Flying boat on the wing World champ Rossi killed

Three orders already in for revolutionary new Foiler 41 GT Italian catapulted from boat

The first full-size production foiling motor boat has come a step closer after three orders were taken for it at the Monaco Yacht Show in September.

The Foiler 41 carbon-fibre sportsboat is the work of Swiss engineering firm Hydros Innovation and Dubai-based Enata Industries, and comes just two years after the half-scale prototype was exhibited at the 2014 show.

“The first three yachts have been sold already and we have strong demand on a pro version to be used as a sportsfisher, chase boat or limousine tender,” says Cornelius Kistler, the man behind the vision.

It can dock or cruise at low speed with her patented, retractable foils lifted but at higher speeds the foils extend, enabling the entire boat to fly 1.5m above the water.

In foiling mode, the hydrodynamic drag is cut dramatically, reducing fuel consumption by up to 30% and boosting the top speed to 45 knots.

The propulsion system and the foils are automatically controlled, leaving the driver to focus on helming. It is claimed to deliver a very smooth ride because the hull is lifted clear of the usual surface chop.

The Foiler 41 is equipped to a high standard and offers many customisable features. It is available in three different deck configurations: GT (leisure version), Tender (limo cockpit) and Pro (open cockpit). Massimo Rossi, the 24-year-old Italian inshore powerboat racing world champion, has died in a race crash.

San Bellino-born Rossi was taking a bend on the Moselle river in Germany when the accident happened during the 0-350 Traben-trarbach international race. He suffered fatal head injuries when he hit a tree on the embankment The race was stopped immediately.

Wilfried Roecker, head of the German motor yacht federation, said that it was “the worst thing I could imagine.”

Massimo’s death was confirmed by Vincenzo Iaconianni, president of Italy’s Powerboat Association.

Italian news agency ANSA quoted Iaconianni as saying that the course was “not wide enough” and “dangerous.” Organisers in Traben-trarbach have not commented on his claims.

Rossi won the world title in the 0-250 and 0-350 classes earlier this year.

During flight mode, the hydrodynamic drag on the boat is cut dramatically