ot prepregs ...

catamaran TORO 34R

Overall length : 10.4 m

Our original TORO34 flirts easily with 25kts and more off the wind… How could we make the Toro to blow 30kts? Design Catamaran is in the final stages of releasing the TORO34R, equipped with foils, a 6.1m (20’) beam and a 15.9m (52’) mast. ...

foiling sailboat

Overall length : 4.2 m Width : 2.4 m Sail area : 11 m²

AWARD WINNING BOAT THAT’S TWICE THE FUN Airborne foiling or sailing with a daggerboard. Foiling is a sport that is here to stay. Foiling has been around for years but until now it ...

trimaran F-22

Overall length : 7 m

The F-22 is a new design that has been developed in New Zealand by Farrier Marine (NZ) Ltd. The production F-22 is now available and is being built in the United States. The F-22 was initially available in plan form for those who wished ...

fast cruising sailboat Code 1

Overall length : 12 m Width : 13'00" Draft : 4'01", 9'09"

This magnificent Vintage style, 40-foot yacht, cruising-racing boat built entirely in carbon, with the help of the best French specialists is testament to Black Pepper’s® commitment to “Luxury” and “French Art de vivre”. A purely exceptional ...

catamaran Befoil 16 CARBON

Overall length : 5 m

The Befoil 16 CARBON is a foiling catamaran that offering speed and accessibility. Designed and assembled in France, our high-tech carbon sailboat combines lightweight, aesthetics, stability and performance. We ...

foiling sailboat F101

Overall length : 5.4 m Width : 2.55 m Sail area : 9 m²

Foiling World started gathering experience about dinghy foiling 10 years ago when Alan started teaching foiling on International Moths. It soon became apparent that Moths were not the ...

Overall length : 8.1 m

Technical characteristics Hull length with rudders Beam Mast height Draught Carbon epoxy S-Foils Weight of craft Architect / Design plans Builder Hull Graphics Project 8.10 m/26.6 ft. 4.30 m/14.10’ 13.70 m/44” 1.20 m/3.93’ 325 ...

racing sailboat Q30

Overall length : 9.15 m

The new Q30 is closely related to and a further development of the pre-series DSS boat Q28. The Q30 combines unparalleled performance with easier handling on the water, as well as during boat preparation and transportation. The Q30 is ...

Your suggestions for improvement:

Please specify:

Help us improve:

Receive regular updates on this section.

Please refer to our Privacy Policy for details on how NauticExpo processes your personal data.

Sailing yachts
Sailing super-yachts
Foiling sport catamarans
Foiling sailing dinghies
Marine upholstery fabrics
Manufacturer account
Buyer account
Our services
Newsletter subscription
AboutVirtualExpo Group

High-Performance Foils

Shaping better centerboards and rudders

From Issue July 2020

W hile it’s generally accepted that the right sails and sail trim will determine how close you can sail to the apparent wind, a sailboat’s progress to windward also depends on the lift and drag generated by the centerboard and rudder. How much difference does proper foil shape make over a simple rounded leading edge and tapered trailing edge, anyway? Foils operating in fluids, whether air or water, are a well-studied topic. C.A. Marchaj, in his book, Sailing Theory and Practice , discusses the theory and gives the results of actual tests of differences in foil planform (side view), cross-section shape, size, and aspect ratio (AR – length to width). Lacking other constraints, an ideal centerboard, daggerboard, or rudder blade should have a reasonably high AR (greater than 2) planform with a streamlined cross-section that has a parabolic leading edge and a thickness of somewhere near 10 percent of the chord width (the distance from leading edge to trailing edge). A thickness of 8 percent produces less drag but stalls sooner; 12 percent has a higher stall angle but produces more drag.

Exactly where the point of maximum thickness should be located is a matter of some debate. Marchaj suggests it should be at 50 percent of the chord width, halfway between the leading edge and trailing edge, but provides no data to back that up. Other sources suggest that the NACA (National Advisory Committee on Aeronautics) symmetric foil sections, originally developed during aircraft research, are actually a good fit for boat foils operating at low speeds in water. A NACA 0010 foil, for example, has a maximum thickness of 10 percent of the width of the foil, located at 30 percent from the leading edge.

Of course, there are many practical reasons why not all keels, centerboards, and rudders have high AR planforms, but the cross section for a foil of any planform should be streamlined. My personal experience of doing it wrong on one boat, and getting it right on another boat, has convinced me that the NACA sections and guidelines above provide good performance.

HORNPIPE, my first sail-and-oar boat, was an 18’ Kurylko Alaska with a standing-lug ketch rig, and sailed well enough to windward in flat water, but lost 10 to 15 degrees of pointing ability as soon as the water got choppy. I knew it wasn’t poor sail trim. Eventually I got looking at the daggerboard and analyzed it. It was only about 2.5 percent of the sail area and its thickness was only about 6 percent of the chord width, neither big enough or thick enough in my view, and in rough water it lost laminar flow and lift. When I designed my 18′ lug-yawl cruiser, FIRE-DRAKE, I gave it a thicker centerboard with a greater fraction of the sail area, about 4 percent. I also gave it a straight quarter chord line (think of the shape of the wing of a Spitfire aircraft) and a moderately high aspect ratio of about 3:1 for the planform area. To get the daggerboard foil shaped accurately and quickly I opted to have it cut on a computer numerical control (CNC) machine. All that was left for me to do was sand, seal and paint, and make an epoxy-lined hole for the pivot pin.

The results have been what I had hoped for. FIRE-DRAKE sails quite well to windward and maintains its performance in rough water. I sailed in the company of a similar boat—with the same length and beam, the same weight, and the same sail plan—along the south half of the Inside Passage, and that boat’s centerboard was shaped by eye. When sailing to windward, FIRE-DRAKE would consistently point higher and walk away in speed. My centerboard even let me continue sailing to windward when my partner gave up and took to the oars.

Although I had the daggerboard shaped with a CNC router, it is possible to shape a high aspect ratio, fully streamlined foil in the home shop. I’ll walk you through my second project, a kick-up rudder blade that I made at home to replace the original one I built for FIRE-DRAKE. I settled on a planform that is one-quarter of an ellipse with an elliptical leading edge and a straight trailing edge. (The shape would move the center of lateral resistance of the boat aft a few inches, and is intended to lighten the weather helm I’d experienced with the original rubber blade.) I drew the new blade with an aspect ratio of 2.5:1, with a length of 30″ (762 mm) and a maximum chord width of 12″ (305 mm), which would increase the lift and reduce the tip vortex drag.

To draw the planform shape of the quarter ellipse you can use an online graphing tool such as Desmos for a full ellipse. If you center the ellipse at zero, you can drag the two axes out until you get the aspect ratio you want. Since the graph has a grid in the background, you can then print out a screen capture of a quarter of the resulting ellipse and scale up the printed image to the actual dimensions required. If you are comfortable with computers, you can download and run Freeship (available for Windows only) which has a “keel and rudder wizard” that accurately generates several different planforms.

The new rudder blade for FIRE-DRAKE has a quarter-ellipse planform. The plywood’s glue lines show the contours that help with shaping the foil.

Obtaining the cross-section profile of a chord of a given width is best left to a computer. For any of the NACA foils, like the 0010 foil I mentioned above, Competition Composites Inc . (CCI) has a very simple and handy calculator . You need enter only the chord width and the maximum thickness and it will generate a table of X-Y coordinates that you can copy and print out. They’ll be your offsets for drawing a pattern for the foil cross-section. If you intend to sheathe your foil with ’glass and epoxy, for example, you can also enter the skin thickness and it will calculate the coordinates for the plywood core.

Now, here’s the tricky bit. If you have a rectangular foil planform, you only have one chord width and therefore one section profile for the entire length of the foil. However, if you have any other planform (e.g., half-ellipse, quarter-ellipse, trapezoidal, straight-chord-quarter-line, etc.), the thickness, which will be one-tenth of the chord width, changes along the length of the foil because the chord width changes.

I used the CCI calculator to generate profile coordinates for three different points along the length of the rudder blade: at the root, at about two-thirds of the way along and at about 90 percent of the way to the end. I chose those points because the chord width for my quarter ellipse planform doesn’t change much for the first half of its length, but it changes more quickly toward the tip. The idea is to shape the foil to these profiles at these points and then taper the foil evenly between them. You can lay out your foil plan directly on to the ply or you can use something thin, like doorskin, to make and fine-tune a template, which is what I did.

I made a blank for my rudder by gluing layers of marine ply with epoxy to the required 1″ thickness. I have found that the plywood, in spite of its cross-grain plies, has sufficient strength for the size of small-boat foils that I have built (though the cross-grain would weaken a long thin foil). Plywood does not warp and has the added advantage over solid wood in that the plies create a kind of contour map that give you graphic visual feedback as to the evenness of your surface once you start shaping the foil. You can make a foil with solid wood or even foam plus a ’glass-and-epoxy skin, but without the plywood laminates as guides, you would have to make more section profile templates to ensure a smooth and accurate shape.

Clamping a 4′ level to the flat part of the rudder blade provides a reference line to gauge how much wood to remove to achieve the foil’s taper.

The next step is to taper the thickness of the laminated foil blank along its full length. Knowing the required thickness at your chosen points, you can draw a pattern for the curve of the taper and half the thickness of the blade stock and measure how much wood you have to remove at each point. I clamped my 4′ aluminum I-beam level to the flat part of the rudder blade above the shaped part, and used a ruler to measure the depth I had to cut to. To remove the wood for this part of the project, I used my #4 Stanley plane. While I have a power hand planer, I didn’t trust myself with it to not take too much off too quickly.

The female half-section template for a given chord for a foil gets its shape from the X-Y coordinates generated by a foil calculator.

I made three female half-section profile templates, one for each of the three points noted above, by plotting out the generated X-Y coordinates on pieces of doorskin and carefully cutting them out. One thing to note is that the CCI calculator generates a profile that has a trailing edge of zero thickness. Obviously, this is not practical to build in wood, and a knife edge is not that critical anyway. I adjusted the trailing edges so that the finished edge would end up about 1/3″ (4mm) thick.

Applying the template to the foil in the works shows the high and low spots as the shaping continues.

Next, I used the profile templates to shape the foil at my three chosen points. I shaped the plywood with a Shinto rasp , regular rasps, and coarse sandpaper. It’s a process of taking some wood off, placing the template, and repeating until you get the section of wood shaped to the templates. Once that is done, I could go to work taking down the wood between the sections, using the ply layers as a guide. I used my block plane, Shinto rasp, and sandpaper for this task. I eyeballed a smooth transition around the tip from the leading edge to the trailing edge.

I sealed the surface of the shaped foil with a couple of coats of epoxy to provide a smooth, hard surface to accept a finish coat of marine epoxy enamel.

Alex Zimmerman is a semi-retired mechanical technologist and former executive. His first boat was an abandoned Chestnut canoe that he fixed up as a teenager and paddled on the waterways of eastern Manitoba and northwestern Ontario. He started his professional career as a maritime engineer in the Canadian Navy, and that triggered his interest in sailing. He didn’t get back into boatbuilding until he moved back to Vancouver Island in the ’90s, where he built a number of sea kayaks that he used to explore the coast. He built his first sail-and-oar boat in the early 2000s and completed his most recent one in 2016. He says he can stop building boats anytime. He is the author of the recently published book, Becoming Coastal .

For further reading on the pros and cons of the variables in foil design, Competition Composites (CCI) has a good discussion . For those of you who want to go into the math, Paul Zander has a good presentation from nearly 20 years ago, and also, for those inclined that way, an updated discussion with a lot more math.

You can share your tips and tricks of the trade with other Small Boats Magazine readers by sending us an email .

Share this article

Join The Conversation

We welcome your comments about this article. If you’d like to include a photo or a video with your comment, please email the file or link.

Comments (17)

Is there someone who can craft a good rudder for my boat? I have not the time or the skills to do such. Have a 15′ Delaware Ducker. Love the boat but the rudder is (I think) a disaster. Hardly brings the boat around and doesn’t help much to windward. Flat plywood barn door out of 3/8″ ply with no shape other than outline that barely gets 2″ – 3″ into the water. If it could be a kick-up so much the better. I do a lot of shallow, sand-bottom sailing. Thank you for any help.

I know about the ducker and a foil shaped rudder will help a lot. Some of the modern ones built in glass and cold molded have been fitted with modern dinghy rudders and foil shaped daggerboards. They tack more like a dinghy than like my traditional one where I have to sail it around like a larger boat.

Most any small boat builder in your area should be able to build you a rudder. Lines for a kick up would be a nuisance. I don’t bother with them on a larger boat, just use a pivot bolt with tension. Means I have to shove it down.

You might want to look at the system that Mike Storer has developed for his goat island skiff, a straight foil, easier to shape.

Alex has done a great idea showing us how to work these out using hand tools. We used to do it in my dinghy sailing days by drawing a 30 % line. Make a bunch of parabola templates and hack away. For really long narrow boards before the days of carbon we used to use 5/4 stair tread fir.

Interesting article. When I built my Oughtred JII Yawl eighteen years ago, I did some research on appropriate foil profiles for the centerboard and rudder. It’s a long time ago now, so I don’t remember the exact profiles I chose, but I do believe I picked NACA 0010 for the CB. I picked another profile for the rudder, one that had a steeper stall angle, on the theory that with typical weather helm the rudder meets the flow at a steeper angle than the CB. I really don’t know how valid my theory is. I have no experimental evidence to back it up. Any thoughts?

Andrew, that seems to make sense although I haven’t seen any research to back that up.

Hi Andrew, I remember seeing your beautiful JII; but did not ask about the foils! I wonder how NACA 0010 compares with my approximate foil shape, inspired mainly by guesswork. Are these profiles available? By the way, I do not like plywood foils; CBs break. Friends near here lost their fine old rebuilt Wayfarer; were in danger themselves, when they capsized and the plywood board broke. Too near a rugged lee shore. A class racing boat, by a particular builder – all their plywood centerboards broke.

Iain, I don’t know what your standard foil shape looks like, but a NACA 0010 has a maximum thickness of 10% of the chord distance, occurring at 30% of the distance back from the leading edge. Marchaj believes that the maximum thickness should occur at about 50% of the distance back from the leading edge. Other designers agree, I think. If I understand him correctly, John Welsford uses a foil section that is closer to 50% distance, but I am not sure what thickness of foils he favors or what the exact foil shape is. You can see the shape, and all the requisite numbers for extracting an X-Y plot to reproduce them, for a whole bunch of different foil types, on the Airfoil Tools site. As for plywood foils, I understand your concern. Half the plies are oriented in the wrong direction and don’t provide much in the way of resisting sideways bending moments. However, it has been my experience that this is not a major concern if the foil is thick enough and not too long. The centerboard foil on my latest boat, for example, is ply, but is nearly 2″ (50 mm) at maximum thickness. It’s got over 1,000 nautical miles in four years under the keel by now, including a couple of practice capsizes, with no issues so far.

I don’t know what a standard Wayfarer foil looks like. Is it long and thin?

Very interesting article. I am just in the process of building a Lillistone Flint and have no experience building or knowledge of foil design and performance. I calculated the various ratios and percentages. The AR as per the plans is 2.43, so that looks good. The thickness however is only 4% of chord width. Area of the dagger board is 3.5% of sail area, so probably OK there too. Lillistone does state in the plans that the board can be made thicker if preferred so I think I may do that as 4% is a pretty big departure from the 8 – 10% of the chord width suggested. Any comments? The Flint was featured in this mag a few issues ago.

David, both my experience and authorities who design for a living and/or who have tested these things would suggest that 4% is rather too thin for good lift. I suspect that you might find it works reasonably well in dead flat water but you would lose lift and pointing ability as the water gets more turbulent. If it was me, and I hadn’t yet built the foil and its case, I’d go for one that was at least 10% and maybe even 12%. The additional thickness would also be more robust should you need to stand on it to flip the boat over if you capsize.

Thanks so much for taking the time to reply, Alex. I have decided to use some salvaged King William (King Billy here in Tasmania) pine that was salvaged. I thicknessed it to clean it up a bit and reckon I will eventually get 20 – 22 mm out of it. I plan to laminate 10 pieces into a 304mm board. Hopefully I will get a good result.

Hi David, It highly depends where you sail and how you sail. I have one older (1975) 420er dinghy for fun and local competitions with foiled board and rudder. But then I have 21″ German Jollenkreuzer veteran from 1952 which has both from 1/4″ steel plate, and it works fine. I sail that for pleasure on lakes. It would definitely be more performant (and point better) with both foiled, but I’m surprised how well it performs in its nearly ’70s (comparing to modern GRP boats with foiled boards).

For your job, I would probably stick to the plans. The rudder in this case is more important and can be somehow easily modified (foil). The centerboard I would keep the same, not only to conform the centerboard box (which would need to be sized), but also the overall design. Finally the most important here is what is your building and designing experience, because the worst thing is when something is incorrectly designed and then improperly built (the simple rounded plywood then may work better).

Anyway, I’m also thankful for this article. It reminds me my childhood when I built airplane models and used exactly the same methods used here to create the wings (in much smaller scale).

Thanks for your thoughts. I am going for a thicker foil and risk it (see reply to Alex above). I am well aware of risks in departing from designer’s work but I don’t think I will go far wrong.

Do SUP fins follow the rules for centerboards?

I’m not a SUP guy myself, but my understanding is that the fins are there to assist in tracking. That is, they don’t need to provide lift the way a sailboat keel/CB going to windward does. The thing you would be aiming for in the case of SUP fins is having sufficient lateral area to provide that tracking ability, and then having it streamlined to reduce drag. I would imagine that thinner would be better, although you’d still want a streamlined foil section, as that would produce less drag than a flat plate. The leading edge of a flat plate tends to separate the flow from the sides of the plate, even if that edge is rounded, and separation produces turbulence and drag.

For twenty years, beginning in the early 1970’s, I raced a Lido 14. The boat was pre-owned, and had its original solid wood foils which were in pretty bad shape, and I decided to build new foils. After reading Marchaj’s book, and the Lido 14 Class Rules, I designed a new centerboard and rudder. The NACA-0009 section most closely fit the required class measurements, and I used that profile. I did alter the leading edge of the rudder, making it more rounded, to allow for the fact that the rudder angle of attack is variable, and is more likely to stall.

In fleet racing, and sailing close hauled, the results were astounding, with the boat seeming to sail slightly sideways, relative to other boats. I also began to pay particular attention to the condition of the foil surfaces, as Marchaj writes that the drag on underwater foils is many times greater than the drag on the hull surface. One time we were sailing in an area of submerged trees, and my centerboard lightly brushed a tree branch. I then noticed that the centerboard ‘hummed’ on port tack. Later, when I examined to board, there was a barely visible scratch.

I very much enjoyed the article on high-performance foils in the July 2020 issue of the Small Boat Magazine .

For twenty years, beginning in the early 1970’s, I raced a Lido 14. The boat was pre-owned, and had its original solid wood foils which were in pretty bad shape, and I decided to build new foils. After reading Marchaj’s book, and the Lido 14 Class Rules, I designed a new centerboard, and rudder. The NACA-0009 section most closely fit the required class measurements, and I used that profile. I did alter the leading edge of the rudder, making it more rounded, to allow for the fact that the rudder angle of attack is variable, and is more likely to stall.

In fleet racing, and sailing close hauled, the results were astounding, with the boat seeming to sail slightly sideways to windward, relative to other boats. The boat didn’t seem to point higher, when close hauled, it just didn’t make as much lee way. More benefit on the port tack, a little less on starboard. I did set the centerboard jibe angle to the maximum allowed by class rules. In all honesty, I was probably the only one in the fleet that had read Marchaj. It still took me five years to win the fleet championship. I also began to pay particular attention to the condition of the foil surfaces, as Marchaj writes that the drag on underwater foils is many times greater than the drag on the hull surface. One time we were sailing in an area of submerged trees, and my centerboard lightly brushed a tree branch. I then noticed that the centerboard ‘hummed’ on port tack. Later, when I examined to board, there was a barely visible scratch.

I am a new subscriber to Small Boat Magazine , and look forward to each issue. Keep up the good work.

Was just about to make the centerboard for my Oughted Caledonia Yawl. So I was happy to see this article. But was then disappointed when I calculated my centerboard area to be only 1.9 percent of my total sail area. I briefly thought gee I will make it a little bigger…but then realized the centerboard trunk is already complete and limits that. I don’t plan on racing, so it is what it is.

Mark, I’d be really interested in your results once you launch the boat and do some trials. Theory is one thing, but nothing beats data from real-world results.

More From This Issue

From The Editor

Lost and Found

I have a shelf in the corner of my shop where I pile my collection of tape measures. They frequently fall off the shelf, and this past week I got…

Boat Profile

Crawford’s Gunning Dory

Roger builds his boats one at a time. The Gunning Dory is hand-laid fiberglass starting with rolled-on gelcoat. The layup for the bottom includes biaxial fiberglass cloth, a 1/2″ foam…

Spira’s Hudson Skiff

I have a full-sized pickup truck, so trailering the lightweight skiff is not at all difficult. Launching at the ramp is similarly not a problem; Hudson floated right off the…

A Solar Solo

SOL CANADA had been performing fairly well, but about once an hour the motor would just stop. I could get it going again by putting the throttle neutral for a…

Antennas for VHF

VHF radios, like cell phones, are limited to line of sight. The Coast Guard sets its antennas up as high as possible, often in spots remote from their base, to…

I made a blank for my rudder by gluing layers of marine ply with epoxy to the required 1″ thickness. I have found that the plywood, in spite of its…

Product Reviews

Impact Drivers

While the impact driver has lots of power, more than enough to shear screws, the variable-speed trigger provides the operator with very good control for the depth of the screw.…

Reader Built Boats

Built by the Book

The lockdown in New Zealand began on March 23 and David stayed home to do his part in slowing the spread of COVID-19. He focused on his canoe projects and…

More Technique

A DIY Sling Tote

hen Ben Fuller proposed an article on bags and totes for carrying gear, I was slow to cotton to the idea. I’d been schlepping boating gear without anything to collect...

A Small-Boat Chart Holder

I designed and built a couple of portable chart holders three years ago. They’re simple—a piece of plywood with shock cords to hold the chart in place and strips around…

A Folding Outboard Stand

Several years ago, I built a stand for the only outboard I had at that time, and it made itself useful for doing maintenance and for flushing the cooling system…

These peanut butter-chocolate rolls were baked using a pot-in-pot method. Three rocks in the larger put elevate the smaller pot to keep boiling water under the smaller pot. Not shown is the pot lid. The rolls aren't browned, but they're fully cooked.

Back-Country Baking

I once looked forward to camp sweets just as much as our young daughters do now. Pineapple-cherry dump cake baked in a Dutch oven was a staple of my Boy…

Subscribe Today!

Become a subscriber today and you’ll recieve a new issue every month plus unlimited access to our full archive of backlogged issues.

Already a subscriber? Sign In

Subscribe For Full Access

Flipbooks are available to paid subscribers only. Subscribe now or log in for access.

Home » Blog » Sail » Hydrofoil boats for the rest of us

Hydrofoil boats for the rest of us

By Author Fiona McGlynn

Posted on Last updated: August 18, 2023

Glide Free Foils Laser on foils. Photo credit: sailboats.co.uk ,

Watching foiling boats fly around the America’s Cup race course, is enough to quicken any sailor’s pulse. But unless you’ve got a spare few million kicking around, most hydrofoil boats are still very much out of the average boater’s budget . There are however a few ways to experience the magic of foiling without racing towards bankruptcy.

HOW DOES HYDROFOILING WORK?

Much in the same way that air flows over and under aircraft wings to create lift, water flowing around a hydrofoil lifts a boat’s hull out of the water . Once the greater part of the boat’s surface area is out of the water, friction is greatly reduced and the boat can “fly” at faster speeds .

How fast? The 2021 America’s Cup AC75s are expected to reach top speeds of 40 to 50 knots!

Like sails, foils are not a matter of “set it and forget it”, instead the foil-attitude must be adjusted to keep the boat in flight . On the 2017 America’s Cup boats these adjustments were made by the skipper/helmsman but powered (via a hydraulic system) by crew grinding winches (or in New Zealand’s case, pedal bikes ).

Because we don’t all have Jimmy Spithill ‘s magic touch, developing highly sophisticated flight control systems is key to bringing foiling into mainstream boating. Candela, a new 25-foot production e-foiling powerboat (and 2019 Best of Boats award winner) offers such a solution with foils that change position 100 times per second! Still, at ~$240,000 it’s well beyond most boating budgets.

Fortunately, smaller foilers (dinghies and boards) don’t require high tech flight control systems and are far less expensive . Here are a few options for (more) affordable foiling:

HYDROFOIL DINGHIES

Laser foiling kits.

Clip a foil onto your Laser and fly over the surface of the water. Two Australian based companies, Foilsz and Glide Free Foils , offer Laser foiling kits. The Glide Free kit doesn’t require any permanent fixtures, so you can easily remove it (for those days when you’re in a displacement mode mood). They say that speeds of 18-25 knots are possible with their kit, which sells for just under $4,530 AUD (~$3,00 USD).

UFO foiling multihull

For a few bucks more you can buy a foiling catamaran. The UFO was launched in 2017 and can fly at 15-20 knots. With a price tag of $7,000, it may be the most economical multihull foiler on the market.

Take a foiling course

Some clubs and community sailing programs are adding foilers to their fleets. For example Nantucket Community Sailing offers a 3-hour semi-private class for $100 per person . Or if you’re looking for a more exotic locale, the Provela Foiling Centre in Spain offers a range of foiling classes from beginner to advanced. Their two-day “Try Fly – Foiling” class costs 200 euros and their fleet includes Foiling Moths, White Formula Whispers, WASPZs, and F101s.

HYDROFOIL KITEBOARDS

It’s not like kiteboards are sluggish to begin with, but hydrofoil boards take the sport to a whole new level, delivering speeds of 40 miles an hour ! By using a foil to lift their boards out of the water, foiling kiteboard enthusiasts get an exceptionally quiet and smooth ride – so much so, that kiteboard riders in Silicon Valley have been spotted taking calls on their cell phones. Set up costs start at around $1,000. Take a foil boarding course and buy protective gear, this extreme water sport is not for the faint of heart.

HYDROFOIL WINDSURF BOARDS

Foiling is taking off in the windsurfing world with world champions like Robby Naish and Atoine Albeau leading the charge. It has been confirmed that windfoiling will be a class at the 2024 Olympics in Paris . Set up costs start around $2,500.

With foiling technology trickling down into the mainstream, you can expect to see more and more high speed foiling boats and boards on the water . Is foiling the future? Let us know what you think in the comments below.

Fiona McGlynn is an award-winning boating writer who created Waterborne as a place to learn about living aboard and traveling the world by sailboat. She has written for boating magazines including BoatUS, SAIL, Cruising World, and Good Old Boat. She’s also a contributing editor at Good Old Boat and BoatUS Magazine. In 2017, Fiona and her husband completed a 3-year, 13,000-mile voyage from Vancouver to Mexico to Australia on their 35-foot sailboat.

Terms and Conditions - Privacy Policy

Yachting World

Digital Edition

Canova – The foiling superyacht designed for comfort

Toby Hodges
April 27, 2021

Not only the first foiling superyacht - or foil-assisted superyacht, but the first cruising yacht with a foil, the 142ft Canova is a groundbreaking project in so many ways, says Toby Hodges

Were you to somehow be teleported into foiling superyacht , Canova ’s palatial master cabin while under way – and let’s face it, many of us would like a sudden change of scene these days – you could be forgiven for thinking her owner doesn’t much like sailing.

For starters, it would seem remarkably quiet, thanks to the impressive insulation and a quiet ship system that ensures no unnecessary mechanical noise.

Then consider how surprisingly flat it feels for a monohull under sail, and not just because the generous berth you’re sitting on can gimbal.

However, once you look out of the considerable porthole, see the blue sea streaking past at over 20 knots and notice the orange plank of carbon fibre sticking out to leeward – which is serving to keep the boat a lot more upright than it should otherwise be – you’ll understand you’re actually aboard a truly state-of-the-art superyacht.

Lines and proportions are superb, hence it’s hard to gauge Canova’s size, and her long deckhouse blends in well. Photo: Baltic/Carlo Borlenghi

Anyone studying these pictures of Canova ripping along will quickly realise just how forward-thinking its owner is and how much he actually must enjoy sailing. Indeed, it can be argued that this yacht represents the present and future of cruising at speed and in utmost comfort.

Superyacht of the year

The 142ft/43m Farr design, launched from Baltic Yachts in October 2019, was conceived to be a powerful yet easily handled bluewater cruiser, capable of operating for long periods without specialist assistance.

It was commissioned by a serial yacht owner, who was also keen to minimise emissions by using hydro-generating electric propulsion. Canova was crowned sailing superyacht of the year winner 2020 at the World Superyacht Awards, with the jury commenting that it will “influence the future of sailing superyachts”.

Although this yacht teems with advanced technology throughout, you’ll notice little of it on boarding. You probably won’t even see the foil protruding while the boat is in port. The marvels of engineering have all been hidden behind a wonderfully luxurious cruising layout. Canova is a carbon epoxy wolf dressed in the finest lambswool clothing.

Demonstrating the foil, which retracts to the beam width of the boat. Photo: Baltic/Carlo Borlenghi

I was given a tour of the boat by her captain, Mattia Belleri, who project-managed the design and build over four years. I made the presumably common mistake of thinking Canova would be all about the foil, and while there are many integrated parts to that technological feat alone, I soon came to realise that the boat is full of innovative engineering, all aimed at creating a fast yet comfortable voyager.

Take the elegant, long and low deckhouse design for example, with its acreage of dimmable glass, which affords guests full protection and one-level living comfort.

Then there’s the inventive double deck design forward, which helps create room for a vast sail locker in which drums are stored for the furling foresails. And consider the diesel electric pod drive, which rotates to generate power while sailing.

Article continues below…

Infiniti 46, Maverick, at the Rolex Middle Sea Race 2016. Photo Carlo Borlenghi/Rolex.

Inside the Infiniti 46 – video tour of the world’s first production offshore racer with DSS foils

Though most of us are captivated by the images of flying boats from International Moths to America’s Cup catamarans, the…

ClubSwan-36-boat-test-credit-Stefano-Gattini

ClubSwan 36 review: This one-design foiler from Nautor really shakes things up

It’s easy to be seduced by modern high performance, especially downwind. As the wake flattens out astern and the foils…

Canova employs the most sustainable tech the yard felt it could use to still ensure it would still sail safely round the world.

The design team is extensive, including Gurit and BAR Technologies, but a lot of credit is given to the owner for his initial and enduring vision. “Everything began in the summer of 2015, when the owner started this quest of merging new technologies, volumes conception and energetic efficiency into a yacht,” Belleri stresses.

Foiling superyacht, Trend or trailblazer?

But let’s first address the talking point feature of the boat: a foil on a cruising superyacht… really?

Let’s remember that when Canova was being designed, monohulls with foils were still only really discussed in cult circles. And while we’ve seen this scene explode in racing, to the point where a boat is boring if it doesn’t fly and miraculously challenge physics, we’ve yet to see any foils employed for cruising purposes at all.

To decide to go ahead and create a foiling superyacht shows serious confidence in the technology.

Hugh Welbourn’s Dynamic Stability Systems (DSS) foil design has proved itself on smaller boats including the Infiniti 46 and 36 over the last decade, and retrofits have been successfully made to existing race boats such as Wild Oats XI and Wild Joe.

Helm stations and sailing systems are concentrated around Canova’s raised andbeamy aft deck. Photo: Baltic/Carlo Borlenghi

The multi-million dollar question here, though, was always going to be whether such a system would work on a 150-tonne superyacht.

In theory, the foil, which protrudes 22ft/6.7m horizontally to leeward to add masses of lift, should create a paradigm shift in fast cruising comfort. It was predicted to reduce heel and help the boat reach in comfort at sustained high speeds.

In practice, during initial sea trials Baltic tested the DSS upwind in 20-24 knots of wind and found not only a VMG increase, but a heel reduction of 30%. “To put these numbers into context, it would take an extra 33,000kg in the keel bulb – the total displacement weight of an IOR maxi – to achieve the same heel reduction,” Baltic reported.

During Canova ’s passage across Biscay in winter, aftersales representative Sam Evans described the yacht as much easier to handle with the foil deployed, “as boatspeed averaged between 20 and 22 knots and topped out at 24 knots”.

The DSS foil has also produced a dramatic reduction in pitching motion – measured at 42% less during trials – an element with which the owner was particularly impressed. Gordon Kay of Infiniti Yachts, the company that markets DSS, describes it as “industry-changing comfort”.

Although it’s a significantly complex piece of engineering, Baltic wanted to make the casing and mechanism to move the foil as simple and reliable as possible. The Finnish yard constructed a full-sized dummy system before the foil itself was fashioned by ISOTOP to within 1mm tolerance tip to toe.

It is controlled using a system of rope pulleys led to a Harken captive winch and, remarkably, can be pulled in or out at up to 17 knots of boatspeed.

As Belleri demonstrates the system, pushing the button to make the fluorescent diving board extend silently outwards, he explains that they wanted length for maximum leverage, but that it had to be practical too, to allow other boats to moor alongside. The resulting appendage is the same length as Canova ’s beam, so although the foil doesn’t retract fully, it meets a straight line to the top of the topsides.

Myriad push-button controls, including for two sets of deflectors, helps allow short-handed control of a powerful yacht. Photo: Baltic/Carlo Borlenghi

After a season spent mainly in the Tyrrhenian, especially in the breezy area between Sardinia and Corsica, Belleri tells me Canova has clocked over 25 knots, “and reaches the early 20s fairly quickly”. He also thinks her light wind performance is incredible: “she can sail at 14 knots in 9 knots of breeze.” “She’s fast, stable, silent and always ready to thrill,” he enthuses. “The foil was aimed primarily at comfort, motion dampening and reduced heeling and it is impressive to see how easily all these points are achieved at the push of a button.”

More retractable appendages

Advanced engineering is employed below the waterline too, in the form of a lifting keel with trim tab and an electrically-powered propeller leg. The latter rotates 170° each way to greatly ease manoeuvring. When sailing, water flow can turn the prop to generate energy and charge the lithium battery bank.

Belleri reports that the regeneration numbers go beyond expectations: “We have been generating many times more energy than required to sustain the yacht’s operational consumption.

Imagine sailing along at high speeds in full comfort, with no noise, no gases and no pollution, in a zero emissions energy balance. It is incredible and a must-try experience.”

Baltic predicts that Canova is able to sail across the Atlantic “using all her systems without recourse to conventional charging using an internal combustion engine”. The composite specialist also points out that the yacht was always devised around bluewater cruising, which means being independent of specialist support.

This includes the ability for it to be serviced without being lifted out. Canova can take her own weight sitting on her lifting keel in the raised position and the skipper told me they also wanted to be able to sail with the keel up in shallow waters. A super duplex stainless steel fin was constructed, with the keel mechanism itself made by APM in Italy.

Hiding the sails

At first glance, the rig may appear relatively conventional. The carbon Rondal mast and boom has electric in-boom furling and Carbolink rigging. A 3.5m batten supports the head of the huge square-top main, which can pass between the flying backstays once reefed.

The closer you look, the more you start to understand that the rig set-up is a clever one for power cruising once sails are unfurled.

The 7m guest tender carries a 1,000lt bladder for fuel bunkering and is housed under the flush foredeck. The 4.6m crew tender stows aft. Photo: Baltic/Carlo Borlenghi

The mast is stepped only slightly forward of the keel trunk, which leaves a large foretriangle area with tack points on deck for storm jib, staysail, self-tacking jib, code and asymmetric sails.

The really neat part is how this canvas stows. The three furling code and asymmetric sails use underdeck drum stowage, all housed in a gargantuan sail locker. The two drums act like giant fire hose reels. “They allow us to hoist and drop the heavy [400kg] furling sails safely, using minimal crew,” Belleri explains.

“I wanted furling sails that were easy to manage,” the skipper continues. The idea is that six permanent crew can run and actively sail the boat around the world and can manage a big (1,200m2) gennaker downwind. The sail options also include a quadrilateral, twin-clewed headsail, developed with Infiniti Yachts to complement the DSS system, which has found favour with the crew for its wide performance range.

The foredeck is kept particularly clean thanks to the intelligent design of hiding a second deck below. This keeps mooring equipment, including capstans, cleats and warps, all away from view yet accessible. The captive winches are also contained here, all built in carbon, which equates to a reported 200kg weight saving on each of the eight winches.

A large portion of the space below the foredeck is reserved for the guest tender. A crane mounts on deck to lift the 1.5 tonne limo into the water. The 7m length of this boat was one of the driving forces for the yacht’s overall dimensions, as the guest tender is also equipped with a 1,000lt bladder to allow for fuel bunkering in remote locations.

This also means there’s a proper watertight bulkhead aft instead of a traditional garage. Instead, the 4.6m crew tender stores in the lazarette under the aft deck. The aft deck itself is high enough to give clear visibility from the two outboard pedestals over the deckhouse and forward. “The idea was to be able to see the jib furler from the helms,” says Belleri.

Influential design

The design and construction of the deckhouse is another standout feature that should influence the design of large cruising yachts in the future. Why? Because of how well it blends into the lines, how much comfort it affords guests, and how well-finished it is for what is a seriously complex piece of engineering.

The guest cockpit, which is fully-protected by the hard bimini extending from the superstructure, is on the same level as the decksaloon. It means the guests have an amazing amount of protected space to enjoy their surroundings with almost unhindered views.

The whole aft section of the roof is freestanding and incorporates side windows that drop down at the push of a button to let fresh air into the guest cockpit.

Dimmable glass is used on the coachroof windows and skylights, all highly UV-protective to spare the interior woodwork. Made by Vision Systems, the dimming level of each window is adjustable.

Electric windows can be lowered to increase fresh air in the guest cockpit. Photo: Baltic/Carlo Borlenghi

As well as incorporating all this glass, the structure and its central supporting bulkhead has to take the 24-tonne loads of the mainsheet track. The traveller stretches over the beam of the roof, which helps keep loaded sheets away from the guest area.

The styling by Lucio Micheletti here – and throughout the interior – is particularly tasteful. It is peaceful and in harmony with the design. The majority of the finish is in teak timber veneers and white panelling, making natural light the star of the show.

Canova ’s general accommodation plan is formidable for cruising purposes. The guest accommodation is all forward of the saloon and central bulkhead. The presumption when you walk into the forward cabin is that this must be the owner’s suite – it certainly feels large and luxurious enough.

This makes for a particularly pleasant surprise then when you find the real deal beneath the deck saloon – in the most sensible, central section of the yacht, which boasts the greatest beam with the least pitching.

The owner’s full-beam suite is located almost amidships where there is least motion. Photo: Baltic/Carlo Borlenghi

The owner’s 65m2 apartment features a gimballing island berth, the largest bathroom or ‘spa’ you could imagine on a sailing yacht, including sauna and carbon fibre bath tub, plus his and hers/walk in wardrobes and washbasin areas. The owners spend a lot of time aboard so the idea was to provide the most comfortable facilities possible.

The crew area is all located abaft the saloon, with a central galley and private access from the aft deck. It’s an excellent design for ensuring privacy between guests and crew, while providing the accessibility serving staff need.

His and hers changing and bathroom areas in the master cabin. Photo: Baltic/Carlo Borlenghi

The day heads and entrance to the engine room are at the foot of the companionway to the saloon. The bank of programmable logic controllers in the control room should warn you that this is no ordinary engine room.

An electric heart

The machinery room proper houses the remarkably compact 420kW propulsion motor, two custom 210kW Cummins generators and six banks of Alkasol lithium-ion batteries.

The benefits of choosing this electric-hybrid route over conventional diesels include less vibration, noise, smell, maintenance, fewer running hours and a fraction of the oil required. And it is much more efficient, because the high-voltage charges are quicker and the gensets never run unnecessarily.

The 750V DC system is supplied by batteries, shorepower or generators. The generators were custom-built in carbon housings to optimise size, weight and performance and can charge the battery bank in two hours. The engineer shows me how everything is controlled from a Toughbook screen, flicking a genset on with the swipe of a finger. Canova can run silently at 9 knots with only one generator running.

I notice how comparatively cool it is in here. The engine room is strictly temperature controlled to a max of 31°C (as opposed to a more conventional 50°C or so). The battery bank and powerful inverters are water-cooled and the gensets have built-in ventilation extraction units.

It also feels alien to be able to talk rather than shout with a genset running. A lot of attention was paid to insulation, particularly as we are only one bulkhead away from the owner’s cabin (the 9m foil running under his berth encouraged the yard to focus intently on insulation). Mounting the batteries vertically also reportedly helps with damping.

Canova is all about mixing comfort with high technology. Micheletti’s styling reflects this technological clean design. Photo: Baltic/Carlo Borlenghi

With such a large battery and electrical capacity, the need for hydraulics is reduced, hence less weight and fewer space-hungry cables. The flexible energy system used means that power can be generated from multiple sources. The captive winches for instance draw energy, but when you sheet out they also create energy that can be tapped.

Belleri says the owner wanted the electric-hybrid technology from the outset, but that it needed to be safe and reliable for bluewater sailing. The environmental side was one of the big draws.

“Superyachting is not a green industry so we tried our best to go that way,” the skipper explains. “But it’s not fully possible without gensets yet.”

Instead he feels that the combination of electric engine, inverters, batteries and generators gives them plenty of redundancy power for cruising. COVID may have put their cruising temporarily on hold, but Canova ’s crew is still gearing up to start a circumnavigation later this year.

Fast forward

We often see technology trickle down from the racing or superyacht sides of sailing, where the large budgets and thirst for technology abound.

Many of the big ideas employed on Canova have been around for some years, including DSS foils and the regenerating drive system. But it takes a bold project (and owner) such as this to integrate them practically before people really take notice.

Canova is like a giant Swiss Army knife: it has so many useful features it can pull out, which stow away to leave a graceful profile. I would go so far as to say the sheer quantity of intelligent design incorporated makes this as innovative a project as we’ve seen to date in the superyachting world.

It is actively using technology, design and engineering that may have a telling effect not only on sailing superyachts, but on many cruising yachts to come. Given a choice, Canova is certainly the boat I would choose to be beamed aboard right now.

If you enjoyed this….

Yachting World is the world’s leading magazine for bluewater cruisers and offshore sailors. Every month we have inspirational adventures and practical features to help you realise your sailing dreams. Build your knowledge with a subscription delivered to your door. See our latest offers and save at least 30% off the cover price.

Home » Uncategorized » Flying Over Water: What Is Foiling?

The Yale Ledger is a student-led magazine showcasing content from around the Yale community.

If you are affiliated with the Yale student community and have an article you want to share, please email Layla Winston .

If you notice any spam or inappropriate content, please contact us so we can remove it.

August 2024
February 2024
January 2024
December 2023
November 2023
October 2023
September 2023
August 2023
February 2023
January 2023
December 2022
November 2022
October 2022
September 2022
August 2022
February 2022
January 2022
December 2021
September 2021
August 2021
February 2021
January 2021

Flying Over Water: What Is Foiling?

Foiling is a water sport that has taken the world by storm. It is very much like surfing, but instead of riding directly on the water, you float above it on a board equipped with a hydrofoil. The sensation is unlike anything else—smooth, fast, and so free. If that sounds like something right up your alley, read more to find out more about foiling and how to convert your foil board to an eFoil .

The Science Behind the Magic

The hydrofoil works on the same principle as an airplane wing. As your board moves forward, water flows over the curved surface of the foil’s wings. This creates a difference in pressure, generating lift that raises you and your board out of the water. The design of the foil , including the shape and pitch angle, is critical for maximizing this lift and minimizing drag. Once you are up in the air, the only part of your setup in the water is the foil and the mast. No more dealing with the bumps and friction of the water’s surface! Best of all, new designs are constantly being released that optimize these parameters for better performance.

Ways You Can Foil

One of the coolest things about foiling is its versatility. There are several ways to get your foil on, depending on the kind of water sport you are into:

Kite Foiling : Foiling is perfect for kite surfers. With kite foiling, you can ride in lighter winds and still have a blast. The foil adds a new dimension, allowing for super smooth rides and the ability to carve in ways you never thought possible.

Surf Foiling : With surf foiling , you can catch waves earlier and ride them longer, even when they are small or mushy. Plus, you are less affected by choppy conditions as you ride above the water line.

Wake Foiling : Instead of being limited to riding directly behind the boat, the foil allows you to surf the boat’s wake and even ride waves far behind it. It is like having your own endless wave machine.

SUP Foiling : If stand-up paddleboarding is your thing, you can take it to the next level with SUP foiling . Whether you are catching waves or cruising on flat water, the foil makes it easier to cover more ground with less effort.

Wing Foiling : Finally, a whole new foiling way to play—wing foiling involves holding an inflatable wing (kind of like a mini sail) that catches the wind and propels you forward. It is less gear-intensive than kitesurfing and can be done in a wider range of conditions.

Getting Started with Foiling

If you are new to foiling, the first thing you need is the right gear. For beginners, a bigger board and a stable foil are your best friends—they will make it easier to find your balance and get the hang of things. It is worth getting a few pointers from someone who is already into foiling because the feel of it is totally different from surfing or paddleboarding. Once you have your gear and some basic tips, hit the water and start practicing. Stick to calm conditions at first and take your time getting used to the lift and balance. Before you know it, you will be flying above the water, wondering why you didn’t try foiling sooner.

Introducing the eFoil

Now, if you really want a ride to impress your friends, there is the electric foil or eFoil. This is foiling with a boost, literally!

How the eFoil works

An eFoil is a board with an electric motor mounted on the mast. With an eFoil, you are not dependent on wind, waves, or towing. The electric motor provides consistent and controllable thrust, making it easier for beginners to learn and for experienced riders to push their limits. Plus, an eFoil allows for longer, more enjoyable sessions without the effort of paddling or pumping.

Converting your foil to an eFoil

The first step in the conversion is choosing the right eFoil propulsion or drive assist kit, which typically includes a motor, battery, electronic speed controller (ESC), and a remote control. Whether you are aiming for high-speed thrills or a more relaxed cruising experience, be sure to select a kit that matches your intended use and the board’s size.

Once you have your kit, you must prepare your foil board for the installation. This includes inspecting your board to ensure it is in good condition and capable of handling the additional weight and components. You will then need to choose the best location on the foil mast to mount the motor, as the motor position is fixed and cannot be adjusted after installation.

After securing the motor, you will run the wiring along the mast, connecting it to the battery and ESC, which should be mounted on the board in a watertight compartment. The last step is to install the remote control in an accessible location on the board, allowing you to easily control the motor and throttle. Now, you are ready to hit the water!

Whether you are catching waves with a foil or zipping across flat water on an eFoil, foiling is where technology meets fun. The feeling of effortlessly gliding above the surface is hard to beat, and with innovations constantly emerging, the possibilities are endless. So, grab your board and the ocean is your playground!