The Foiler is a fun toy
Even Poseidon would be jealous of this modern maritime toy.
Simply christened “the Foiler”, this one-of-a-kind yacht elevates itself off the surface of water when it speeds up. The mechanical advantages of this function? Its bow encounters no frictional resistance from the water, allowing the Foiler to accelerate faster, reach a higher maximum velocity and expend less fuel while at it. However, if you’re reading this, you’re checking out the Foiler because it’s a boat that can fly.
The Foiler by UAE-based Enata Marine made its debut at the 2018 Dubai International Boat Show. Not the biggest vessel, by a long shot, at the exhibition, the Foiler still managed to make the theme tune of CSI play in onlookers’ heads. An arresting big boy’s toy, the Foiler is likely to be featured in the near future by filmmakers as a James Bond villain’s preferred mode of transport.
User-friendly tech
The world’s first production foiling yacht now has permanent berths in Yacht Club de Monaco and Saint Tropez. At 9.6m in length, the Foiler is propelled by two state-of-the-art electric motors, two 300hp diesel engines and two electric torpedoes that drive its propellers. Its proprietary retractable carbon-fibre hydrofoils elevate the hull 1.5m above the water surface. Boasting a maximum speed of 40 knots, this yacht starts to foil at 12 knots. It foils completely at 17 knots, which is when it exacts maximum envy from other yacht owners.
Most significantly, the technology wielded by the Foiler is user-friendly – foiling is controlled by minimal buttons and its smart onboard system knows exactly when and how much to elevate the boat,
so that all aboard enjoy a safe and smooth ride. An eight-seater, the Foiler makes short work of waves of up to 3m in foiling mode and can brave even more turbulent conditions in its classical boat mode. When berthed, its foils and electric torpedoes stay dry, which facilitates easy maintenance and increases resistance to corrosion.
“We are a family of sailors and kitesurfers and have started foiling in kites and catamarans since we each were about 10 years old. We’re fully aware of all the benefits of foiling. This was a very natural step for Enata. We produce large competition and professional drones, as well as racing sailing boats and kitefoils. The Foiler is really a blend of all those technologies,” comments Alois Vieujot, Manager at Enata, on this pleasure craft.
“To start this project, we merged our R&D with the Swiss company Hydros that already produced a working Foiler prototype in 2015. The Foiler is the result of a long process that combined all the skills of the company and I think we offer an outstanding product that is both delivering outstanding comfort and performance whilst being very easy to use.”
Stealth mode
Might a ride on the Foiler seem to you like a very raucous affair? This eco-friendly vehicle is actually designed to be as quiet as possible while in action. It’s a silent action film – its hybrid motor is hums softly while working intensely, and its carbon-fibre body helps to further insulate noise. While you’re making waves (mostly metaphorically, not literally), your admirers won’t hear a peep.
“The best word to describe driving the Foiler is tranquillity. It is extremely relaxing and easy to use.You don’t have any movement from the waves underneath while you are above them,” adds Alois. “It is extremely stable and safe, like a flying carpet over the ocean. It also eliminates sea sickness. The feeling is total comfort and tranquility. (After this experience) going back on a regular motorboat really feels like going back in time.”