The Swiss company QuantBoats has made a name for itself with its DSS foiling boats. The models with scow hulls, the Quant 23 (YACHT 19/2015) as the first ever fully foiling keelboat, and the Quant 17 as a dinghy-sized counterpart have caused quite a stir. Now Quant boss Michael Aeppli is expanding his range of foiling boats further downwards - with an exciting competitor to the Foiler Moth, also with a scow hull. The name: Skeeta. The mini flyweight comes from Australia.
Boats with scow hulls are not new to the moth scene, especially in Australia. However, the small flounders are now considered outdated. This is now set to change with the Skeeta, giving the scow a comeback within the scene. The ready-to-sail flounder weighs just 43.5 kilograms and is equipped as a centreliner with adjustable T-foils. The mechanics are very similar to those of a foiling moth. However, the advantage of the flat and more voluminous hull is that the boat can still be sailed well and easily even in light winds. Beginners will find the Skeeta easier and faster to foil than the narrow and extremely tippy Moth. At least that's what the designers from Australia, brothers James and David French, promise.
The small aircraft is built by Skeeta Foiling Crafts in Melbourne, Australia - as a GRP construction with carbon fibre reinforcements. The foils and rig, however, are made entirely of carbon fibre. And the mast is available in two sizes for different sail areas, depending on the weight and size of the sailor or the available wind force. As with a foiling moth, a so-called "wall", a mechanical resistance sensor, measures the flight altitude and regulates the angle of attack of the foils via a push rod.
Incidentally, the T-foils on the centreboard and rudder are only attached and can be removed if desired. This turns the Skeeta into a normal dinghy as a "lowrider". Foiling is possible, but not mandatory. The foils can also be raised. This means that the Skeeta can be launched normally like a dinghy on the slip trolley and does not immediately fall over when boarding. Once in the water, the centreboard and rudder are pushed downwards and locked in place with a pin for foiling. Unlike the Moth, the sail on the Skeeta can be set with a halyard and recovered on the water. This means that the rig does not have to be completely dismantled after sailing.
The Swiss company QuantBoats is now importing the Skeeta for the European market. Depending on the exchange rate and transport costs, Zurich-based Michi Aeppli is currently charging a basic price of 15,345 euros (plus VAT), complete and ready to sail with launching trolley and all transport bags.
The Skeeta: Introduction in the film
Skeeta Foiler
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Michael Good
Editor Test & Technology
