Foiling is becoming a megatrend. After cuppers and regatta boats, hydrofoil technology is gradually making its way into series boat construction. The most recent example of this development is the TF10, a 32-foot foil trimaran from Morelli & Melvin - the multihull counterpart to Beneteau's Figaro 3, so to speak.
The boat is intended as a standardised class for owners who want to sit at the tiller themselves - not another toy for full professionals. A kind of "people's foiler", although this should not be taken too literally, as the price will certainly run into six figures. On the other hand, the running costs should remain within reasonable limits, because apart from the electronics, almost everything is laid down in the class rules - right down to, no joke (!), the number and model of winch cranks.
The appendages, which are one of the most important features of hydrofoils, also fit in with the concept. Instead of multiple bent L-foils, the TF10 has relatively simple V-shaped centreboards that are only cranked once and remain permanently unfurled when sailing; they are only raised for trailering. Among other things, this enables (regatta) sailing in two-handed mode.
The rudder blades with T-foils at the end also remain permanently in the water. However, they have a kick-up mechanism to prevent the carbon construction from breaking in the event of collisions. They can also be removed from the deck in the harbour to enable trailering in shallow shore areas.
The rudders and centreboards are adjusted electro-hydraulically at the touch of a button and can therefore be adjusted autonomously by the helmsman at any time - another prerequisite for sailing with a small crew. The angle of attack of the wings can be varied.
The hull and deck are made entirely of carbon fibre sandwich with a Nomex honeycomb core. This explains the boat's extremely low unladen weight of just 1.1 tonnes. Ready to sail with crew, the TF10 will displace around 1.5 tonnes. Its potential is comparable to that of the Easy To Fly foiling catamaran. The sail load factor is 7.7, compared to performance cruisers with values of around 5.0, so it takes little imagination to believe that the Tri can reach a top speed of 30 knots in flat water and 6 Beaufort.
Oh yes, there are also two single berths in the centre hull, which at 1.80 metres should even offer almost standing height. Strictly speaking, the TF10 is also suitable for travelling if you don't expect a double bed, toilet or galley. And it not only fits behind a mid-range car, but also in a standard 40-foot container. In this respect, it can be shipped to any part of the world at a favourable price.
Jochen Rieker
Herausgeber YACHT
