sfoils

Sfoils, also known as hydrofoils or simply foils, are appendages that are submerged below the hull of a watercraft. When the watercraft gains sufficient speed, the sfoil's wings generate lift, similar to an airplane wing, causing the hull to rise out of the water. This lifting action dramatically reduces drag, allowing the watercraft to travel at much higher speeds with less power than a conventional hull.

The design of an sfoil can vary significantly, but most consist of a wing-like structure attached to a vertical strut. The shape and angle of the wing are critical for generating efficient lift. There are several types of sfoil configurations, including single foils, multiple foils, and complex systems that can adjust their angle of attack for stability and performance.

Sfoils are employed in a variety of marine applications. They are commonly found on racing yachts and dinghies, where they provide a significant speed advantage. Sfoil technology has also been integrated into ferries, known as foiling ferries, to improve speed and fuel efficiency. Additionally, personal watercraft like surfboards and paddleboards have been adapted with sfoils, creating new sports such as foiling surfing and wing foiling. The increasing adoption of sfoils points to their potential to revolutionize waterborne transportation and recreation by offering faster, more efficient, and potentially more sustainable movement across water.