Flo1 – simple, durable and fast hydrofoiling sailing dinghy
A stable hull design that behaves very well in non-foiling mode as well a foiling dinghy that makes the hydrofoiling experience available to a large group of sailing enthusiasts. Aeronamics is a French company specializing in the design and manufacturing of advanced hydrofoils, focusing on performance, efficiency, and innovation.
Flo1 foiling sailboat brings a fresh perspective to sailing, combining traditional aspects with cutting-edge hydrofoil design features. Moreover, dual design handles like a traditional dinghy sailboat. The DSS-foils are not only there for foiling, but because the foils make the boat wider making it more stable. The Flo1 is at its most stable when it’s foiling.
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!
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.
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!
The control systems for the lowering and hoisting of the foils are beside the centreboard with a clutch for release and led to cleats on the side deck for lifting. This has resulted in an extremely clean and ergonomic deck layout.
The Flo1 can be trolley launched, so is easy to go sailing from a beach or slipway with the foils lifted and the rudder in a cassette. In low riding mode the boat is stable with the centerboard down, much like a conventional dinghy.
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.
The boats are produced in Doetinchem, Netherlands using the latest technologies in boat building an aerodynamic analyses. it is an efficient and sustainable production process minimizes energy usage powered by Qconcepts Design & Engineering.
This article is published in Foiling Canada.