Foils, the New Era of Sail Racing
Appendages use the wind pressure to lift the boat and take it to previously unthinkable speeds
New frontier of eco-sustainable speed, the foils act as magical appendages to drifting and rudders, literally making monohulls and multihulls take off.
The vertical thrust generated lifts the boat partially or completely, drastically reducing the surface area in contact with the water and thus hydrodynamic resistance.
Finely balanced on hydrofoil wings, boats reach unprecedented speeds. Foil technology is akin to a boat growing wings and rising freely by exploiting the laws of nature and physics.
The latest achievement in the sailing world, no area of high-performance racing has remained untouched by the impact of the foil revolution.
The small WASZP has been the focus of a growing number of enthusiasts in the world of foiling. Incorporated into the Foiling Academy’s programme to develop federally interested foil classes, the WASZP class has turned competition into an intense and adrenaline-filled sport with highly professional athletes.
Currently ranked 6th in the world, Ettore Botticini confirmed himself as one of the best interpreters of this increasingly popular one-design foiler by winning the first leg of the MFI Eurocup Waszp 2023.
In the lead right from the first day, Ettore, flag bearer of Italian Circolo Nautico e della Vela Argentario, kept his concentration high throughout the event, finishing the ten-race series with a total of 13 points and two fours discarded, both on the final day, when Botticini just raced safely and avoided taking too many risks.
The podium was completed by Italian Emanuele Savoini (YC Imperia) in second place, five points behind Botticini, and German Moritz Hagenmeyer (DSC), ten points behind the winner.
Rounding out the top five were the other local racer, Enzio Savoini (YC Imperia), who finished third in the 2022 edition of International Waszp, and the European Champion, Francesco Bertone (Team Drylaps).
