Foiling pleasure

Foiling technology takes the next step forward with a new double-handed monohull foiling dinghy.

30 July 2019

Foiling has generated huge interest in the sailing world. Since its introduction to the Moth class and subsequent adoption by the America’s Cup and beyond, the imagination of sailors around the world has been captured. To date, take up of foiling boats has been limited. Common perception persists that foiling is demanding technically and carries higher risk than more traditional forms of sailing.

The launch of the NTFM SYRA 18 during Foiling Week held in Malcesine on Lake Garda hoped to changed that perception. The NTFM SYRA 18 is the first double-handed monohull foiling dinghy.

The design concept hinges on a canting T-foil system and an innovative, hybrid monohull shape. The key principles of the design ensure that the NTFM SYRA 18 will be accessible to the widest possible range of sailors.

Simplicity, versatility and stability combined with blistering performance potential.

The team behind the NTFM SYRA 18 have been sailing all their lives and have impeccable credentials. Nils Frei and Yves Detrey are two-time America’s Cup winners with Alinghi, and have competed consistently at the highest level on the D35 and GC32 circuits.

“I have been addicted to foiling ever since my first flight,” says Nils Frei.

“There are two aims with the NTFM SYRA 18: to offer the best experience of foiling flight to the widest possible range of sailors regardless upon experience and ambition; and, to produce a boat suitable for Olympic competition. We are fortunate to have been supported in our ambitions by our partners Isabelle Rinsoz and Publiaz, both of whom have been real assets.”

“When we first hatched the idea, we knew we had to prove the concept before launching in the market-place and to make sure our aims were realistic, explains Yves Detrey. “We wanted buyers to have the best possible experience from the moment of purchase and for the boat to have the potential to enhance sailing at the Olympics. We are close to reaching that point and are looking forward to getting the first production boats in the water.”

The hybrid hull shape means the boat is stable at low speed and in non-foiling mode, making leaving and returning to shore a safe proposition in light or even gusting conditions. With one central T-foil in the water there are no sharp, trailing edges above deck-height reducing the risk of physical harm. The double rudder configuration adds stability and their position beneath the hull wings greatly reduces the risk of injury when falling overboard. Finally, the hull shape and foil configuration offer a number of set-ups which will enable the NTFM SYRA 18 to be sailed by a broad range of experience, weight and age.

Run to paradise

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Run to paradise

Shine a light