Article on the Hydroptere program by Alice Myhre

From the following article (in French) on LePoint.fr

http://www.lepoint.fr/voyages/l-hydroptere-le-bateau-qui-voulait-voler-24-08-2014-1856147_44.php

The rough Google translate is below:

By Alice Myhre

They dreamed, they did! In 1963, the publication of The 40-knot sailboat Bernard Smith, navigate 72 km / h is science fiction. Forty-five years later, in 2008, the team of Alain Thebault shouts of joy when the Hydrofoil, flying over the waves, breaking the "wall of wind": 50 knots under sail (92.6 km / h)!

In Greek hydros means "water," ptère, "wing". You understand that this is a device that combines aerospace and marine engineering. "We're like weightless, 5 or 6 feet above the water: it was like being on a magic carpet," says Alain Thebault. The secret? The foils, kinds of shaped wings that move in the water. Thanks to them, the boats take off, only connected to the sea by three foils. Supported by these submerged wings, boats double their speed in the blink of an eye. While afloat, the speed of a sailboat is limited by its length, when it was drawn up on the foils, the water is no longer an obstacle but a fulcrum. Thus, Hydrofoil, with only 2.5 m2 in contact with the water, sailing at 30 knots with a wind of 15! It's wanting to overcome the laws of physics that some enthusiasts have devised this system. But it took a hundred years of research before coming to near perfection: the Hydrofoil Alain Thebault.

Suspended in the air

In 1861, wanting to test wings planned for the first aircraft, the British Thomas Moy discovered the principle of the hydrofoil. The idea, once launched, will spread gradually. Sailboats to powerboats, experiments are linked to the United States and Europe. Many engineers are interested, including big names such as Alexander Graham Bell. The latter, after having equipped with foils motorboats, Nancy realizes, a model sailboat equipped with this wing. We are in 1912 and eight years later, the first patent was filed by Malcolm Thomas McIntyre and brothers. Their boat he sailed really? It

remains a mystery.

Testing, from 1938, models in her bathtub, Robert Gilruth initiate a turn. In the living room of his apartment, the future director of NASA goes from scratch to develop the first hydrofoil on water: Catafoil. In 1941, in the Chesapeake Bay on the East Coast of the United States, this boat has a great foil in "v" takes off. "It was a great time, we sailed low in the water at about 4 knots trying to catch a sailboat ... After having passed, we got up on the foils. You can imagine their shocked looks when we went to about 12 knots, hanging in the air, "tell the pioneer.

Then, in the 1950s, Gordon Baker, technology enthusiast, dreams of designing a hydrofoil sailboat marketable. This project, funded by the Navy, gave birth to the Monitor. After seventeen years of research, Baker finally pilot his car, whose stability is surprising. Hands on a car steering wheel, it reaches 35 knots, a record that will not be beaten 35 years later! Paradoxically, this engineering gem can not find opportunities. Well, not quite. Ten years later, the American David Keiper, he still believes. He dreams of a foiling trimaran can take off. He designs the Williwaw. The boat, equipped with retractable foils, travels the oceans. It carries 20,000 nautical miles, solo or in teams. Even if it is not built for speed records, the hydrofoil is propelled into the era of sailing the high seas.

"We're going to be scared"

Meanwhile, Eric Tabarly, driven by instinct, think the future of racing through the multihulls. Aboard his giant trimaran Pen Duick IV, lighter, less sail and easier to maneuver solo skipper search pure speed. In 1968 he crossed the Atlantic in 10 days and 11 hours, smashing all records! A year later, he discovered for the first time a hydrofoil: the Williwaw. This face-to-face give him wings to embark on a new project: the construction of the Paul Ricard which transposes the foils on an "offshore racing machine."

The initial objective of improving the stability and drift boat is quickly exceeded. Engineers, especially Pierre Perrier, revved "They began their study, following the idea that I had given them, but less shy than me, they arrived quickly to take off the boat for them c. really was the way forward, "explained Tabarly. Based on a hull Tornado, they build a prototype in 1976 whose essays are dreaming. Unfortunately, the materials of the time did not allow to build the full-scale machine. Tabarly was stuck with the Paul Ricard, a pale copy that can take off only partially. Shortly afterwards, Alain Thebault intervenes. He contacted Tabarly, takes the original project and began building what would become Hydrofoil.

Between the first model produced in 1985 and the first record broken by hydrofoil in 2005, the team of Alain Thebault had to sail in troubled waters. "We flew over the area still little known high speed sailing. I think at times we will be afraid," confided at the time Alain Thebault ("The Hydrofoil, the breath of a dream" by Thalassa). Indeed, the challenge is to marry the lightness and strength of the boat. The foils must be particularly robust to withstand stronger than that experienced by the wings of fighter planes pressure twice. In addition, when the node 50 reaches Hydrofoil, water boils around airfoils, thus reducing the stability of the vessel, among others. A year after their first flight, floats breaks during an event at sea. "It [was] glad I brought the boat. This was not granted," recalls Alain Thebault. After several failed attempts, they finally manage to beat their first record.

The instinct of the Marine is not enough

It was in 2005 that the Hydrofoil IV gained a few precious seconds on 35 minutes set by the aviator Louis Bleriot between Dover and Calais. Then addressing the world speed records, the creature becomes the world's fastest boat. In 2008, breaking through the 100 km / h, the team will pay his madness a spectacular dismasted. "We really had the wind barrier This is quite extraordinary in terms of skiing and feel very airline. It ended badly, but hey, is cleared as pioneers. " But with a top speed of 56 knots (104 km / h), their pole position was thrilled later by Australian Paul Larsen aboard his Vestas SailRocket.

At such a speed, instinct alone is not enough. The crew of the Hydrofoil is assisted by an arsenal of electronic devices that measure every reaction of the boat. The democratization of this type of machine is not for now, even with the marketing of smaller models, such as the Flying Phantom One of Martin Fischer. After a hundred years of research, performance competition continues. The engineers of the future will win new challenges. , We await the day when the Hydrofoil will tour the world above the waves.

Catri 25 trimaran prototype launched

From the following press release by the Catri Group:

http://catrigroup.com/?p=1638

16 years ago under these words in the journal “Multihull International” appeared the first information about hydrofoil system developed in Latvia and about the very first trimaran Catri26 was built.

Now, one and a half year after the commencement of work in the new shipyard, the first CATRI model who really “designed to fly” launched in Burtnieki lake. In contrast to the AC34 catamarans and their small versions (Flying Phantom, Nacra F20C, GC32), the Catri 25 foiling height will not exceed 5-8 cm. Hulls’ contact with tops of waves increases resistance slightly, but it completely offsets by achieved stability. As a result, the new foiling trimaran designed as an all purpose sport cruiser for both race and family cruising.

 

read more here

 

Catri 25 trimaran prototype launched, photo courtesy Catri Group

 

New event "The Foiling Week" to be held at Lake Garda, Italy in July 2014

From the following article submitted to Sail-World by Domenico Boffi

http://www.sail-world.com/index.cfm?Nid=117774&refre=y&ntid=0&rid=1

The Foiling Week is a new event dedicated to amazing foiling boats, their designers, builders and athletes, taking place across Lake Garda, Italy from various beautiful sailing clubs in July 2014.

- July 4-6th Eurocup and Italian Moth Championship

- July 7-9th Forum, Course Racing, Speed Testing, Ideas Exchange and New Boats!

For all classes - from kite foilers to amazing big catamarans.

There will be a forum with foiling experts that will exchange ideas, theories and experiences with a chance to see amazing foilers up-close and see the latest in performance. Brand new foiling concept boats and production boats will be available for testing!

- July 10-12th Full Foiling Catamaran Racing: Spectacular foiling boats do battle on the water

Events are open to all sailing and foiling enthusiasts willing to share, compare and learn. You can come and watch the racing from shore or spectator boats, listen to the conferences with America’s cup gurus and Olympic athletes, try first hand and buy production boats, or simply come for the fun.

read more here

l'hydroptere.ch and the Hydros team claim the Blue Ribbon record on Lake Geneva

The Hydros team's persistence has paid off with them claiming the Blue Ribbon Record (Ruben Bleu) on Lake Geneva.  Despite a rudder breakage they have managed to improve on the current record which is held by a Decision 35 catamaran by 8 minutes.

http://www.hydros.ch/actualites/247-hydros-bat-le-record-du-ruban-bleu-a-bord-de-l-hydroptere-ch

And here is the rough google translate.

Hydros beats the record of the Blue Ribbon on board the Hydrofoil. Ch

 Hydros beat this afternoon Leman Ruban Bleu record on the route Geneva (Port Black) - Le Bouveret - Geneva 4:45 (subject to approval of the Cercle de la Voile Société Nautique de Genève).

Geneva, Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2013. - The flying boat Hydrofoil the PS led by Daniel Schmäh just beat the record for the Blue Ribbon between the Port and the Black Bouveret, the theoretical distance of 66.5 nautical miles (123 km). It improves by eight minutes the time set by Philippe Cardis in Decision 35 in 2007.

"We had great wind conditions today," says Daniel Schmäh, skipper of the Hydrofoil. C. "The wind held the top lake, which is quite rare and has been lacking in recent attempts. We broke a rudder on the back, but have decided to continue because we were in a good timing. We have learned from many banks saw the wind direction, which is the more extended distance. "

Sustained by Lombard Odier & Cie team was not his first test since he had already made ​​several attempts to break the record this year, without success. Winning valid for three years of technological development this record, the Hydrofoil. Hp and is the third ship to join the winners of the Blue Ribbon.

Crew of Hydrofoil ch Tuesday, August 20, 2013:. Schmäh Daniel (skipper), Antoine Anceau Yves Courvoisier, Stéphane Dyen, William Coyon

© Loris von Siebenthal / Hydros

L'Hydroptere detail photos of onboard equipment

This gallery of photos comes courtesy of Chris Ostlind who was invited aboard to have a look over L'Hydroptere and shot some of the more obscure parts of the boat which we rarely get to see.  It's interesting to observe the aircraft like construction of the structure.  This fully foiling craft has been constantly modified, updated and improved.  Currently on the hard and receiving attention in preparation for the LA to Honolulu Transpac attempt

http://imgur.com/a/8pbcf

L'Hydroptere, photo courtesy Chris Ostlind

Hydroptere Team on track to challenge Transpac record Los Angeles to Honolulu

From the following Sail-World article submitted by the Hydroptere team

http://www.sail-world.com/Australia/Alain-Thebault-and-Hydroptere-to-conquer-the-Pacific/108536

On Wednesday 17th April, in the Parisian workshop of the architect Jean Nouvel, Alain Thébault and his teammates Jean Le Cam and Yves Parlier announced the continuation of the ocean program for Hydroptere. In a few weeks, they will try to beat the record of the Transpacific crossing between Los Angeles and Honolulu. In the presence of their partners Lanson, Capital Fund Management, Clip Industry, Atheos and Coyote, the three sailors explained the race strategy of the 'flying boat', talked about her technological heritage and about the future challenges of the team.

read more here

'Team Hydroptere will try to conquer the Pacific by breaking the record for Transpacific crossing between Los Angeles and Honolulu'    Francis Demange   

Hydroptere and Hydroptere 2, the search for partners

From the following Sail-World article

http://www.sail-world.com/Australia/Hydroptere,-Hydroptere-2---The-search-is-on-for-partners/104512

Hydroptere, Alain Thébault’s 'flying boat', is seeking partners to finance the Transpacific record attempt this summer and the launch in 2015 of a second generation Hydroptere designed to beat the North Atlantic record.

Since its double world absolute sailing speed record in 2009 (taken over by kitesurfers and recently by the Australian Paul Larsen) Hydroptere changed direction to head towards offshore challenges. 'Since 2009 we were the world fastest Formula 1 of the seas but our initial dream with Eric Tabarly was to test the concept offshore. In 2010, we decided to turn the F1 into a 4x4 of the seas to show that it was also possible to fly over the oceans,' said Alain Thébault, skipper and designer of Hydroptere.

read more here

'l’Hydroptère DCNS, Alain Thébault and his crew (Yves Parlier, Jean le Cam, Jacques Vincent, Luc Alphand) during the first series of trials on the Med before trying to beat the Pacific crossing record between Los Angeles and Honolulu next summer. La Ciotat in the Bouches-du-Rhône, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, France.' Christophe Launay © 

The first Great Cup 32 (GC32) catamaran delivered and assembled in Dubai

The first GC32 catamarans have been delivered and assembled in Dubai.  These new full carbon construction designs by Martin Fisher are intended to race one design in a series of events around the world.  They are demountable and transportable by container, two GC32's can fit into one standard 40' container for transport.

Photos from the GC32 facebook page

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.514257718584809.126807.499523610058220&type=1

Emirates Team New Zealand, AC72 catamaran articles

Three articles from Sail-world on the Emirates Team New Zealand AC72 catamaran challenge.

Part 1 Making it all hang together

http://www.sail-world.com/Europe/Emirates-Team-NZ:-AC72-design---Part-1:-Making-it-all-hang-together/103611

Part 2 Getting from side to side

http://www.sail-world.com/Europe/Emirates-Team-NZ:-AC72-design:-Part-2---Getting-from-side-to-side/103612

Jumping in the pool, capsize training

http://www.sail-world.com/Europe/Emirates-Team-NZ:-Jumping-in-the-pool/103613

Record chasing season finished for Hydroptere.ch on Lake Geneva

The experimental hydrofoil catamaran Hydroptère.ch has concluded its record-chasing 2012 season. Its results were exceptional, including one of the best times of all times on the Ruban Bleu course despite adverse weather conditions.

l’Hydroptère.ch, the revolutionary hydrofoil catamaran developed by the Hydros design team in Lausanne, concluded its record-chasing campaign at the end of a season packed full of experiences and achievements.

In 2012, l’Hydroptère.ch achieved the best times for all the records on Lake Geneva: hour, kilometer and Ruban Bleu (Bol d’Or course). It also beat the absolute one-hour record on July 19 with an average speed of 25.63 knots. l’Hydroptère.ch also posted the year's best time on the Ruban Bleu course on July 11 in five hours 11 minutes 46 seconds, beating its own record (from 2011) by 22 minutes, although still 18 minutes off the record itself.

'We are proud of these achievements', says Daniel Schmaeh, helmsman of l’Hydroptère.ch. 'Our overall performance has been excellent as we progressed on all fronts: we validated the changes to the boat's structure, progressed as a team, and improved our understanding of how hydrofoils work. On the other hand, the weather conditions proved capricious; there was hardly ever any bise (northern wind) and we feel there is unfinished business as the Ruban Bleu was denied us. We will resume our assault on the record next year; we know it's within our grasp.'

The l’Hydroptère.ch team, comprising Daniel Schmaeh, Jérémie Lagarrigue, Stéphane Dyen, Gaël Ledoux and Guillaume Coyon made no less than nine attempts this season, trying their luck in sometimes adverse conditions. 'These attempts allowed us to strengthen the team, and improve the handling of the boat and our knowledge of Lake Geneva', says Jérémie Lagarrigue, head of the Hydros project. 'We also greatly improved the yacht's performance.'

more of the sailworld article here