How hydrofoil race boats literally fly above the water
SailGP racing made a splash when it brought incredible speeds to Halifax, N.S. The Weather Network was there and learned more about the technology that allows F50 catamarans to literally fly above the water.
When I jumped at the chance to try out foiling on the Halifax Harbour, I never thought I’d get the chance to see an F50 race by so closely.
Not your typical sailboat, it rises out of the water on carbon-fibre hyrdofoils, which reduces drag and allows it to reach speeds exceeding 100 km/h.
The way one actually takes flight is similar to an airplane.
The F50s racing in SailGP are literally flying on top of the water on a hydrofoil that is underneath them. Along with reducing drag, the boats use a wing sail that helps increase their speed.
The airfoil that provides the boat's power is far more efficient than a traditional sail, making for some exciting racing.