When Did Foiling Start?

It might feel like foiling is a relatively modern addition to the sailing scene – it is certainly one that’s taken the world by storm since the introduction of the International Moth dinghy class of foil sailing boats in the early 2000s. 

However, you might be surprised to learn that hydrofoiling for boats is a 19th century invention! Yes, that’s right, while it might not have taken off back then, the first patent for a boat with a hydrofoil was filed in the 1860s in France – for a rowing boat.

It wasn’t until 1938 that the first hydrofoil sailing boat was designed and built though, and in the years that have followed there have been a steady stream of innovations in the world of foiling that have resulted in today’s ultra-fast boats. 

Of course, in the 2020s we have sailing boats of all shapes and sizes that use foils and achieve incredible speeds as a result. Foil boats have become an essential in the America’s Cup and any team that wants a chance of winning the prestigious race needs to have a hydrofoil to compete.

The AC75 boats, which have been used in the competition since 2021, have recorded remarkable speeds. The INEOS Britannia currently holds the speed record in the competition. It achieved a staggering 55.6 knots (102.97 km/h) in the 37th America’s Cup contest.

At those speeds, precision in the design and construction of the boats is essential. But even in sailing craft that can foil at lower speeds, it’s vital that all the components are manufactured to the highest standards. 

If you’re keen to give foiling a go, or to expand your experience in this discipline of sailing, you need a boat that is designed for these conditions and one that is constructed by an experienced boat builder… so give us a call today!