- The single-handed foiler cracks the 30-knot mark
- The special features of the Switch One design
- One-Design-Foiler does not comply with the Moth class rules
- Will the Switch be the first one-handed foiler at the Olympics?
- Is the new foiler a threat to the Moth class?
- The differences between Switch One Design, Waszp and Moth
New foiling moths can cost up to 60,000 euros - a lot of money for a boat that is only 3.35 metres long, which is also in a constant state of change and constantly requires new equipment in order to stay ahead. This is therefore not the first time that a shipyard has tried to simplify the concept of the foiling pioneer and bring it onto the market as a more affordable One Design.
The Switch One Design is tailored to sailors who want to foil and race at eye level, says John Higham. "There are many who have been waiting for an affordable, high-performance one-design foiling class," explains the commercial director at the manufacturer Element Six Evolution from Thailand, primarily known for the production of Ilcas (formerly Laser) and Nacras.
Almost 50 boats have already been sold and up to 180 will initially be built each year. Probably the most prominent owner to take delivery of construction number one at the official launch of the class last week is Italian America's Cup participant and three-time Olympic starter Francesco Bruni.
The single-handed foiler cracks the 30-knot mark
Although the ready-to-sail basic price of 22,215 euros is still at a considerable level, the construction is perfectly optimised for its one-design existence and the build quality is also very good, according to Higham. Above all, however, the Switch One Design is comparatively close to the current development status of the Moth class.
According to the developers, the new single-handed foiler is capable of a whopping 19 knots in the wind, while the previous top speed was 30 knots. The 29-kilogram platform is designed to take off from a wind speed of just five knots. Moths currently take off a little later, but can reach a top speed of over 35 knots.
"The Switch obviously has its DNA in the Moth. Many of the Switch's positive characteristics come from the knowledge and experience of these boats," says Higham. This can already be seen visually in the filigree appearance and the high performance thanks to the carbon hull with PVC core and prepreg carbon foils, bowsprit and stiffened rig with deck-sweeper sail and kinked boom, which, however, allows a little more freedom of movement in manoeuvres than is available in the conventional foiling moth, for example.
The special features of the Switch One design
The trimming devices for sails and foils have also been adapted. There are only three controls: Boom downhaul, cunningham and the ride height adjuster. Among other things, there is also only one standardised set of wings, and the ride height adjustment also has to be cut back compared to the Moth.
The rig is available with three different sail sizes: 6.5, 7.5 and 8.5 square metres. The platform always remains the same, which is particularly beneficial for youngsters. The mast is divided into three sections, so only the lowest section needs to be changed when switching to a different sail. The sail is also a One Design and comes from Quantum.
After six prototypes, the result is a Moth-like flying machine that is produced in a strictly standardised way and gives sailors very little scope to make changes to their boats. However, the boat could be kept much simpler: "It is easier to operate, maintain and rig. It also eliminates the need to constantly improve the boat and keep it up to date," says Commercial Director John Higham, emphasising the strengths of the new aircraft. This is also reflected in the striking advertising slogan: "Less time on land. More time on the water".
One-Design-Foiler does not comply with the Moth class rules
However, the new Switch One design does not conform to the Moth class rules. "If we had stuck to the Moth rules, the boat would have been more expensive to achieve what we have achieved with this boat," says John Higham, explaining the decision.
The standard version of the sail is 0.3 square metres too large. Another reason is the rudder suspension ("gantry"). While this may only be connected to the hull at three points on moths and may not provide any additional lift, the developers of the Switch One Design have deliberately taken advantage of this. The fuselage and gantry are made from a single mould, making it easier to take off early thanks to more lift in the stern.
The length also contributes to this: At 3.9 metres, the Switch One Design is over half a metre longer than a conventional moth. In addition to increased buoyancy, this primarily provides more distance between the foils and the height-controlling sensor ("wall") on the bowsprit. This results in more stability and calmness in the boat. Higham adds: "It also gives the hull a better shape and less resistance in displacement mode, making it easier to take off at lower wind speeds."
More about foiling:
This has allowed us to place a little more emphasis on the robustness of the boat while still maintaining a high level of performance. Higham explains: "We have managed to build a little more strength and durability into all parts of the boat, as we are not pushing for the performance advantage in every area."
At 2.25 metres on the trampolines stretched on separable prepreg carbon frames, the Switch is the same width as the Moth. According to the manufacturer, the one-handed trailer can be easily dismantled and then fits into a practical transport box. However, the planned charter system, in which the sailors are provided with the platform and only bring their own foils and rig, should make things even easier.
Will the Switch be the first one-handed foiler at the Olympics?
How successful the boat will ultimately be depends on the actual production quality, compliance with the one-design standards and the price development, explains Ilca sailor Philipp Buhl. "If all of these factors are fulfilled, then I predict a great future for the class - even without Olympic status!"
This has long been discussed in foiling circles. The 2020 Laser World Champion also considers the switch to be suitable. "I'll definitely be joining the class this year," says the 34-year-old, who has been very active and successful in the Moth alongside his Olympic career.
Officially, however, nothing is yet known about an application of the class for the Olympic Games. In response to a specific enquiry from YACHT after the Switch One Design, a spokesperson from World Sailing merely explained the general procedure: "Any World Sailing class or national member organisation can propose inclusion in the Olympic sailing programme via the normal World Sailing application process. This application must then be reviewed by the World Sailing Council and the World Sailing General Assembly. If the class is approved by these two bodies, it must then be approved by the International Olympic Committee." A successful application would then come into force at the 2032 Olympics in Brisbane. The classes for Los Angeles 2028 have already been finalised.
Buhl, who is currently aiming for his third Olympic participation in the Ilca, would not rule out competing in a switch campaign in 2032, should this be part of the Summer Games by then. However, when asked by YACHT, the German Sailing Association (DSV) sees no need for action in the current programme: "From our point of view, the current Olympic disciplines reflect the diversity of sailing well and we consider it extremely positive that we currently have promising sailors in all ten disciplines."
In particular, the replacement of the Ilcas as a single-handed dinghy seems unlikely, even though it was under discussion just a few years ago. John Highman from Element Six is certain: "The Ilcas will stay because they have such a huge fleet. It's the last boat that would fly out of the Olympic programme."
Is the new foiler a threat to the Moth class?
However, the new Switch One design could jeopardise the existence of the Moth class much more than that of the Olympic classes. However, Kai Adolph, President of the German Moth Association (DMV), also sees the new spin-off as an opportunity for the class: "As in the Waszp, young sailors will certainly be more likely to join the Moth, as it is simply too expensive. But some sailors from the Waszp have already switched to the Moth."
The concept of the boat looks good, says the Bavarian, but qualifies: "As an old moth sailor, I don't like a few details. But maybe that's down to the standard." In the long term, the existence of the Moth class depends more on the general price trend and developments in the America's Cup anyway, explains Adolph. As long as it is held in the classic concept, the Moth has its justification as a construction class that is very similar to the AC75. "In a standardised class, you simply don't deal with the material in the same way. But that is precisely what is required of the top sailors in the America's Cup," said the DMV President. In addition, there are always sailors who love to do whatever they can think of with a boat, which is why the Moth will continue to develop.
Originally, the designers of the Switch One Design, twin brothers Stefano and Gian Ferrighi from Italy, were also part of these tinkerers. They have been working on foiling boats for a long time and began conceptualising a One Design in this area around four years ago. For around 18 months, they have been working with the Thai shipyard Element Six, which has also been working on such an idea.
The differences between Switch One Design, Waszp and Moth
Together, they have now launched the Switch One Design and want to conquer the market. John Higham from Element Six assumes that 50 per cent of 13 to 20-year-old sailors would like to foil. But there is also a high demand in the age group of up to 60-year-olds. However, the high costs and time required for a construction class, such as the Moth in particular, put many people off.
The first event of a four-part racing series in Italy will start on 18 May in order to attract the first buyers in the best possible way. The Switch One Design Cup will then take place once a month until September, twice on Lake Garda and twice on Lake Como. In addition to classic races, there will also be fun events in the future.
The previous market leader in the one-design foiling sector, the Waszp, introduced in 2016, has succeeded in building a class that combines ambitious regatta sailing in such a racing circus with fun-oriented foiling for everyone, even without an Olympic existence.
However, the design is increasingly outdated. This is due to the enormous development since then, but also to the even more limited budget for the Waszp: in contrast to the carbon hull with carbon profiles from Motte and the new Switch, the Waszp is built from GRP and delivered with aluminium foils with plastic caps. The boat currently costs 15,500 euros at the German dealer Ziegelmayer, who also sells the latest One Design foil.
