What are the unique selling points of the Flo1?

Even though the Flo1 handles like a normal dinghy, it has some differences:

• Launch it from a slope or from the beach
• The sail is easy to hoist and lower back down
• The foils easily fold to the side of the boat

You can sail the Flo1 like a traditional sailboat. The DSS-foils are not only there for foiling, but because the foils make the boat wider, they also give it more stability. The Flo1 is at its most stable when it’s foiling.

What are the different modes of the Flo1?

The Flo1 has multiple sailing modes:

• Displacement mode: the boat floats on the hull volume and displaces the water like a traditional sailboat
• Planing: the boat sails faster than its hull speed
• Skimming: the foils give the boat a considerable lift, giving the boat an increased speed. The bottom of the hull barely touches the water
• Foiling: the hull flies free from the water. The sound of the water is decreased to a minimum

How do I launch the boat?

The string controlled lifting boards are in the up position, rudder and daggerboard are raised. Launching from a slipway is as simple as a ‘normal’ sailing dinghy. Store your trolley, push the boat away and jump in. The lifting boards stay clear from the boom so no risk for damage.  After moving away from the slipway, the rudder and daggerboard can be pushed down. When you are comfortable, simply deploy the lifting boards and go!

And returning to the slipway?

Lowering the sail is easy, simply release the halyard and lower it. No nasty high speed, uncontrollable and potentially dangerous returns to the slipway anymore.  Landing with raised foils is the same as in any other conventional dinghy. Every sailor has touched the bottom with the centerboard. The Flo1’s daggerboard is equipped with a safety cleat and pops up when this might happen. No hassle.

A light boat, fragile as well?

The boat is built using sandwich epoxy laminate with carbon reinforcements. The boat is engineered with durability in mind. Carbon is put in the high load areas where it helps create a durably stiff but light weight structure.

How are the components of the Flo1 made?

There are many different techniques used in creating the components of the Flo1. The orange shells on the rail are 3D printed. The foils were designed with a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis. A Velocity Prediction Program (VPP) has been used for the hull concept and optimization. The moulds for the boat have been milled with a CNC-machine for great accuracy.

Why a stayed rig, isn’t that complicated?

Well… weight is the main answer. The stayed rig is much lighter and easier to handle than an unstayed configuration.  We tested an unstayed mast on the 2^nd generation prototype, but this one behaves much better. The simple spreader less rig with additional ‘lowers’ is easy to setup and to tune. Dropping the sail before landing on the slipway is made much easier without a pocket luff. The mast can be split in two equal length pieces for storage and transport.

What about sailors weights?

The Flo1 is sailed by sailors with a wide weight range. See the videos and photos. Stability created by the foil is your biggest friend.

Why are the foils bigger than usual?

Early and comfortable foiling is the concept behind the boat. Large foils help make the boat fly at low speeds, while at the same time helping a comfortable ride at high speeds. The surface piercing tips help in the comfortable behavior without the need of an active mechanics. No moving parts needed!

Surface piercing foils?

The surface piercing configuration creates the automated ride-height. The faster you go the more the boat will rise. At the same time the foil will pierce through the waterplane, and the working area of the foil is reduced, as part of it is traveling through air. See the animation for an explanation of this behavior.

What is the top speed of the Flo1?

The measured top speed is 22 knots (4o kph). With a higher potential, depending on the courage and experience of the sailor. At wind speeds of 6-8 knots the boat will ‘fly’ above the water. Upwind foiling is possible, but it’s up to the sailor to choose the right sailing mode.

How about the safety?

Sports like sailing always require full attention of the user. The Flo1 can reach catamaran speeds. Keep your distance from other water sports enthusiasts. The speed of the Flo1 gives the user ample time to avoid dangerous situations.

Transport and storage

The 4,30-meter length makes the boat suitable for traditional dinghy trailers and boat parks. With the lifting boards in the up position, the boards sit within the maximum boat beam. Removal of the foils to store them at home takes two minutes and can be done without any tools. When you’d like to drop the mast; simply split it in two pieces and it will fit within the maximum length of the boat.