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[2023] Hydrofoil Yacht: The Ultimate Guide to Sailing on Foils

Review Team

  • November 1, 2023
  • Hydrofoil Basics

Quick Answer: A hydrofoil yacht is a sailboat equipped with wing-like foils that lift the hull out of the water as it gains speed. This reduces drag, increases speed, and provides a smoother ride. Hydrofoil yachts can be retrofitted on both monohull and multihull sailboats, with different types of foils used for stability and control.

Welcome to Hydrofoiling™, where we bring you all the latest and greatest information about hydrofoil boarding. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into the world of hydrofoil yachts, exploring their history, configurations, classes, and more. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a curious beginner, this article will provide you with expert advice and insights into the exciting world of hydrofoil yachts.

Table of Contents

Quick answer, quick tips and facts, background: the evolution of hydrofoil yachts, types of hydrofoil yachts, hydrofoil classes: from moths to ac75, hydrofoil yacht brands and models, advantages and disadvantages of hydrofoil yachts.

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A hydrofoil yacht is a sailboat equipped with wing-like foils that lift the hull out of the water as it gains speed. This lifting action reduces the wetted area of the hull, minimizing drag and allowing the yacht to achieve higher speeds. Hydrofoil yachts can be retrofitted on both monohull and multihull sailboats, with different types of foils used for stability and control.

Shopping Links: Check out hydrofoil yacht products on Amazon | Shop hydrofoil yacht on Walmart | Etsy hydrofoil yacht products

  • Hydrofoil yachts use foils to lift the hull out of the water, reducing drag and increasing speed.
  • Different types of foils, such as T foils, C foils, S foils, and L foils, are used for stability and control.
  • Hydrofoil yachts can be retrofitted on both monohull and multihull sailboats.
  • The International Moth class is one of the most widespread uses of hydrofoils in sailboats.
  • Hydrofoil yachts can achieve impressive speeds, with some reaching over 50 knots.

Hydrofoil technology has been around for over a century, with the first patent for a hydrofoil boat filed in 1898 by Italian engineer Enrico Forlanini. Since then, hydrofoil yachts have undergone significant advancements, transforming the sailing experience and pushing the boundaries of speed and performance.

The concept behind hydrofoil yachts is simple yet ingenious. By using wing-like foils mounted under the hull, these yachts can lift themselves out of the water as they gain speed. This lifting action reduces the wetted area of the hull, minimizing drag and allowing the yacht to glide effortlessly through the water.

Hydrofoil yachts come in various configurations, each designed to optimize performance and stability. Let’s explore some of the most common types of hydrofoil yachts:

Monohull Hydrofoil Yachts : Monohull hydrofoil yachts feature a single hull and employ a “ladder” arrangement of hydrofoils. These hydrofoils typically have a dihedral angle of around 50 degrees and are complemented by a stabilizing rudder foil. This configuration provides stability and control, allowing the yacht to sail smoothly on foils.

Multihull Hydrofoil Yachts : Multihull hydrofoil yachts, such as catamarans and trimarans, offer increased stability and performance. These yachts use wider planforms, allowing for greater lift and control. Some multihulls utilize three foils, with two main forward foils providing lift and a horizontal foil on the rudder for additional control.

Hydrofoil Catamarans : Hydrofoil catamarans, also known as foilcats, combine the stability of a catamaran with the speed and efficiency of hydrofoils. These yachts can achieve impressive speeds while maintaining excellent stability, making them popular choices for racing and recreational sailing.

Hydrofoil technology has found its way into various sailing classes, revolutionizing the way we sail. Let’s take a closer look at some of the notable hydrofoil classes:

International Moth : The International Moth class is one of the most widespread uses of hydrofoils in sailboats. These single-handed dinghies feature foiling capabilities, allowing sailors to achieve incredible speeds and maneuverability. The class has seen rapid growth since 2001, with carbon fiber foils and advanced design techniques pushing the boundaries of performance.

Waszp : The Waszp class is similar to the International Moth class but utilizes aluminum foils instead of carbon fiber. This makes the Waszp more accessible to a wider range of sailors while still providing the exhilaration of foiling.

AC75 : The AC75 is a foiling monohull sailboat class used in the 2021 America’s Cup. These impressive yachts can reach speeds of up to 50 knots, showcasing the incredible potential of hydrofoil technology in the world of competitive sailing.

IQFoil : The IQFoil windsurfer class was selected by World Sailing for the 2024 Summer Olympics. These windsurfers feature hydrofoils, allowing athletes to glide above the water and achieve impressive speeds.

IMOCA 60 : Originally designed as non-foiling offshore racers, the IMOCA 60 class has embraced hydrofoil technology. These yachts now feature S-shaped daggerboard foils, providing partial foiling capabilities and enhancing performance in various conditions.

F50 : The F50 sailboat class is used in the SailGP series and is the first sailboat class to break the 50-knot barrier during a race, with a top speed of 52.2 knots. These high-performance catamarans showcase the incredible speed and agility that hydrofoil technology can offer.

Several brands have embraced hydrofoil technology, offering a range of hydrofoil yachts to cater to different sailing preferences. Here are some notable hydrofoil yacht brands and models:

Gunboat : Gunboat is a renowned brand in the world of luxury hydrofoil yachts. Their models, such as the Gunboat 68 and Gunboat 72, combine performance, comfort, and elegance, providing an exceptional sailing experience.

GC32 : The GC32 is a hydrofoil catamaran designed for high-performance racing. This foiling catamaran offers thrilling speeds and precise control, making it a favorite among competitive sailors.

AC72 and AC45f/AC50 : These hydrofoil catamarans were used in the America’s Cup, showcasing the cutting-edge technology and innovation in the world of hydrofoil yachts. These yachts pushed the boundaries of speed and performance, captivating sailing enthusiasts worldwide.

Nacra 17 and Nacra F20 : Nacra is a well-known brand in the world of multihull sailing, and their Nacra 17 and Nacra F20 models feature hydrofoil capabilities. These yachts offer a perfect balance of speed, stability, and maneuverability, making them popular choices for recreational and competitive sailing.

Hydrofoil yachts offer a range of advantages that make them appealing to sailors seeking speed, performance, and an exhilarating sailing experience. However, they also come with some drawbacks. Let’s explore the pros and cons of hydrofoil yachts:

Advantages:

Increased Speed : Hydrofoil yachts can achieve impressive speeds, thanks to reduced drag and increased lift. This allows sailors to cover more distance in less time, making hydrofoil yachts ideal for racing or simply enjoying the thrill of speed on the water.

Smooth Ride : By lifting the hull out of the water, hydrofoil yachts provide a smoother and more comfortable sailing experience. The reduced contact with the water minimizes the impact of waves and chop, resulting in a smoother ride even in rough conditions.

Improved Efficiency : Hydrofoil yachts are more efficient than traditional sailboats, thanks to reduced drag and improved lift. This increased efficiency translates to better performance and reduced energy consumption, making hydrofoil yachts an environmentally friendly choice.

Disadvantages:

Complex Design : Hydrofoil yachts require a more complex design compared to traditional sailboats. The addition of foils and the associated control systems can increase the complexity of the yacht, requiring more maintenance and potentially higher costs.

Learning Curve : Sailing a hydrofoil yacht requires a certain level of skill and experience. The handling and control of a hydrofoil yacht can be more challenging compared to traditional sailboats, requiring sailors to adapt to the unique characteristics of foiling.

Higher Costs : Hydrofoil yachts, especially high-performance models, can come with a higher price tag compared to traditional sailboats. The advanced technology, materials, and design required for hydrofoil yachts contribute to their higher cost.

Mediterranean sea

How fast is the hydrofoil racing yacht?

Hydrofoil racing yachts can achieve impressive speeds, with some models reaching over 50 knots (57.5 mph or 92.6 km/h). The F50 sailboat class, used in the SailGP series, holds the record for the fastest sailboat class, with a top speed of 52.2 knots (60 mph or 97 km/h).

What does a hydrofoil do to a boat?

A hydrofoil lifts the hull of a boat out of the water as it gains speed. This reduces the wetted area of the hull, minimizing drag and allowing the boat to achieve higher speeds. The lifting action of the hydrofoil also provides a smoother ride by reducing the impact of waves and chop.

Read more about “… Hydrofoil Catamaran: The Ultimate Guide to Foiling on Water”

How fast do hydrofoil boats go?

Hydrofoil boats can reach impressive speeds, depending on their design and purpose. Racing hydrofoil yachts can achieve speeds over 50 knots (57.5 mph or 92.6 km/h), while recreational hydrofoil boats can reach speeds of 20-30 knots (23-34.5 mph or 37-55.5 km/h) or more.

Why don’t boats use hydrofoils?

While hydrofoils offer significant advantages in terms of speed and efficiency, they also come with certain limitations. The complex design and higher costs associated with hydrofoils can be prohibitive for some boat owners. Additionally, the handling and control of hydrofoil boats require a certain level of skill and experience, making them less accessible to novice sailors.

Read more about “… Why do boats not use hydrofoils?”

Hydrofoil yachts have revolutionized the sailing experience, offering increased speed, improved efficiency, and a smoother ride. Whether you’re a competitive sailor looking for the thrill of high-speed racing or a recreational sailor seeking a more exhilarating sailing experience, hydrofoil yachts provide an exciting and innovative option.

Recommended Links:

  • Hydrofoil History
  • Advanced Hydrofoiling Techniques
  • Hydrofoil Equipment Reviews
  • How Do Hydrofoils Work on Boats? 2023

Reference Links:

  • Sailing Hydrofoil – Wikipedia
  • Gunboat Official Website
  • Nacra Official Website
  • SailGP Official Website
  • America’s Cup Official Website

Now that you have a comprehensive understanding of hydrofoil yachts, it’s time to set sail and experience the thrill of foiling firsthand. Whether you’re racing on the high seas or cruising along the coast, a hydrofoil yacht will take your sailing adventures to new heights. Happy foiling!

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is based on research and personal experience. Hydrofoiling™ is not affiliated with any specific brand or product mentioned in this article. Always consult with experts and follow safety guidelines when engaging in hydrofoil activities.

Review Team

Review Team

The Popular Brands Review Team is a collective of seasoned professionals boasting an extensive and varied portfolio in the field of product evaluation. Composed of experts with specialties across a myriad of industries, the team’s collective experience spans across numerous decades, allowing them a unique depth and breadth of understanding when it comes to reviewing different brands and products.

Leaders in their respective fields, the team's expertise ranges from technology and electronics to fashion, luxury goods, outdoor and sports equipment, and even food and beverages. Their years of dedication and acute understanding of their sectors have given them an uncanny ability to discern the most subtle nuances of product design, functionality, and overall quality.

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NEMESIS ONE

332ft // 101m, world's fastest hydrofoil cruising catamaran.

The ‘NEMESIS ONE’ will be the World’s Fastest Luxury Foiling Sailing Yacht, able to break the 50 knots speed barrier, while flying on computer controlled hydrofoils. Contrary to being a stripped out racing vessel, the all carbon fiber Nemesis One boasts stunning futuristic, yet comfortable interiors.

Engineered for top performance by world-renowned 'VPLP Design' and powered by AYRO's patented ‘OCEANWINGS’ wing sail, the high-tech superyacht resembles more of a stealth fighter jet, than a conventional sailing yacht.

Nemesis One Catamaran Hydrofoil Front View

Push-button Controls 

The excessive speeds the yacht will be capable of under sail, required the Nemesis team to completely abandoned the classic operating concept of: ‘Pulling lines and handling sails’.

To further minimize crew requirements, they’ve implemented state of the art hydraulic and electric controls throughout the design. Replacing bulky winches in the size of a car’s tire and line cluttered cockpits, commonly conceived when thinking of large sailing yachts.

VPLP Design & AYRO 'OCEANWINGS'

The modified 'OCEANWINGS' wing sail automatically adjusts it’s angle of attack, camber and twist, eliminating any need for manual sail trimming. Additionally, the reef and furlable wing sail is a staggering 2.6 times more efficient than a conventional sail plan of equal size.

Fully Autonomous

Flight Control & Safety

Flying on water at speeds in excess of 50 knots, leaving most performance motor yachts in her wake, won’t come at the expense of security and comfort.

Nemesis One will be equipped with the latest generation of smart LiDar (laser radar) sensors, precisely capturing the yachts surroundings.

The current sea state, especially wave height, shape and frequency, will be live monitored by LiDar as well.

All gathered data will be processed by the yacht’s mainframe and translated into precise control commands for the automated hydrofoils and rudders, making the yacht exceptionally stable & safe at any given speed.

The Nemesis One offers the unique option to exchange the port and starboard facing living modules, for ones with different interior configurations.

Making it a breeze to transform the interior layout from owner to charter setup for example. To boost her performance even further, both modules can also be completely removed, transforming the already very fast yacht into ‘Ultra-Light Race Mode’ configuration.

Even without wind, the Nemesis One will remain a zero emission vessel. Powered by a retractable hydrogen-electric propulsion, the yacht has no need for any fossil fuel. In addition to the hydrogen fuel, up to 750 sqm / 8073 sqft of solar panels, will generate up to 150kW of power, to recharge the yacht’s batteries.

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World’s Fastest Sailboat: Quantum Leap

  • By James Boyd
  • Updated: June 18, 2013

Vestas SailRocket 2

Vestas SailRocket 2

Last November, in southwest Africa, a landmark moment occurred in the history of sailing when Paul Larsen pegged the outright world sailing speed record. In recent years the record was eclipsed in small increments, usually a fraction of a knot, but the Australian’s innovative Vestas SailRocket 2 flew down the 500-meter course at an average speed just over 75 mph, almost 10 knots faster than the previous record held by American kiteboarder Rob Douglas.

Tim Colman’s asymmetric Crossbow established the first 500-meter record in 1972 with a heady 26.3 knots. Windsurfers took hold of the record in 1986 and held it until 1993 when Simon McKeon’s asymmetric yacht Yellow Pages took it and held it until 2004. Windsurfers reigned again for a few years, but it was the kiteboarders who shattered the mythical 50-knot barrier in 2008. In 2009 Alain Thebault’s foiler L’Hydroptère managed 51.36 knots. But the kiteboarders quickly won it back when Douglas pushed the record to 55.65 knots.

With the latest record Larsen not only reclaimed it on behalf of “the boats,” but set a benchmark—65.45 knots to be precise—that will be hard to surpass.

Despite the stunning margin of increase, the record did not come easily. The feat was the culmination of 10 years of hard graft, fiscal uncertainty, and severe setbacks.

The Australian-born Larsen had been best known in the sailing world for his offshore adventures. He crewed on Pete Goss’s ill-fated Team Philips , then ended up sailing around the world in The Race with Tony Bullimore. He completed another lap aboard Doha 2006 , winner of the Oryx Quest.

In 2002, he and his Swedish girlfriend, Helena Darvelid, herself an accomplished offshore sailor, teamed up with English naval architect and speed sailing junkie Malcolm Barnsley.

The catalyst for the SailRocket project was the book The 40-knot Sailboat written in 1963 by American rocket scientist and yacht design visionary Bernard Smith. At a time when yachts still had long keels, Smith described the idea of a sailing vessel dubbed the “aero-hydrofoil” with neutral stability: where the heeling moment from the rig is completely offset by a foil located to windward. Smith built models to prove his concept, but it was only when the first Vestas SailRocket was launched in the spring of 2004 that his concept was proven at full scale.

Initial progress was slow. In 2005, after two seasons getting to know the platform, they replaced its softsail rig with a wing. The first trials with the boat were on Portland Harbour, close to Larsen and Darvelid’s home in Weymouth, Great Britain. In 2007, the duo decamped to Walvis Bay, Namibia, a venue with perfect characteristics that offered more opportunity to carry out runs: a gently sloping beach, regular winds, and a 1,000-meter stretch of obstruction-free water. In recent years, Namibia has taken over from The French Trench in Saintes Maries de la Mer, France, as the preferred location for breaking sailing speed records. All the speed records set by kiteboarders were done in Luderitz, Namibia, some 250 miles south of Walvis Bay.

The first big speeds came in 2007, with SailRocket hitting an instantaneous speed of 42.4 knots during one run. It was well short of the record at the time, but fast enough to prove Smith’s concept. That number also enabled Larsen and Darvelid to gain vital sponsorship from wind turbine manufacturer Vestas.

With such a groundbreaking boat, teething problems were inevitable. They were getting faster, but the boat, rather than the pilot, was still mostly in control. A significant issue was the steering. “The back of the boat looked like Edward Scissorhands,” says Larsen. “We had three rudders hanging off the back; one system was confusing the other. It was a mess.”

After nearly destroying the boat in a crash, Larsen and Darvelid, along with Barnsley and engineer George Dadd, set out to create a better steering system. With this fitted, and_ Vestas SailRocket_ rebuilt, they set off again, as Larsen says “on one of the wildest runs I’ve ever had in that boat.” The steering was better—the boat would bear away to some degree—but far from perfect. On one run, Vestas SailRocket ran onto the beach at 35 knots.

But despite the troubles controlling the boat, Larsen knew they were on the right track. After tweaking the rudder over the next few days, they did one run, in big winds and relatively rough conditions, where Larsen felt for the first time that he was in control of the beast. It was a landmark moment.

“After that run, we booked the WSSRC for the first time,” he says, referring to the World Speed Sailing Record Council, which administers and validates all sailing speed records.

While the boat continued to get faster, a more fundamental design issue became apparent. With the pilot’s seat in the rear of the main hull, trying to keep the boat pointed in the right direction was a challenge. It was, Larsen describes, “like trying to fly an arrow backwards. It would try to turn around and fly the proper way with the weight at the front and the feathers at the back, by turning laterally into the wind, or vertically if it had to.”

On one memorable occasion, Vestas SailRocket took off and performed a complete backflip, leaving Larsen upside down in the water and the boat once again in pieces. The video of this crash went viral on YouTube and has been played more than 400,000 times. But this was one of many incidents: “We had rounded up into the wind, smashed the wing, and folded up the beam at least four times before we even got to the flip,” he recalls. “Each one of those was a big crash, big repair, damaged wing, broken struts; once we got the boat going really quick, then she started to somersault.”

Amid all of this, the world record was being pushed further down the track by the kiteboarders with Douglas stealing it from the windsurfers and then Frenchman Sebastien Cattelan being the first sailor to break the 50-knot barrier. But Vestas SailRocket also made its mark. The same day as the backflip, SailRocket became the world’s fastest boat, as opposed to board, at a speed of 47.3 knots.

The following season Larsen and company realized time was running out for Vestas SailRocket . They had an unofficial run of 49.38 knots and a peak speed of 52.78 knots, but the runs were still very much do or die. Larsen endured another full backflip and a separate catastrophe when the forward beamstay broke, causing the beam to fly back into the main hull and the boat to fold up, putting the pilot in the hospital. “It went from over 47 knots to a standstill, and the beam came back at me like a cricket bat,” says Larsen. “I still rate that as the most violent crash in yachting yet.”

With Vestas SailRocket reaching the limit of its potential, the team was already deep into the design of Vestas SailRocket 2 , harnessing all the knowledge they’d learned from the first boat.

While Barnsley spearheaded the design of the first boat, the principle designer of the second was Chris Hornzee-Jones, a structural engineer and aerodynamicist, who heads the company AeroTrope and designed the wingsail for the first Vestas SailRocket .

Launched in March 2011, Vestas SailRocket 2 incorporated all the fundamental features of the first boat: a hull to windward incorporating the all-important foil, a single crossbeam, and a wingsail inclined to weather by 30 degrees. In other ways, however, it was a significant step forward. At 40 feet long by 40 feet wide, it was slightly bigger, and the hull was now more like a glider fuselage sitting on two short floats at the bow and stern, with the rudder mounted on the forward one. To leeward the wingmast sat atop a third float.

Most noticeable was that while the floats pointed in its direction of travel, the fuselage was offset to starboard by 20 degrees to point into the direction of the apparent wind in order to minimize drag at high speed. They also “reversed the arrow,” putting the cockpit in the bow of the fuselage. They enlarged the wing from 172 sq. ft. to 193 sq. ft., added a hooked section at the bottom of the wing (giving it a hockey stick profile), which acts as an endplate for the wing and also provides some control over how high the leeward float flys.

In the cockpit, in addition to the steering wheel, the controls Larsen uses during a run are the mainsheet and the control for the flap on the outboard extension of the wing. There are also controls for raising and lowering the main foil and the low-speed skeg, and controlling the wing when stationary.

During the 2011 season, the team made solid progress. Vestas SailRocket 2 proved more controllable and stable than the previous boat, and in two seasons of use it experienced none of the same catastrophes that afflicted the first boat. However, regardless of the wind speed, the new boat couldn’t surpass the low 50-knot range. By this stage, Douglas had pushed the record to 55.65 knots.

The culprit proved to be the foil, mounted on a bracket well aft on the windward side of the fuselage.

In 2011, the team trialed two foils. Both were L-shaped, one a conventional asymmetric teardrop shape—with a similar section to an IMOCA 60/Volvo 70 daggerboard—the other a ventilating foil. With the former both the low- and high-pressure sides of the foil are put to use, but when traveling at speeds approaching 60 knots the foil cavitated. This is a common problem for propellers, caused when pressure on the low-pressure side of the foil becomes so low it causes the water to vaporize, effectively detaching it from the foil. With only one side of the foil working, the performance of the foil drops suddenly, with potentially disastrous effects.

A ventilating foil with more of bullet shape (a sharp leading edge, and a blunt trailing edge) is, in hydrodynamic terms, much less efficient: Its effective working area is much reduced, and it creates more drag. However, this shape theoretically removes the cavitation issue and allows the foil to operate smoothly at speeds well in excess of those where a conventional foil starts to struggle. During the 2011 season Vestas SailRocket was mostly being sailed with this foil, only it failed to ventilate properly. In desperation the team took out the grinder and progressively shortened the foil in 6″ chunks, down from 3’3″ to 1’9″, before returning to base to consider the data.

Back in Great Britain, the team planned to build a new foil, but was unsure what exactly to build. Talking to the experts only caused more confusion. They were advised a ventilating foil shouldn’t be able to get beyond 30 knots, but they had achieved speeds in excess of 50 knots with it. So they reverted to their original concept of a ventilated foil, only a depth of around 2′ submerged and a chord of 10″ at its maximum—about 60 percent of its original area. They also fitted Cosworth data loggers to the foil to establish where cavitation or ventilation was occurring.

The eureka moment came not with the new foil on its own, but when they added a strategically placed fence to prevent ventilation in an area of the foil that shouldn’t have been ventilated. And the rest, as they say, is history. Initially they set a new record of 59.23 knots, and 10 days later Larsen managed 65.45 knots with a peak speed of 67.74 knots.

What’s it like at 60 knots? “It depends on how close I get into the beach,” says Larsen. “If I stay out of the rough stuff, it is a short, sharp, bumpy ride, like on a high speed powerboat. This thing doesn’t knife through the waves, it skips over the top of the small chop. At the back of the boat it is pretty good, just riding on a foil, it is pretty civilized. The visibility is brilliant. I have got no sunglasses or visor on. There is no spray coming into the cockpit, compared to the last boat. I only feel a little bit of spray just when I start up.”

At present there are no plans to progress with Vestas SailRocket . The point has been proven. From the heavens Bernard Smith, who passed away on Feb. 10, 2010, can smile. Larsen is adamant the concept will go faster; in theory there is nothing to stop this genre of boat from hitting 100 knots. But it will require another foil. With his offshore background Larsen is intrigued to see if the neutral stability concept can be developed for more practical applications, but only if it makes boats like the 131-foot Banque Populaire maxi tri [the outright ’round the world record holder at 45 days] look like pedestrian dinosaurs.

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Syroco Kite-Powered Foil Set To Shatter Sailing Speed Record

A French startup called Syroco is planning to beat the world sailing speed record next year with a concept that’s — well, sometimes “different” doesn’t quite cut it.  They’re calling it the Moonshot 1 Speedcraft, and it is very likely the first one of … these , that you have ever seen.

Oh, and Syroco doesn’t want to just beat the sailing speed record. They want to smash it, aiming for 92 mph. That’s nearly 50% faster than the current record, held by Paul Larsen, who reached 55.32 knots (63.7 mph) on his Vestas Sailrocket 2 in November 24, 2012 in extremely windy (obviously) Walvis Bay in Namibia . Alas, beating an established, nearly decade-old record at all is going to take some doing. Beating it by 50%? That’s going to take some outside the box thinking, and the Moonshot 1 definitely has that. “We had to rethink the way to go faster on the water, but it had to be as safe as it was efficient,” says Alexandre Caizergues, co-founder of Syroco.

Like the bellytank lakesters of hot-rodding yore, the vehicle itself is a streamlined piece of lightweight, low drag goodness. In this case, it’s pulled along by a kite, and maintains its connection to the water via a long keel with a foil wing at the bottom, which serves to help lift the streamliner out of the water and steer it once it’s in the air.

It’s a wild concept, one that’s been talked about for a few years. Earlier this week, however, the good people at Syroco did something that seemed unthinkable just a few months ago: they actually got it to work!

Syroco speed record kite foil

“This was a very important step in the validation process,” reads the company’s website. “The team knew it would fly, it worked in computer simulations. Now it works in real life !”

Not for nothing, but they seemed almost as surprised as I was. To their credit, they did everything right to prove the viability of their concept. “For this campaign,” they explain, “the test platform consisted of a fast boat rigged with a 5-meter-high mast system that could provide a traction angle equivalent to the one of the kite. The prototype was strung to this rigging that essentially simulated the kite, and as the chaseboat picked up speed, the prototype gently lifted over water. The foil came into action, providing the opposing force as defined in the aile d’eau concept. And it started flying!”

So, it works, but a working concept is still a long way from a record run. The next hurdle the Syroco designers have to face is cavitation. That is, the air bubbles that build up around a foil wing as it moves progressively faster through a given fluid. In this case, at speeds that no sailing vessel has ever reached. “The big challenge is finding a foil shape that works at both high and low speeds,” says Yves de Montcheuil, the other Syroco co-founder. “Our goal is to take advantage of the cavitation and not, like most racing sailboats, fight against it.”

fastest foil sailboat

“The startup is developing foils that use ‘super-cavitation’ — a frictionless cavitation used by torpedoes and some propellers. It also plans to expand that technology beyond sailing into commercial shipping,” writes Robb Report’s Michael Verdon . “Speed isn’t just our end goal,” Montcheuil told him. “Our software simulation platform, Syroco Efficient Ship, lets us apply our research and help shipbuilders make much more efficient hulls that will reduce their carbon footprint . Nobody else is working with this kind of technology .”

The whole thing is super clever, of course. That said, I keep coming back to a comment from our own Steve Hanley , who said, “Fascinating, but as an avid sailor, I have a hard time calling that a ‘sailboat’.” I think he’s got a point, and this speed record should have a big ol’ asterisk beside it, once it does fall.

That’s my take, anyway. What’s yours? Watch the video explainer below, then let us know what you think of this two-man Moonshot 1 Speedcraft record running “sailboat” in the comments section at the bottom of the page.

Syroco Moonshot 1 Speedcraft Details

Source | Images : Syro.co , via Robb Report .

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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:

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Discover the Magic of Hydrofoil Sailboats

Discover the Magic of Hydrofoil Sailboats | Life of Sailing

Last Updated by

Daniel Wade

December 11, 2023

‍ Key Takeaways

  • Hydrofoil sailboats blend speed, stability, and innovation for a fun sailing experience.
  • Their design lifts the hull above water, reducing drag and enabling high-speed travel.
  • Advanced control mechanisms maintain stability in varying wind conditions.
  • Sails and hulls are meticulously engineered for optimal aerodynamics and lift.
  • Ongoing innovations in foil technology continue to propel hydrofoils to new heights.

‍ Based on their innovation and nature, the world of hydrofoil sailboats are magical, to say the least. But what exactly makes them so exceptional?

The magic of hydrofoil sailboats lies in their extraordinary speed. They can achieve remarkable speeds that were once thought impossible for sailboats. Their unrivaled stability and cutting-edge technology redefine sailing, offering a thrilling blend of innovation and performance.

Over the years, I've dedicated myself to mastering the intricacies of the yachting world, not just as an observer but as an active participant in the hydrofoil sailing community. My knowledge extends beyond the surface, encompassing the technical aspects of hydrofoil design and the thrill of high-speed sailing. As such, I’ll provide a comprehensive and engaging exploration of what sets hydrofoil sailboats apart, making them truly magical on the waters.

Table of contents

‍ Discover the Magic of Hydrofoil Sailboats

Hydrofoils saw their early development as a concept for enhancing speed and efficiency on the water. From Alexander Graham Bell's experiments to the application of foils on sailboats in the 1950s, the quest has always been for greater speed.

But it wasn't until Russell Long championed these designs with the CEC foiling catamaran and the development of the Hobie Trifoiler that hydrofoils began to carve a distinct niche in the sailing world.

This sailboat operates on a simple yet ingenious principle: as the speed increases, the foils submerged beneath the boat generate lift. This lift thrusts the boat's hull above the water, dramatically reducing drag.

It’s similar to how air flows around the wing of an airplane, only with water's denser environment offering a different dynamic. This revolutionary foiling system allows boats to glide over waves, offering an incredibly smooth ride.

The variety of hydrofoil sailboats is astounding, from the foiling catamarans that have revolutionized the America's Cup to the twin sail trimaran designs. The fastest production sailboat, the Hobie Trifoiler , showcases what hydrofoils are capable of.

Additionally, boats like the innovative Emirates Team New Zealand vessels continue to push the boundaries of technology in competitive sailing. Whether for recreational purposes or high-speed racing, the range of hydrofoil sailboats caters to different sailing experiences and preferences.

Now, let’s explore the various aspects of hydrofoil sailboats that make them truly magical.

The Thrills of Hydrofoil Sailing

When I first stepped onto a hydrofoil sailboat, I knew that sailing would never be the same for me. Harnessing the power of the wind to achieve remarkable speeds while hovering above the water was nothing short of revolutionary.

It's an adrenaline-infused blend of sailing, flying, and innovation that promises high performance and stability with a significant reduction in wetted areas.

The allure of hydrofoiling is not just about the speed; it's the sensation of flying over the waves, defying the conventions of traditional sailing. With each gust, my hydrofoil sailboat becomes a silent, swift car, slicing through the air rather than merely sailing on the water.

When sailing with hydrofoils, you get to experience the following benefits.

  • High Speed: With hydrofoils, I've seen and achieved speeds I never thought possible on water.
  • Less Wetted Area: As the hydrofoils lift the hull out of the water, drag is reduced, further contributing to the craft's efficiency and speed.
  • Stability: Surprisingly, the flying sensation is accompanied by stability once airborne, making the ride smoother.

The America’s Cup Competitive Foiling

Over the years, I've witnessed first-hand how hydrofoil technology has radically altered the landscape of competitive sailing. The introduction of hydrofoils has not only redefined what we consider possible in the sail area but has also brought a fresh surge of excitement to the racing circuit.

The most illustrious event in sailing, the America's Cup , underwent a transformation with the embrace of hydrofoils. Emirates Team New Zealand, a frontrunner in hydrofoil innovation, redefined the America's Cup racing in 2017.

Alongside them, the US team and Luna Rossa played pivotal roles in reshaping the landscape of America's Cup racing.

With their AC50 class catamarans soaring above the waves at top speeds that defy traditional sailing limits, they clinched the title and shifted the focus of competitive racing toward technological prowess.

The spectacle of these vessels racing is not just about the crew's capabilities but equally a testament to engineering marvels.

Also, the advent of hydrofoils in racing has certainly led to a spike in performance metrics. Here's a concise table highlighting the before and after impact of hydrofoiling in competitive Sailing:

This table illustrates just how much the racing landscape has shifted; it's not only sailing anymore.

It’s similar to piloting a high-speed aircraft, with each crew member playing a crucial role in harnessing the raw power of the strong winds in harmony with state-of-the-art technology. Watch this video for a more detailed explanation of hydrofoil sailboats and their magical power.

Technical Aspects of Hydrofoil Sailboats

In diving into the technical aspects of hydrofoil sailboats, I'll give you an insight into the intricate designs that enable these marvels to glide above the water, as well as the cutting-edge foil technology propelling them.

The design of a hydrofoil sailboat revolves around its capability to elevate the hull above the water, reducing drag and enabling high wind-speed travel. Control mechanisms are central in maintaining stability, especially when the sailboat interacts with varying wind conditions or maneuvers through shallow waters.

The hull's length and overall design are calibrated for balancing aerodynamics with hydrodynamics. In designing sails and hulls for foiling, one must carefully balance the need for power with the propensity for lift.

The sails are tailored not only to harness the wind's energy effectively but also to match the unique mechanics of a vessel in flight. Meticulous engineering ensures that the sail configuration works in harmony with the foils to propel the sailboat forward swiftly.

Additionally, the foil technology, which is pivotal to modern hydrofoils, has undergone significant further development over the years . From the materials used to the manufacturing processes, every element incorporates the latest in technology to yield extreme performance.

Advancements have led to foils that can automatically adjust to sailing conditions and speed, which is instrumental for achieving and maintaining high speeds.

Currently, the future of hydrofoil technology seems bound for even further breakthroughs. Customization and refinement of foils for specific water conditions, such as the challenges posed by shallow water, are ongoing.

Each new iteration builds upon the last, consistently advancing the field and informing the next leap in hydrofoil sailing. This persistent innovation in foil and hull technology is a testament to the potential that lies ahead for hydrofoil sailboats.

Are Hydrofoil Sailboats the Right Options for You?

Hydrofoil sailboats offer a unique and thrilling sailing experience, but whether they are the right option depends on your preferences and goals. These high-performance vessels are known for their exceptional speed and stability, making them ideal for thrill-seekers and competitive sailors.

If you're passionate about cutting-edge technology and want to push the boundaries of traditional sailing, hydrofoil sailboats could be a perfect fit.

However, they may require a learning curve for beginners and are typically more expensive than traditional sailboats.

Consider your skill level, budget, and desire for speed and innovation when deciding if hydrofoil sailboats align with your sailing aspirations.

The Future of Hydrofoil Sailboats and Their Transformative Potential

Over the years, I've been captivated by the evolution of sailing and the recent advancements in hydrofoil technology, which promise a thrilling future for these marine crafts.

The technology supporting hydrofoil sailboats is rapidly advancing, bringing us closer to a world where boats gliding above the water's surface is a common sight.

These boats use 'wings' or foils submerged in water to lift the hull above the surface, reducing drag and allowing for greater speeds. This innovation is not just limited to racing but is expected to influence recreational and transport vessels in the future.

Today, we see hydrofoils in action with hydrofoil kiteboards, which have become popular among thrill-seekers. This is due to their ability to harness wind power and achieve impressive acceleration and agility on the water. This same principle is being applied to larger sailing vessels, where performance and sustainability converge.

The further development of hydrofoil technology involves intensive research into materials and design optimizations that can handle the challenges of varied sea conditions.

Electric and solar-powered hydrofoils are on the horizon, poised to significantly impact our world by offering greener alternatives to traditional boats.

Notably, the trends in hydrofoiling indicate a shift towards more sustainable sailing, utilizing advancements in electric propulsion systems to complement the inherent energy efficiency of hydrofoil designs.

The goal is a fleet of sailboats that are not just faster but more eco-friendly, promising an exciting future where the joy of sailing is in harmony with the health of our oceans.

Related Articles

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.

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How the world’s fastest sail racing boats fly above the water

Jonathan Turner

Tune in to SailGP Season 2 and you’d be forgiven for thinking that your eyes are deceiving you.

F50 foiling catamaran flying over the surface

So, what is foiling, how does it work, and when did sailing become so… cool?

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The story behind hydrofoils

The next frontier.

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Want to learn more about SailGP?

Meet the denmark sailgp team, find all the latest news, go beneath the surface of sailgp, discover more beneath the surface.

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Like so many coastal communities all over the world, preserving the delicate marine ecosystem and the health of the ocean is of huge priority on the island of Bermuda

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Chasing a dream – Risking everything to renovate an abandoned hotel

When builder Bryan Baeumler stumbled upon a decaying and abandoned resort on the tropical island of St. Andros in the Bahamas, he was compelled to quit his cosy life in Canada and transform the ruin into a luxury escape. His top priority when revitalising the dilapidated resort was to renovate in the most sustainable way possible, with true respect for its island location. But how could this be done?

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Monofoil: The pocket rocket that can foil in just 8 knots of breeze

Matthew Sheahan

  • Matthew Sheahan
  • October 1, 2019

Built and developed in secret, the 8m Monofoil is a super-fast one-off foiling monohull, originally designed as a lake racer

The spectacle of a flying catamaran, be it an Olympic Nacra 17, a GC32, the recent America’s Cup 50-footers, or anything in between, has become almost normal in today’s racing world, so rapid has the shift to foiling been among multihulls.

But, even 17 years after they first appeared, the sight of a diminutive foiling Moth still turns heads. Foilers don’t have to be big to be impressive, balancing a single hull on a single foil is enough. Like those who can ride a unicycle, there’s something awe-inspiring about watching sailors who have pitch perfect balance fly a twitchy monohull while making it look like the most natural thing in the world.

There have been plenty of attempts to bring monohull foiling to bigger boats and to the masses. Yet no one has yet cracked the code, at least not for production boats.

monofoil-foiling-monohull-raceboat-aft-running-shot-credit-nicolas-jutzi

Little surprise then, that whenever a new monohull foiler comes onto the scene it attracts plenty of attention. One of the latest is the 8m Swiss-built Monofoil. This extraordinary and complex looking boat is essentially a sportsboat with an open cockpit but with outrigger foils, like bicycle stabilisers, that generate righting moment by pushing upwards on the leeward side.

She was designed by Swiss match racing sailor Eric Monnin and built by Damian Weiss, both of whom shared a common goal: to create a fast foiling monohull for the European lakes.

Interestingly, neither had any desire to create a production version, nor tell the world that this was the answer for others. Instead, they simply wanted to find out if they could fly fast enough on one hull to stand a chance of winning some of the big prizes at Europe’s top lake races, including the famous Bol D’Or Mirabaud.

Article continues below…

charal-foiling-imoca-60-route-du-rhum-2018-start-credit-lloyd-images

Charal: On board the radical IMOCA 60 that takes foiling to the next level

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Eagle Class 53: The foiling cruiser inspired by the America’s Cup

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Launched in the spring of 2018 after two years of secret development, the initial signs looked good as the 8m sportsboat delivered an impressive opening performance, topping 25 knots on one of her first outings.

After a winter of tweaking and refining, where the team had increased the foils by 20% and reduced her overall weight by 50kg, the Monofoil was back afloat for this season. Shortly after her re-launch at Easter, it was clear that the team had raised the game.

“We can now foil upwind in just 8 knots of breeze,” said Monnin. “And when the breeze builds to 12 knots we are travelling at 16-20 knots at a true wind angle of around 50-60°. When it comes to downwind performance we can happily sit at 22 knots in 12 knots of wind with the gennaker. After that, when the breeze is up to 15-20 we are holding 24-27 knots with just the main and jib,” he continued.

monofoil-foiling-monohull-raceboat-bowsprit-credit-matthew-sheahan

The carbon bowsprit is 1.2m long and cants so the tack of the gennaker can be set further to windward, allowing the Monofoil to sail deeper

All impressive stuff for an 8m monohull. This is a proper pocket rocket that weighs just 650kg and can be rigged off the road trailer and launched in a couple of hours. Indeed, Monnin explains, her performance was in part limited by the need to keep the maximum beam down to 2.5m to meet European towing regulations.

Single hull foiling

So how does the Monofoil work? Setting the foils to one side to start with, the 8m long sportsboat flies a self-tacking jib upwind and a gennaker off a canting bowsprit downwind. She is designed to be raced by a full crew of four, including the helmsman, with two on trapezes to boost the righting moment.

She has a large square-topped mainsail that makes full use of the available space in a sail plan that sees the boom extend all the way to the transom where a full width traveller allows plenty of mainsheet tension to keep the head of the main stand up. This does mean she has a pair of running backstays rather than a single fixed stay, but double aft swept spreaders provide sufficient fore and aft support for the mast.

monofoil-foiling-monohull-raceboat-foil-raised-credit-matthew-sheahan

The foil deployed, but in the raised position. Normally it wouldn’t be underwater but the boat was heeled at the dock

Being a potent performer, she sails at high apparent wind speeds with the apparent wind ahead of the beam. This makes the full width mainsheet traveller an important feature to allow the mainsail to be dropped down to leeward while still maintaining leech tension, much like a multihull.

Her rudder is mounted on a transom-hung gantry to ensure greater efficiency for the T-foil blade. The rake of the rudder can be adjusted to alter the fore and aft trim of the boat.

While the foils look large and complex, their operation is surprisingly simple and belie the amount of work that has gone into designing a complete system that allows the curved foils to slide through a set of bearings in the hull.

monofoil-foiling-monohull-raceboat-worm-drive-credit-matthew-sheahan

A simple rope-driven worm drive alters the rake of the T-foil rudder, which in turn alters the trim of the boat. The rudder is mounted on a gantry off the transom to minimise cavitation

Much like the Beneteau Figaro 3, the idea is that both boards are lowered when sailing. Yet unlike the Figaro, the windward board is lifted partially to help raise it above the water’s surface and reduce the chances of it becoming immersed where it would create drag.

The clever part is the small amount of movement that is required to lift and lower the boards, especially when compared to the amount of movement required to raise and lower daggerboards on a modern multihull.

Also unlike the Figaro, the Monofoil’s boards are fully retracted in light winds. With very little of the foil in the water there is minimal drag and the boat can be sailed like any other monohull.

monofoil-foiling-monohull-raceboat-daggerboard-credit-matthew-sheahan

A custom bearing lets the daggerboard slide vertically to be raised or lowered. Rake is adjusted by the green line winding a worm drive

In these conditions the skinny and efficient 2.2m deep keel, with its 160kg bulb, is a good combination when the breeze is below 8 knots and allows the Monofoil to perform like any other similarly sized sportsboat.

The dihedral (upwards angle) of the foils is also an interesting feature that provides a degree of automatic heel control. As the boat accelerates and comes upright, so less of the foil is in the water, which reduces vertical lift.

Deceptively simple

At rest this boat does look pretty complex, yet once she’s rigged and underway you realise how simple she is to operate as well as how much effort has gone into designing her that way.

monofoil-foiling-monohull-raceboat-interior-credit-matthew-sheahan

Below decks the full carbon construction is clear to see

This is an ingenious trailer-sailer that will fly in light conditions and be stable on foils right up through the wind range, something the crew demonstrated during this year’s Mirabaud Bol d’Or. As a vicious 50-plus knot storm swept through the fleet, she and her crew were one of the few to survive unscathed and go on to complete the overnight race.

The irony remains that – unlike many others in the Bol d’Or – this is not a boat that was intended to be the prototype for a new range of production foilers, even though she appears to provide answers to plenty of questions.

The bottom line is that the Monofoil seems to work. Irrespective of what speeds she clocks up, what is most impressive is how she performs across such a wide range of wind speeds.

monofoil-foiling-monohull-raceboat-hull-cut-outs-credit-matthew-sheahan

Rectangular cut-outs in the hull allow the foil to be lowered completely on the leeward side. The windward foil is raised slightly in a similar way to pulling up a normal daggerboard

The Monofoil is no one-trick pony and while the concept wasn’t created for production, it could provide an appealing route for those who are realistic about their ability to learn how to balance like a Moth sailor, or ride a unicycle.

Specification

LOA: 8.0m (26ft 3in) Beam: 2.5m (8ft 2in) Displacement (empty): 850kg (1,874lb) Mast height: 12.2m (40ft 0in) Mainsail area: 32m 2 (345ft 2 ) Headsail area: 16m 2 (172ft 2 ) Gennaker area: 50m 2 (538ft 2 )

iFLY15 – iFLY Razzor Pro – Foiling Catamaran - can't wait to sail it again!!

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iFLY15 is a hydrofoil catamaran - foiling boat cover image

“iFLY15 is the unique combination of high performance with easy accessibility – for maximum performance and maximum fun.”

Cec catamarans -ifly15 team, “we love speed while keeping control – high speed needs to be controllable. the flying boat of the future, is a stable foiling sport catamaran.”, cec catamarans – ifly15 team, „ foiling: one of the things you have to experience to really feel it. “, jimmy spithill, skipper oracle team usa, “stable flight is the key to high performance sailing”, “ifly15 – get the balance right between a nice sporting challenge and a reasonable and controllable level – enjoy the exhilaration, the speed and the adrenaline in your veins, but always stay master of the situation “, “stable flight attitude is the most important prerequisite for high performance sailing.”, victor diaz de leon, sailgp team usa, “stable flight attitude is key for easy foiling. ifly15 with superior flight stability delivers immediate flying fun within the first minutes. advantage through high-tech.”, “the ifly15 is the quickest boat around the course, … “, arno terra – sailor, ifly 15 one design and ifly razzor pro, the  performance  foiling  catamaran, for maximum speed and maximum control.

  • Easy access to a high HIGH PERFORMANCE FOILING CATAMARAN
  • Automated DYNAMIC FLIGHT Assistance SYSTEM – FLYSAFE® FOIL CONTROL
  • highest quality standards – High-tech full carbon sailboat
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  • adjustable rake – MAIN FOIL DIFFERENTIAL during sailing for even more performance in the version IFLY Razzor Pro
  • Foiling Versatility and Speed …

The quality and performance have been proven for 8 years and further developed to maximum perfection in every detail

IFLY HYDROFOIL SAILING – EXCELLENCE, FIELD PROVEN TO PERFECTION

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 Have a high performance racing machine on regattas

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Stay tuned for foiling events and specials!

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Main foil differential technology – mdt, innovative, sophisticated foil control for unbeaten performance, high speeds and easy access, ifly15 and ifly razzor pro, ifly main foil differential – mdt, ifly razzor pro.

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F oiling maneuvers are heavily supported, superior flight attitude through active foil control, dynamic control of f light high , pitch and role, non-linear control and feedback control system for best flight stability, even in waves, the foils do not need to be manually manipulated, optimized performance: advanced sailors can adjust rake and gearing, more about flysafe®>>>, active flight assistance, the foil can be trimmed actively while sailing, the key to maximum performance , mdt for performance-orientated pro sailor, mdt extends the flysafe® foil control, to sail large xxl rigs, more about main foil differential ->>>, performance downwind: staying on the foils, full foiling, in 5-6kts tws, reaching max. boat speeds of up to 2.5*tws, performance upwind: full foiling from 8kts. tws, taking off from 7kts tws, video youtube channel, ifly15 foiling catamaran.

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The most innovative development in foiling technology

About ifly15, stable flight  is  key for both: first for highest performance and foiling in a wide wind range, including rough and wavy conditions, but also easy access into foiling…...

iFLY stands for uniqueness in design and function. Its superior Flysafe ® active foil control system autonomously supports the stable horizontal flight position in the longitudinal and lateral direction. The 4 T-Foils do not have to be operated by the sailor during sailing.

Average skilled dinghy or catamaran sailors with some trapeze experience can safely foil with the iFLY15 after only a few hours. Quick access – the immediate sensation of success – steep learning curve. In the hand of an experienced sailor, iFLY15 offers a whole new sailing experience with previously not experienced speeds and agile maneuverability.

The flight control system, combined with numerous fine-tuned innovations , ensures safe foiling even in strong winds and rough seas.. Stable flight attitude allows pushing hard, so in good conditions, iFLY reaches high boat speed beyond 30 knots in a controllable way.

IFLY15 offers freedom to fly alone or in pairs. Due to the exclusive use of high-tech materials , iFLY15 is extremely rigid and weighs less than 90 kilos ready to sail. With its low weight and its state-of-the-art hydrofoils, it is airborne in winds as low as 2Bft. / 6 Knots.

iFLY15 has a length of only 15 feet, is easy to transport, quick to get ready to sail, and can be easily slipped from the beach using a conventional beach trolley.

Its sophisticated design reflects the highest demands on quality and function.

iFLY15 – customer reviews

happy clients | Foiling catamaran sailing with iFLY15

 « LESS CRASHING IS MORE FUN »

MARCUS LYNCH, PROFESSIONAL SAILOR AND OLYMPIC COACH, GC32 OMAN, NACRA17

« I WAS INITIALLY AMAZED AT HOW EASY TO HANDLE THE IFLY IS AND AT HOW IDLE THE BOAT IS EVEN IN STRONG WINDS. »

ANTOINE, IFLY OWNER FROM GENEVA

VERY STABLE, EXTRAORDINARY STABLE. IT IS EXTREMELY INTERESTING, BECAUSE YOU IMMEDIATELY SEE THE ACCESSIBILITY OF THE BOAT.

FRANÇOIS GABART

« GREAT BOAT, LIKE A MOTH ON STEROIDS ! »

VICTOR DIAZ DE LEON, MIAMI, PROFESSIONAL SAILOR. US TEAM SAILGP, INTERNATIONAL MOTH, MATCHRACING MELGES 32, J70

WHAT A GREAT BOAT THIS IS, AND I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT”

PHILIP WALKER

« THE DYNAMIC FLIGHT CONTROL SYSTEM ALLOWS LONG AND STABLE FLIGHTS »

GERHARD FLORIN, IFLY OWNER FROM GENEVA, SWITZERLAND

TO FELLOW SAILORS WHO LOVE THE THRILL OF SAILING WITH SPEED WHILE MAINTAINING CONTROL”

ROY BALLENTINE

« WELL BALANCED AND RAKE DIFFERENTIAL ALLOWING FOR GREAT PERFORMANCE UPWIND! »

CARLOS ROBLES,PROFESSIONAL SAILOR 49ER, PALMA DE MALLORCA

« A SENSATIONAL FOILING EXPERIENCE. THE SPEED IS IMPRESSIVE »

INGMAR WARNICKE: COMMODORE OF YCSO, YACHT CLUB SCHARBEUTZ, BALTIC SEA

⭐ ⭐   ⭐   ⭐   ⭐

iFLY foiling sailboat - best experienced sailing

IFLY RAZZOR PRO – THE NEW IFLY FOR EXPERIENCED SAILORS

THE SINCE 7 YEARS PROVEN IFLY15 WITH FLYSAFE® DYNMAMIC FOIL CONTROL has now a pur Racing fellow: THE iFLY RAZZOR Pro. THE iFLY racing VERSION ENABLES EVEN HIGHER PERFORMANCE, to sail in extremely tough conditions and allows sailing with XXL rigs. THE MAIN DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE IFLY15 ONE DESIGN AND THE IFLY RAZZOR PRO IS A BIGGER RACING RIG, SPECIAL FOILS AND THE MAIN FOIL DIFFERENTIAL (MDT), WHICH IS MANUALLY TRIMMED BY THE SAILOR. THE MDT IS WORKING HAND IN HAND WITH THE FLYSAFE® DYNAMIC FOIL CONTROL SYSTEM.

flying – sailing – Blog

“We’re taking off! Foiling is THE Watersports Trend!    –    „Boot International 2024“ in Düsseldorf / Germany once again showcases: Foiling is THE trend in watersports.

“We’re taking off! Foiling is THE Watersports Trend! – „Boot International 2024“ in Düsseldorf / Germany once again showcases: Foiling is THE trend in watersports.

Performance Sailing – Sail GP News: Racing on the Edge – T-Foil proves to be the winning design

Performance Sailing – Sail GP News: Racing on the Edge – T-Foil proves to be the winning design

Regatta and foiling News: Long distance Race – Duc d’Albe 2023 – Club Multicoques Hyères – sailing Race @iFLY Razzor Pro

Regatta and foiling News: Long distance Race – Duc d’Albe 2023 – Club Multicoques Hyères – sailing Race @iFLY Razzor Pro

iFLY Main Foil Differential Technology – MDT Foil Control – high Performance sailing

iFLY Main Foil Differential Technology – MDT Foil Control – high Performance sailing

IFLY FOILING Adventure

IFLY FOILING Adventure

FOILING – REGATTA – EVENTS

FOILING – REGATTA – EVENTS

Long distance Race – Duc d’Albe 2021 – Club Multicoques Hyères – sailing Race @iFLY Razzor Pro

Long distance Race – Duc d’Albe 2021 – Club Multicoques Hyères – sailing Race @iFLY Razzor Pro

INTERNATIONAL IFLY foiling FLEET RACE 2021

INTERNATIONAL IFLY foiling FLEET RACE 2021

iFLY15 successfully crossing the English channel / world record Attempt Cowes to Dinard / Saint Malo

iFLY15 successfully crossing the English channel / world record Attempt Cowes to Dinard / Saint Malo

Catamaran europe central, the iflysail team, is looking forward to your message.

fastest foil sailboat

12 foiling boats for sailors of all levels

  • April 15, 2022
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fastest foil sailboat

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

barche foiling Birdyfish

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.

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Flo1 – 4.25 m

Flying difficulty:  X

barche foiling Flo1

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

fastest foil sailboat

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

barche foiling Foiling Dinghy

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

barche foiling Moth

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

barche foiling Peacoq14

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

barche foiling Persico 69F

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

barche foiling skeeta

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

barche foiling Stunt S9

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

barche foiling ufo

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

Waszp barche foiling

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

barche foiling whisper

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.

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

  • Electric boats
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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 flying RIB

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.

Read more about the SEAir foiling RIB

Article continues below…

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.

Read more about the Enata Foiler

princess-r35-classic-yacht-tour-video

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.

Read more about the Princess R35

candela-c-pod-c-8-electric-boats-propulsion

The foiling Candela C-8 is the first boat to use Candela’s proprietary C-POD, but bigger craft will follow later

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.

Read more about the Candela C-8

best-hydrofoil-boats-iguana-foiler-Screenshot-2022-11-01-at-14.44.14

The electric Iguana is capable of three knots on the land and 30 knots at sea

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…

Read more about the Iguana Foiler

best-hydrofoil-boats-mantaray-m24-MBY286.news.Mantaray_M24_4

The foils lift up at slow speeds to reduce the draft

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.

Read more about the Mantaray M24

It doesn’t end here, with fascinating one-off projects from Spirit Yachts and BMW on the water, it’s clear that foiling has a huge potential for transforming the world of boating.

Read more about hydrofoil technology

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Some of the fastest sailboats in the world get ready to race in Halifax

  • Duration 8:02

CBC Nova Scotia's Mainstreet broadcast live from the Halifax waterfront as F50 Catamarans practised for this weekend's SailGP races. Host Jeff Douglas and co-host Lisa Ross, a sailor and former Olympian, spoke with Canadian team driver Phil Robertson and sailor Antonia Lewin-LaFrance, who will be heading to the Summer Olympics.

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France files preliminary terrorism charges against teenager accused of plan to attack Olympic fans

FILE - Police officers patrol the Trocadero plaza near the Eiffel Tower in Paris, Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2023. The French Interior Minister said Friday that security authorities have foiled a plan to attack soccer events during the Paris Olympics. Gerald Darmanin said in a statement Friday May 31, 2024 that an 18-year-old man from Chechnya was arrested on May 22 on suspicion of being behind a plan to attack soccer events that will be held in the city of Saint-Etienne, southwest of Lyon. (AP Photo/Michel Euler, File)

FILE - Police officers patrol the Trocadero plaza near the Eiffel Tower in Paris, Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2023. The French Interior Minister said Friday that security authorities have foiled a plan to attack soccer events during the Paris Olympics. Gerald Darmanin said in a statement Friday May 31, 2024 that an 18-year-old man from Chechnya was arrested on May 22 on suspicion of being behind a plan to attack soccer events that will be held in the city of Saint-Etienne, southwest of Lyon. (AP Photo/Michel Euler, File)

Gendarmes patrol in front of the Mont-Saint-Michel before the Olympic torch relay arrives at the famous island, Friday, May 31, 2024 in Brittany. (AP Photo/Jeremias Gonzalez)

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PARIS (AP) — French authorities on Friday raised preliminary terrorism charges against an 18-year-old accused of a plot targeting spectators attending soccer games at the upcoming Paris Olympics . The interior minister said it was the first such thwarted plot targeting the Games, which start in eight weeks as France is on its highest threat alert level.

The man is accused of planning a ‘’violent action’’ on behalf of the Islamic State group’s jihadist ideology, the national counterterrorism prosecutor’s office said in a statement Friday. The man, who was not identified, is behind held in custody pending further investigation.

Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said in a statement that members of the General Directorate of Internal Security arrested an 18-year-old man from Chechnya on May 22 on suspicion of being behind a plan to attack soccer events that will be held in the southern city of Saint-Etienne.

According to the initial investigation, the man was preparing an attack targeting the Geoffroy-Guichard stadium in Saint-Etienne that will host several soccer matches during the Summer Games. The planned attack was to target spectators and police forces, the statement said. The suspect wanted to attack the Olympic events “to die and become a martyr,” the statement also said.

FILE - Vincent Hancock, of the United States, competes in the men's skeet at the Asaka Shooting Range in the 2020 Summer Olympics, July 26, 2021, in Tokyo, Japan. The most decorated Olympic skeet shooter of all time, Hancock has three gold medals in an event no one else has won more than once. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)

France is on in its highest security alert ahead of the Paris Olympics and Paralympics , which are expected to draw millions of visitors, and run July 26-Aug. 11. Soccer matches will take place in cities across France before the final in Paris’ Stade de France.

Darmanin, the interior minister, did not cite a specific security threat against the soccer event, but has said there are multiple potential threats , including those from Islamic extremist groups, violent environmental activists, far-right groups and cyberattacks from Russia or other adversaries.

The Paris Olympics organizing committee said it was made aware of the arrest and praised intelligence and security services. ‘’Security is the highest priority of Paris 2024. We are working daily in close coordination with the Interior Ministry and all stakeholders — and will continue to be fully mobilized,’' it said in a statement.

Canada’s women’s soccer team is the defending Olympic champion and is set to open group play on July 25 in Saint-Étienne against New Zealand. Canada will also face France at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard on July 26.

Asked about the purported plot, Canada coach Bev Priestman said: “That’s a concern to hear, but I think a little bit like in Tokyo, the Olympic Committee, I would imagine that they’re going to step in and I think our faith and trust will be in making it a secure and safe environment for our players.”

Security concerns are notably high for the the exceptional opening ceremony , which brings more than 100 world leaders to the French capital. It involves boats carrying athletes along the Seine River on a 6-kilometer (3.7-mile) open-air parade and huge crowds watching from the embankments.

In April, French President Emmanuel Macron said the July 26 opening ceremony could be moved instead to the country’s national stadium if the security threat is deemed too high.

Organizers had originally planned to host as many as 600,000 people, most watching free of charge from riverbanks. But security and logistical concerns have led the government to progressively scale back its ambitions. Earlier this year, the overall number of spectators was reduced to around 300,000.

The French government also decided that tourists won’t be given free access to watch the opening ceremony because of security concerns. Free access will be invitation-only instead.

Extra security is also on hand for the Olympic torch relay, which passed on Friday through the monastery outcropping of Mont-Saint-Michel, which sees thousands of tourists daily.

Associated Press writer Anne Peterson in Portland, Ore. contributed to this report.

Follow AP coverage of Paris Olympics https://apnews.com/hub/2024-paris-olympic-games

fastest foil sailboat

Fisherman remembered as a ‘hero’ for saving deckhand after shrimp boat capsized

FAIRHOPE, Ala. ( WALA /Gray News) - A fisherman who died when his shrimp boat capsized after a storm is being remembered as a hero for saving his deckhand.

Boat captain and shrimper Mike Bishop was killed when his shrimp boat capsized on Saturday.

Mike Bishop’s deckhand Mark Henderson survived after floating in the water for seven hours. He said he survived because of Mike Bishop’s help.

Henderson told Mike Bishop’s son Brandon Bishop that his dad gave him a life jacket just before their boat hit a waterspout.

Brandon Bishop said he misses his dad but finds comfort in knowing his father saved a life.

“When I went and spoke to Mark his deckhand this morning in the hospital, he was still pretty shaken up,” he said. “But he said that my dad gave him a life jacket and told him to go out back. And he said the last thing he remembers is my dad in the wheelhouse trying to get his life jacket on and he said the boat went this way and it went this way real quick and they were tossed upside down. They were hit by the waterspout and my dad’s a hero. He saved someone’s life.”

Brandon Bishop said the rescue was a team effort.

“The shrimping community is tight and everybody comes together,” he said. “Especially in these hard times like this, and shrimping is not a job. It’s a way of life and my dad loved it.”

Derek Boothe said he was one of the first to identify Mike Bishop’s boat in the water.

“Well at 8:00, a state trooper’s boat pulled up and slips over and he came out of the boat with a picture of an overturned vessel in the bay about a half a mile from here,” Boothe said. “And I ID’ed the vessel as Mike Bishop’s work boat.”

Boothe said he immediately picked up the phone and called Patrick Gormandy, another nearby fisherman.

“‘We got to get to searching. We got to get something going,’” Boothe said. “I called Patrick and he immediately drug his nets up and started the search, and then we kind of orchestrated our own search out of here and Patrick actually picked up the deckhand an hour after that phone call.”

Brandon Bishop returned to his dad’s empty boat slip on Tuesday.

He said it’s difficult not seeing the boat where it docked so many years.

“It’s absolutely heartbreaking. I mean words can’t describe it but you know it’s hard, it’s tough,” Brandon Bishop said.

He said his dad was no stranger to water and loved shrimping even after he retired.

Brandon Bishop said they are still making arrangements to get his dad’s boat out of the water.

Copyright 2024 WALA via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.

DPS: Crash leaves 1 dead in Moore County

DPS: Crash leaves 1 dead in Moore County

FILE - Mandisa accepts the award for pop/contemporary album of the year at the Dove Awards...

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IMAGES

  1. World's Fastest Sailboat: Quantum Leap

    fastest foil sailboat

  2. MW40OF

    fastest foil sailboat

  3. 10 Fantastic Foiling Boats

    fastest foil sailboat

  4. Beneteau Figaro 3 is a new foil-assisted sail yacht

    fastest foil sailboat

  5. FunToSail: Worlds Fastest Sailboats

    fastest foil sailboat

  6. Fastest sailboat: the two teams hoping to set new a new record

    fastest foil sailboat

VIDEO

  1. How fast are Aluminum Windfoils?

  2. SpeedDream on the BBC.mov

  3. Surf Foil Mast Sizes

  4. The Fastest Hydrofoil I Pumped

  5. Sailing 2 Hobie TriFoilers Side by Side

  6. Trifoiler ripping across San Diego’s Mission Bay

COMMENTS

  1. World's Most Advanced Hydrofoil Boats Fly Above Water

    With razor-sharp hydrofoil catamarans that help them hit speeds of 60 miles an hour, the athletes of SailGP are pushing the limits of physics and human endur...

  2. World's fastest sailboat: Two wild designs hit the water for testing

    The current world sailing speed record has stood for a little over a decade at 65.37 knots (75.23 mph/121.06 km/h), set by Paul Larsen in the Vestas Sailrocket II back in 2012. There's a reason ...

  3. Fastest sailboat: the two teams hoping to set new a new record

    Now two teams are hoping to set a new record with their radical designs, Mark Chisnell reports. On 24 November 2012, Paul Larsen and his Sailrocket team rewrote our understanding of the physics of ...

  4. How SailGP's foiling F50 catamarans sail so much faster ...

    How SailGP's foiling F50 catamarans sail so much faster than the wind. Jonathan Turner. January 8, 2023. Arguably the most technologically advanced sailboats on the planet right now, the one-design SailGP F50 foiling catamarans are capable of breathtaking speeds - at times, reaching four times the velocity of the wind that drives them.

  5. [2023] Hydrofoil Yacht: The Ultimate Guide to Sailing on Foils

    How fast is the hydrofoil racing yacht? Hydrofoil racing yachts can achieve impressive speeds, with some models reaching over 50 knots (57.5 mph or 92.6 km/h). The F50 sailboat class, used in the SailGP series, holds the record for the fastest sailboat class, with a top speed of 52.2 knots (60 mph or 97 km/h).

  6. Nemesis One Worlds Fastest Luxury Hydrofoil Sailing Super yacht

    World's Fastest High Performance Luxury Hydrofoil Sailing Yacht. Nemesis Yachts is creating a completely new 'breed' of sailing superyachts, catering to high performance enthusiasts, who don't want to compromise on cruising comfort. We're the only multihull yacht builder, to offer a level of performance, previously reserved exclusively for striped out racing yachts.

  7. Hydrofoil : world speed sailing record for Hydroptere at 51.36 knots

    Hydroptere : fastest sailing boat in the world with a speed record of 51.36 knots. An incredible hydrofoil !

  8. Boat of the Year 2020 F101: Best Foiler

    At A Glance. Price As Sailed: $24,750. Design Purpose: Learn to foil, advance skills. Crew List: One or two. Rob Andrews and his ­business partner Alan Hillman have been teaching foiling for a ...

  9. World's Fastest Sailboat: Quantum Leap

    Launched in March 2011, Vestas SailRocket 2 incorporated all the fundamental features of the first boat: a hull to windward incorporating the all-important foil, a single crossbeam, and a wingsail ...

  10. Syroco Kite-Powered Foil Set To Shatter Sailing Speed Record

    Oh, and Syroco doesn't want to just beat the sailing speed record. They want to smash it, aiming for 92 mph. That's nearly 50% faster than the current record, held by Paul Larsen, who reached ...

  11. 10 Fantastic Foiling Boats

    10. New Zealand 'R' Class skiff. In New Zealand they love their skiff sailing, and development classes like the doublehanded 'R' Class are prime for new features. The 'R' Class started its project to get the fleet foiling back in 2008 and now there are a clutch of boats racing.

  12. F1X Foiling Catamaran

    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. The rudders and daggerboard foils ...

  13. Discover the Magic of Hydrofoil Sailboats

    The fastest production sailboat, the Hobie Trifoiler, ... Each new iteration builds upon the last, consistently advancing the field and informing the next leap in hydrofoil sailing. This persistent innovation in foil and hull technology is a testament to the potential that lies ahead for hydrofoil sailboats.

  14. Sailing hydrofoil

    Hydrofoiling wingsail catamaran 17. A sailing hydrofoil, hydrofoil sailboat, or hydrosail is a sailboat with wing-like foils mounted under the hull.As the craft increases its speed the hydrofoils lift the hull up and out of the water, greatly reducing wetted area, resulting in decreased drag and increased speed. A sailing hydrofoil can achieve speeds exceeding double and in some cases triple ...

  15. Always On

    It's called L'Hydroptere and the French concept sailboat -- with its marine style wings -- basically flies on the water. CNET's Molly Wood meets Alain Thebau...

  16. How the world's fastest sail racing boats fly above the water

    Since its inception in 2019, SailGP has fast become the pinnacle event in the sailing calendar - but this global racing league is more akin to Formula 1 on water than traditional sailboat racing, with athletes who resemble fighter pilots rather than the salt-soaked adventurers of the past. ... As the foil moves through the water, the low ...

  17. Monofoil: The pocket rocket that can foil in just 8 knots of breeze

    Shortly after her re-launch at Easter, it was clear that the team had raised the game. "We can now foil upwind in just 8 knots of breeze," said Monnin. "And when the breeze builds to 12 ...

  18. The World's Most Advanced eFoil

    A video highlighting the FOIL R's performance and design. The video starts with two riders carving out on the water. The next part of the video covers the R's newest colorways and sleek components. ... The world's fastest production eFoil. LEARN MORE. Unbeatable Warranty We mean it. No hour or cycle limits. We cover the battery for the full ...

  19. Formula Foil

    The flight control system, combined with numerous fine-tuned innovations, ensures safe foiling even in strong winds and rough seas.. Stable flight attitude allows pushing hard, so in good conditions, iFLY reaches high boat speed beyond 30 knots in a controllable way. IFLY15 offers freedom to fly alone or in pairs.

  20. The race to create the world's fastest sail boat

    Syroco vs SP80: groundbreaking ship design. 1 of 7. CNN —. For more than eight years, the world sailing speed record has remained unbroken. In November 2012, Australian Paul Larsen reached 65.45 ...

  21. Syroco

    Fastest sailboat in the world: 121 km/h. As of 2012 it is world speed record sailing remained unbroken. Because in November 2012, the Australian Paul Larsen reached 65,45 knots, a speed of 121 kilometers per hour. This is what he achieved with his Vestas Sail Rocket 2 when he blasted over the South Atlantic waters off the coast of Namibia.

  22. 12 foiling boats for sailors of all levels

    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.

  23. Best hydrofoil boats: 6 of the most spectacular foiling motorboats

    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 ...

  24. Some of the fastest sailboats in the world get ready to race in Halifax

    News. 8:02. CBC Nova Scotia's Mainstreet broadcast live from the Halifax waterfront as F50 Catamarans practised for this weekend's SailGP races. Host Jeff Douglas and co-host Lisa Ross, a sailor ...

  25. Paris Olympics: French security authorities foil a plan to attack

    The French Interior Minister said Friday that security authorities have foiled a plan to attack soccer events during the Paris Olympics. Gerald Darmanin said in a statement Friday May 31, 2024 that an 18-year-old man from Chechnya was arrested on May 22 on suspicion of being behind a plan to attack soccer events that will be held in the city of ...

  26. Seattle Dragon Boat Festival takes over Lake Union

    Published: 7:30 PM PDT June 6, 2024. Updated: 7:17 PM PDT June 6, 2024. SEATTLE — Dragon boat racing is a colorful race that has been a traditional Chinese paddled watercraft activity for over ...

  27. Fisherman remembered as a 'hero' for saving deckhand after shrimp boat

    FAIRHOPE, Ala. (WALA/Gray News) - A fisherman who died when his shrimp boat capsized after a storm is being remembered as a hero for saving his deckhand. Boat captain and shrimper Mike Bishop was ...