ETF26 Full Foiling, the latest upwind foiling catamaran
ETF26 Full Foiling © ETF26 / Qaptur
This summer, Anemo Sailing has developed a new “Full Foiling” version of the ETF26 Foiling catamaran. This iteration incorporates longer foils, broader rudder elevator surfaces, a differential rudder rake adjustment system, and a flatter sail configuration.
Consequently, the boat can lift off at 14 knots instead of 16 and can foil both upwind and downwind at 7 knots.
These capabilities stem from two years of research, starting with initial studies by Architect Guillaume Verdier and culminating in summer sea trials. By the end of 2023, the first prototype foil was tested to finalize the design, with the first production pair anticipated in spring 2024.
The newly designed profiles provide increased lift, necessitating a total adjustment of the boat’s balance, including enhancements to peripheral components like the rudder elevator, sail shapes, mast trimming, and foil angle bearers. There are numerous parameters to fine-tune.
The boat’s balance is managed similarly to an aircraft, with larger front wings (foils) and smaller rear wings (rudder elevators). The crew can modify the trim (positive or negative) of the foils and rudders for takeoff or stabilization. The rudder planes can be adjusted independently for differential trim, allowing for positive incidence on the leeward rudder and negative incidence on the windward rudder to facilitate upwind takeoff, for instance. On the ETF26, all controls are manual, operated by the crew without any electronic assistance or joystick. This may not be high-tech, but it’s very educational!
The ETF 26 Full Foiling joins the exclusive group of catamarans that foil both downwind and upwind, including the Nacra 17 (Olympic series) and the F50 of the international SailGP circuit. Achieving this milestone has been incredibly rewarding, increasing the boat’s appeal to elite sailors.
This marks a fresh chapter for the ETF26, which hasn’t seen significant development since its debut in 2017. Initially groundbreaking as one of the first foiling boats from the 2017 America’s Cup, the ETF26 required a new variant to maintain competitiveness and to enhance the fun and excitement for teams.
Indeed, this opens up remarkable development prospects for the ETF26 Class. Already utilized as a training vessel by Youth and Women’s America’s Cup teams as well as SailGP Teams, the ETF26 SERIES now stands as the ideal bridge between Olympic sailing (Nacra 17, 49er) and professional leagues (SailGP and America’s Cup).
Crews are now enabled to foil both upwind and downwind across a broader spectrum of wind conditions. The regattas promise to be even more thrilling and spectacular to observe! Consequently, we anticipate drawing more teams to the ETF26 SERIES events.