Development of a single-handed hydrofoil sailing catamaran

A new, high-speed, recreational dinghy has been developed. It is a catamaran with submerged hydrofoils, which allow the crew to control the trim and heel balances. The two hulls are allowed to rotate about a main beam. The hydrofoils, which are attached below each hull, change the angle of attack independently, and the difference between the lift forces acting on each hydrofoil makes the catamaran stable. The stability of the boat is examined by numerical calculations and one-third scale model tests. Received: September 14, 2000 / Accepted: July 3, 2001