Hydrofoils: Racing Through Time

During Foiling Week, a festival of fast sailing on Italy’s Lake Garda, racers and designers used the latest technologies to whiz above the waves at more than three times wind speed

Powered hydrofoils date back to the mid-19th century, and have been used for both commercial and military purposes. Today, foiling sailboats are challenging the physical limits to speed in the water. But increased velocity has also raised safety concerns. Manufacturers interested in the mass market must create lighter, safer craft. At the same time, students are being encouraged to develop innovative powered hydrofoils offering commercial possibilities while respecting environmental norms.