It now seems inevitable that foiling will largely determine the future of sailing. However, the road to this point has so far seemed quite arduous. While the performance classes, above all the Moth, have developed into almost utopian price worlds, new projects, particularly those aimed at foiling beginners, have not yet really got off the ground.
From the colourful mix of foiling dinghies, Peacoq, Gerys 4.7 and others, a French shipyard may be emerging as the leader of the foiling movement. Birdyfish is the name of the two-person design launched in 2022, of which over 150 units have already been sold. Now its little brother Birdyfish S is coming onto the market as a one-person dinghy. On the boot Düsseldorf 2025 it was presented to the public for the first time.
New foiler for everyone
The concept of the first model was strictly continued by the designers: Self-regulating C-foils combined with a classic T-foil on the rudder blade provide the necessary lift. This allows a stable flight attitude and makes it much easier to get started compared to moths or similar designs with only T-profiles. The Bridyfish series can also be sailed in displacement mode thanks to its classic hull shape with the exception of the voluminous bow. "Anyone can foil with this thing as long as they have a reasonable command of a dinghy. And that's what was missing on the market," explains Ferdinand Ziegelmayer, Managing Director at the German dealer of the up-and-coming fun equipment. The Hamburg-based company already sells other foiling dinghies in the form of Waszp and Switch One Design.
Nevertheless, the "Vogelfisch" can also shine with high top speeds: The current record for the two-man version is said to be 27 knots. No comparative data is yet available for the new Birdyfish S, but it is likely to be slightly slower. However, the one-man foiler is said to lift itself out of the water at wind speeds of around eight knots and is therefore suitable for almost all sailing areas in Germany.
Birdyfish S: Simple rig, GRP foils
Another important component is the extremely simple rig with a comfortable amount of space under the boom and a sail area of 9.5 m² with a boat weight of 100 kilograms over a length of 4.20 metres and a width of 1.60 metres. The Birdyfish S can also be easily slipped thanks to its retractable foils.
What is striking for a foiler is the extremely robust-looking workmanship and the materials chosen. In addition to the fuselage, the wings are also made of GRP. The rudder cassette, for example, is also made of metal instead of carbon fibre. This emphasises the focus on absolute foiling beginners from all age groups, reduces damage and also the price. The new aircraft is expected to cost around 15,000 euros from German dealer Ziegelmayer. So far, only construction number one has been completed; 19 more single-handed foilers are to be built by June of this year.
Technical data of the Birdyfish S
- Torso length: 4,20 m
- Width: 1,60 m
- Weight: 100 kg
- max. crew weight: 150 kg
- Mainsail: 9,5 m²
