moth sailboat hydrofoil

Hydrofoil sailing boats in the moth class sailing world championships changed the America's Cup forever

When Brett Burvill won two races at the moth class sailing world championships in Perth almost 20 years ago, he could not have known how a small change he made to his boat would reverberate around the world.

"He finished 10th [overall], which is pretty good for a crazy new development, but he won at least two of the races I think," recalled friend and fellow boat builder John Ilett.

"They were really spectacular, because he would not go very well at the first part of the race, and then the next part he would pass 20 boats, and then another 20 boats.

"He was just twice the speed."

Next week, more than 100 competitors will return to the Mounts Bay Sailing Club for the 2019 World Championships, two decades after Burvill unveiled his revolutionary innovation.

He had attached a hydrofoil to his boat, which provided lift, reduced drag and dramatically increased his speed.

It also set in motion innovations which made their way to the biggest race in global yachting.

Superfast hydrofoil caused a stir

Burvill wasn't the first person to put hydrofoils on a boat, but he was the first to successfully race them.

"There were ones done in the 1970s, with moths, and ones in the 1990s, but these were never sort of proven in racing," said Ilett, who was an early adopter of hydrofoils.

"People experimented with it but until you actually sail around a course and win a race or win a regatta, then that's when the concepts are proven and adopted.

"I think it was just the inspiration of other crazy boats flying around, because it had been done to other craft but it had not been done in the moth class.

"The moth class is open to any new development, so if you can make them go faster, then we gave it a try."

The attachment of foils to the moth boats brought plenty of resistance, with some competitors concerned the increased speed and difficulty of control would kill the class.

"There was a lot of backlash to it in the beginning," Ilett said.

"The class wanted to ban it, some people wanting to ban it, people walking away from the class and saying I'm never coming back, so there was a lot of fuss about it."

So how do hydrofoils actually work?

Hydrofoils are not a new invention, with their use first recorded 150 years ago when a British patent was granted to Frenchman Emmanuel Denis Farcot.

He claimed that adapting to the sides and bottom of a vessel a series of inclined planes or wedge-formed pieces would have the affect of lifting it in the water and reducing the drag as it went forward.

Inventor Alexander Graham Bell, who is best known for the telephone, also built a foiled boat called a HD-4, which set a marine speed record of 114 kilometres per hour in 1919.

Since then, the technology has been used in military and passenger capabilities, but there prevalence has declined over time, with the foils susceptible to impact and also posing a risk to marine life.

Hydrofoils work in essentially the same way as aeroplane wings.

As the boat moves forward, the hydrofoil travels through the water, but the water that travels over the top does so at a faster speed.

The faster the water travels, the lower the pressure, resulting in an area of low pressure above the foil and high pressure below the foil.

The difference in pressure creates lift, allowing the boat to rise out of the water.

With the hull of the boat out of the water, drag is reduced, and vessels can reach higher speeds.

Making it to the America's Cup

The successful application of hydrofoils in the moth class demonstrated their value to racing and saw them adopted across numerous sailing classes.

But it was their use in arguably the world's most prestigious race that completed their emergence in mainstream racing.

"It's pretty cool," Ilett reflected.

"I think it probably seemed inevitable. I think I'm right that in the early days of the America's Cup they did try to stop the hydrofoil developments, but like the America's Cup do, they found a way around it."

Those changes were implemented in 2013, when America's Team Oracle completed a remarkable 1-8 comeback to claim the event 9-8 over Team New Zealand, with the yachts reaching speeds of about 80kph.

The adoption of the hydrofoil in the Cup has a benefit for those who still race the moths, with successful skippers often hired to compete in the big race.

"It's put a lot of America's Cup sailors into the moths class because it's easier to get the guys out on one of of these more often — for training, for learning and getting a feel for flying," Ilett said.

"Even the guys on the America's Cup boats that don't do particular jobs, they all sail on these boats too."

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Bladerider Moth Sailboat

• By Alan Block
• Updated: August 21, 2007

Even the staunchest keelboat devotee can’t help but be intrigued by them. They don’t have a trapeze, and they’ve only got one little sail, yet they sail at twice the true wind speed. They’re monohulls, but they move faster than a Tornado cat, sailing upwind as fast as 13 knots, downwind close to 30 knots. Jumping out of the water on ultra-light carbon foils in a 5-knot breeze, they’ll smoke almost anything else powered by sails.

They’re International Moths, and if Andrew “Amac” McDougall of Bladerider International has his way, they just may change the world of singlehanded dinghy sailing forever.

Ironically, the Moth class that has spawned the most groundbreaking development in hydrofoil technology is one of the ancient ones. Len Morris built his 11-foot Olive near Melbourne, Australia, in 1928. A year later, Joel Van Sant built a Moth in Elizabeth, New Jersey, to almost the same proportions. In both locations the small catboats were a hit, and numbers grew steadily due to the low cost of building such small, simple dinghies.

The class spread from the U.S. to Europe and from Australia to New Zealand, with huge design variations from fleet to fleet. Various national classes modified their rules slightly to encourage international competition, and with the International Yacht Racing Union’s acceptance of the class in 1972, the International Moth Class was born. The openness of the Class Rule, the first sentence of which reads, “the intention of these class rules is to give the designer and builder the fullest liberty in design and construction,” has resulted in much innovation and a variety of designs, including skiff Moths, pram Moths, scow Moths, skinny tube Moths, dinghy Moths, and now foiling Moths (which can be skiff Moths or scow Moths).

In 1999, Australian Dr. Ian Ward opened a can of worms that would change the class more profoundly than any prior development. Ward fitted horizontal hydrofoils to the bottom of the centerboard and rudder of a Moth and he found that the foils lifted the boat out of the water with ease. Catamaran and trimarans had already proven that three T-shaped foils worked, but conventional wisdom held that a dinghy with two foils would be far too unstable to be sailable. Ward quickly found out that the conventional wisdom was wrong, but devising a system to maintain ride height and control would take more time. Brothers John and Garth Ilett created and refined such a system in 2000 using a surface-sending wand to control the main foil’s lift.

Amidst intense intra-class squabbling, Rohan Veal used the Iletts’ creation to win the 2004 Moth World Championship with eight firsts in eight races. In one race, he beat the second place boat by ten minutes. With non-foiling, or “low riding,” Moths quickly approaching obsolescence, the biggest obstacle to competitive Moth sailors became obtaining their own foiling moths. The Iletts’ Fastacraft and a handful of other small, custom boatbuilders just couldn’t keep up with demand for their carefully constructed, all-carbon dinghies. That’s where McDougall came in.

A longtime Moth sailor, McDougall built his first Moth more than three decades ago. In early 2005, he purchases one of the Iletts’ foiling Moths and immediately knew that it was something special, a sailing experience that shouldn’t be constrained by the limited resources of a few custom builders. McDougall scraped up the money for his own Moth design/build business and set to work improving and simplifying existing designs and components to allow faster fabrication and shorter build times. He spent four months on the design of the foils, performing flow analysis and even writing his own foil-creating software. Once he completed the basic boat design, McDougall recruited Veal to help develop and market the boats, signed a partnership with composite specialist McConaghy Boats, and Bladerider International was born.

There are a handful of foiling Moths in the U.S., but the first two production Bladeriders landed here in April via air freight in boxes weighing about 100 pounds. Detroit sailor Bora Gulari bought the second U.S. boat, and in June he took me out for three days of “flight school.” I came late to sailing and started in big keelboats, so I lack the balance and quick reaction time with which lifelong dinghy sailors are blessed. I weigh around 220 pounds, a third bigger than most competitive Mothies, so in a way, I’m the ideal person to test the Bladerider. McDougall’s vision is not to create one more International Moth, it’s to bring the foiling experience beyond the aerospace engineers and tinkerer/athletes to the average sailor–someone just like me. Twenty minutes on the Bladerider taught me that I’ll never win a Moth World Championship, but I experienced a sensation totally new to me, something that could revolutionize the small boat world.

On the first day, moderate winds on a flat Lake St. Clair provided plenty of power, as Gulari proved less than 20 yards from the entrance to Bayview YC when he launched onto the foils and accelerated to 12 knots, upwind. When he turned down to a reach, our Sea Ray could hardly keep up. After a few minutes, I jumped into the water to take my turn. The first thing that struck me was the boom, in the head. The next was the incredible narrowness of the tiny hull. Dwarfed by large, trampoline-covered carbon wings, the 12-inch wide hull resembles a slab-sided torpedo. The designer realized that the hull would spend most of its time in the air, so he downsized it accordingly. The hull is covered with the most aggressive non-skid I’ve ever encountered, and as tippy as the boat is, that’s a good thing. The racks are works of art: clear-coated carbon sculptures covered with Dacron tramps, their width provides massive righting moment to counter the power from the big, windsurfer-inspired sail that sleeves over a thin-walled carbon mast.

Once I got moving, the instability vanished, even before I lifted free of the water. The foils generate substantial lift and stability at slow speeds, giving the pencil-thin hull the feel of a wide boat. Simple sail controls allowed me to concentrate on placing my body where Gulari told me, although the oversized mainsheet made easing the sail a bit stickier than it should have been. It’s a physical boat that requires lots of balance, and the small loads and efficient controls should be attractive to female and youth sailors.

A puff hit, and I practiced the dinghy mantra, “ease, hike, trim.” Hiking on the wing, I trimmed the sail and lifted almost imperceptibly out of the water. Another puff lifted me completely clear, and things went strangely silent. As a Melges 24 sailor, I’m used to going fast, but that speed is always accompanied by spray, vibration, and the sounds of crashing through waves. Speed on a Moth is completely different–drama free, peaceful, almost trance-inducing. Reality broke into my reverie when I let the boat heel too far to leeward. The boat crashed back into the water, and I hit the shrouds.

For days afterwards, my bruises would remind me of just how fast I’d been going.My test sail was like nothing I’d ever experienced on the water. In twenty minutes, the Bladerider opened my eyes to the possibilities of foilborne sailing. Foils have already invigorated the International Moth Class, with membership growth at a ten-year high, but it’s not just the IMCA that Bladerider is trying to revolutionize. McDougall’s operation currently builds three to four boats per week, but to goal is to double that output.

Priced at $14,000, the Bladerider isn’t cheap, but it provides an utterly new experience. Gliding above the water at double digit speeds, the only sound a faint hiss from the foils, you’ll be transformed. Going back to your loud, sloppy, slow, surface-bound craft might just be unthinkable.

For more about the Bladerider Moth, go to www.bladerider.com.au/

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Oceans at MIT

Brooks Reed is a PhD student in the Hover Research Group at MIT.

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Featured Stories | August 19, 2014

Flying on the foils: a q&a with brooks reed, mit’s moth sailor.

By Genevieve Wanucha

“Like any extreme sport, sailing the Moth definitely requires a balance between fearlessness, commitment, and caution.”

It’s an unmissable sight down at the MIT Sailing Pavilion on Memorial Drive. All summer, a hydrofoiling sailboat has been flying atop the Charles River, reminiscent of the catamarans raced in last year’s America’s Cup . The person skillfully handling this  International Moth Class boat is none other than Brooks Reed , a MIT PhD student who works with Prof. Franz Hover ‘s research group in the MIT Dept. of Mechanical Engineering. Reed learned to sail at the age of 8 and has been racing competitively ever since.

Here’s Oceans at MIT’s Q& A with Reed. First, check out this video. Reed attaches a GoPro video camera to the Moth to catch an amazing perspective on his experience of “silent acceleration,” as well as some of those inevitable high-speed crashes.

Why did you start sailing the Moth on the Charles River?

The MIT Sailing Pavilion bought the boat over the winter for several reasons. First, the Moth is a really fun boat to sail. Second, MIT has always promoted technology in sailing, especially college sailing, which traditionally resists change and uses sturdy but low-performance boats. Also, the possibility of getting to sail the Moth will probably help recruit prospective students to apply to MIT and join the Sailing Team . I want to thank MIT sailing master Fran Charles and the sailing team coach Matt Lindblad for giving us the opportunity to sail a boat like this. No other college program has anything close to this boat in terms of performance and technology, and also fragility.

I’ve wanted to sail one of these boats ever since I heard about hydrofoiling when I was in high school. When I was applying to MIT undergrad in 2005, one of the short admissions essays was to write about an inspiring concept or technical solution–I wrote mine about the Moth. I have always liked high performance boats, and the Moth is a dynamic, challenging boat to sail, which uses elegant technical principles in its design. I’ll probably get my own Moth someday and try to race more seriously, so being able to learn how to sail one here on the river–for free–is great. I can leave my office and be foiling around the river in 30 minutes.

How did you learn to handle a hydrofoil boat? Have you sailed something similar in sailing competitions before?

The learning curve on this boat is really steep. Pretty much everyone spends their first couple sessions with equal amounts of time flipped over vs. sailing!

I had a bit of a head start because I’ve done a lot of high performance sailing in the past, but not foiling. The most helpful experience was sailing a small skiff called the 29er in San Francisco Bay and other locations around the world during high school. Although this boat is sailed with two people and doesn’t foil, it is fast and difficult to handle just like the Moth. Over the past 3 years I have also done a lot of high performance catamaran sailing—another MIT ocean engineer, Jeff Dusek , and I own and race an F18 catamaran together. Because of their width, catamarans are much more stable than the Moth, but the F18 is fast and powerful, so some of the concepts carry over.

Learning to sail the Moth mostly just comes with practice. One thing that helped was to watch a lot of YouTube videos of experienced Moth sailors. The technique involved in sailing the boat is very unique, so seeing it done correctly is a good starting point. But there’s no substitute to getting on the water and trying things out. I also have some friends who have been racing Moths for a while, so I bug them a lot with questions about boat setup or specific techniques.

What’s the most difficult part about sailing a hydrofoil?

I think the most difficult part is that the boat is so dynamic. The Moth weighs about 65 pounds, so the sailor is much heavier than the boat. Since the boat is up on the foils, no stability comes from the hull. It’s a balancing act, a bit like riding a bike. The boat accelerates and responds to changes in the wind so quickly that you can’t sit back and relax, or even try to react to what the boat is doing. You have to anticipate the behavior of the boat, actively steering and adjusting the sails and foil controls in order to keep the boat sailing smooth—sailing this boat is really athletic.

The speeds that this boat can reach, even in moderate winds, are very high, so if you do something wrong you can crash really hard—water doesn’t feel too soft when you are going 25 knots! But since the Moth is so dynamic, you can’t back off—the boat is happiest when it’s being pushed hard. Like any extreme sport, it definitely requires a balance between fearlessness, commitment, and caution.

And what’s your favorite thing about it?

  It’s hard to pick a favorite out of the many great things about this boat. Certainly, the challenges I’ve described are a major part of why the boat is so fun to sail. I would have to say that my favorite part is the instantaneous feedback the boat gives you when you sail it right. The boat just lights up when you get the settings and technique dialed in. Because the Moth is flying on the foils, it’s almost completely quiet when sailing, as opposed to the usual loud sounds of spray coming off the hull. That feeling of silent acceleration is really unique. Foiling kiteboards can probably offer similar excitement and slightly faster overall speeds. But for me, I like how the Moth is a very refined and high-tech machine.

On a more technical note, how does the foil control system work?

The Moth uses a mechanical feedback system to regulate the height and pitch of the boat when on foils. My research involves feedback control, one of my favorite subjects in engineering, so this aspect of the Moth really interests me as well.

A wand at the front of the boat skims the water’s surface, and rotates based on the height at which the boat is above the water. The rotation is connected via a series of linkages to the flap on the main hydrofoil. So, as the boat changes height, the angle of attack on the foil changes, which changes the amount of lift produced. This setup enables stable foiling using active control, which is different than the methods for foiling stability used on the America’s Cup catamarans .

Does the filming have anything to do with a scientific interest, perfecting your technique, or is it just super cool to watch?

Mostly, the videos are just fun to watch, although I have been able to make some improvements to my sailing technique by watching them.

Scientifically, it would be interesting to put a few different cameras at different angles on the boat, and also add some instrumentation. It is definitely possible to make an instrumentation package including accelerometers/gyros, a GPS, a compass, an ultrasonic sensor to measure the height above the water, and encoders on the wand system. With those data, you could study the performance of the boat from a more principled controls perspective. I think it would be cool to eventually use such a scientific approach to make improvements to the boat. People have done a bit of this already, but you never know what a group of MIT students might be able to add.

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[2023] Hydrofoil Yacht: The Ultimate Guide to Sailing on Foils

• November 1, 2023
• Hydrofoil Basics

Quick Answer: A hydrofoil yacht is a sailboat equipped with wing-like foils that lift the hull out of the water as it gains speed. This reduces drag, increases speed, and provides a smoother ride. Hydrofoil yachts can be retrofitted on both monohull and multihull sailboats, with different types of foils used for stability and control.

Welcome to Hydrofoiling™, where we bring you all the latest and greatest information about hydrofoil boarding. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into the world of hydrofoil yachts, exploring their history, configurations, classes, and more. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a curious beginner, this article will provide you with expert advice and insights into the exciting world of hydrofoil yachts.

Table of Contents

Quick answer, quick tips and facts, background: the evolution of hydrofoil yachts, types of hydrofoil yachts, hydrofoil classes: from moths to ac75, hydrofoil yacht brands and models, advantages and disadvantages of hydrofoil yachts.

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A hydrofoil yacht is a sailboat equipped with wing-like foils that lift the hull out of the water as it gains speed. This lifting action reduces the wetted area of the hull, minimizing drag and allowing the yacht to achieve higher speeds. Hydrofoil yachts can be retrofitted on both monohull and multihull sailboats, with different types of foils used for stability and control.

Shopping Links: Check out hydrofoil yacht products on Amazon | Shop hydrofoil yacht on Walmart | Etsy hydrofoil yacht products

• Hydrofoil yachts use foils to lift the hull out of the water, reducing drag and increasing speed.
• Different types of foils, such as T foils, C foils, S foils, and L foils, are used for stability and control.
• Hydrofoil yachts can be retrofitted on both monohull and multihull sailboats.
• The International Moth class is one of the most widespread uses of hydrofoils in sailboats.
• Hydrofoil yachts can achieve impressive speeds, with some reaching over 50 knots.

Hydrofoil technology has been around for over a century, with the first patent for a hydrofoil boat filed in 1898 by Italian engineer Enrico Forlanini. Since then, hydrofoil yachts have undergone significant advancements, transforming the sailing experience and pushing the boundaries of speed and performance.

The concept behind hydrofoil yachts is simple yet ingenious. By using wing-like foils mounted under the hull, these yachts can lift themselves out of the water as they gain speed. This lifting action reduces the wetted area of the hull, minimizing drag and allowing the yacht to glide effortlessly through the water.

Hydrofoil yachts come in various configurations, each designed to optimize performance and stability. Let’s explore some of the most common types of hydrofoil yachts:

Monohull Hydrofoil Yachts : Monohull hydrofoil yachts feature a single hull and employ a “ladder” arrangement of hydrofoils. These hydrofoils typically have a dihedral angle of around 50 degrees and are complemented by a stabilizing rudder foil. This configuration provides stability and control, allowing the yacht to sail smoothly on foils.

Multihull Hydrofoil Yachts : Multihull hydrofoil yachts, such as catamarans and trimarans, offer increased stability and performance. These yachts use wider planforms, allowing for greater lift and control. Some multihulls utilize three foils, with two main forward foils providing lift and a horizontal foil on the rudder for additional control.

Hydrofoil Catamarans : Hydrofoil catamarans, also known as foilcats, combine the stability of a catamaran with the speed and efficiency of hydrofoils. These yachts can achieve impressive speeds while maintaining excellent stability, making them popular choices for racing and recreational sailing.

Hydrofoil technology has found its way into various sailing classes, revolutionizing the way we sail. Let’s take a closer look at some of the notable hydrofoil classes:

International Moth : The International Moth class is one of the most widespread uses of hydrofoils in sailboats. These single-handed dinghies feature foiling capabilities, allowing sailors to achieve incredible speeds and maneuverability. The class has seen rapid growth since 2001, with carbon fiber foils and advanced design techniques pushing the boundaries of performance.

Waszp : The Waszp class is similar to the International Moth class but utilizes aluminum foils instead of carbon fiber. This makes the Waszp more accessible to a wider range of sailors while still providing the exhilaration of foiling.

AC75 : The AC75 is a foiling monohull sailboat class used in the 2021 America’s Cup. These impressive yachts can reach speeds of up to 50 knots, showcasing the incredible potential of hydrofoil technology in the world of competitive sailing.

IQFoil : The IQFoil windsurfer class was selected by World Sailing for the 2024 Summer Olympics. These windsurfers feature hydrofoils, allowing athletes to glide above the water and achieve impressive speeds.

IMOCA 60 : Originally designed as non-foiling offshore racers, the IMOCA 60 class has embraced hydrofoil technology. These yachts now feature S-shaped daggerboard foils, providing partial foiling capabilities and enhancing performance in various conditions.

F50 : The F50 sailboat class is used in the SailGP series and is the first sailboat class to break the 50-knot barrier during a race, with a top speed of 52.2 knots. These high-performance catamarans showcase the incredible speed and agility that hydrofoil technology can offer.

Several brands have embraced hydrofoil technology, offering a range of hydrofoil yachts to cater to different sailing preferences. Here are some notable hydrofoil yacht brands and models:

Gunboat : Gunboat is a renowned brand in the world of luxury hydrofoil yachts. Their models, such as the Gunboat 68 and Gunboat 72, combine performance, comfort, and elegance, providing an exceptional sailing experience.

GC32 : The GC32 is a hydrofoil catamaran designed for high-performance racing. This foiling catamaran offers thrilling speeds and precise control, making it a favorite among competitive sailors.

AC72 and AC45f/AC50 : These hydrofoil catamarans were used in the America’s Cup, showcasing the cutting-edge technology and innovation in the world of hydrofoil yachts. These yachts pushed the boundaries of speed and performance, captivating sailing enthusiasts worldwide.

Nacra 17 and Nacra F20 : Nacra is a well-known brand in the world of multihull sailing, and their Nacra 17 and Nacra F20 models feature hydrofoil capabilities. These yachts offer a perfect balance of speed, stability, and maneuverability, making them popular choices for recreational and competitive sailing.

Hydrofoil yachts offer a range of advantages that make them appealing to sailors seeking speed, performance, and an exhilarating sailing experience. However, they also come with some drawbacks. Let’s explore the pros and cons of hydrofoil yachts:

Advantages:

Increased Speed : Hydrofoil yachts can achieve impressive speeds, thanks to reduced drag and increased lift. This allows sailors to cover more distance in less time, making hydrofoil yachts ideal for racing or simply enjoying the thrill of speed on the water.

Smooth Ride : By lifting the hull out of the water, hydrofoil yachts provide a smoother and more comfortable sailing experience. The reduced contact with the water minimizes the impact of waves and chop, resulting in a smoother ride even in rough conditions.

Improved Efficiency : Hydrofoil yachts are more efficient than traditional sailboats, thanks to reduced drag and improved lift. This increased efficiency translates to better performance and reduced energy consumption, making hydrofoil yachts an environmentally friendly choice.

Disadvantages:

Complex Design : Hydrofoil yachts require a more complex design compared to traditional sailboats. The addition of foils and the associated control systems can increase the complexity of the yacht, requiring more maintenance and potentially higher costs.

Learning Curve : Sailing a hydrofoil yacht requires a certain level of skill and experience. The handling and control of a hydrofoil yacht can be more challenging compared to traditional sailboats, requiring sailors to adapt to the unique characteristics of foiling.

Higher Costs : Hydrofoil yachts, especially high-performance models, can come with a higher price tag compared to traditional sailboats. The advanced technology, materials, and design required for hydrofoil yachts contribute to their higher cost.

How fast is the hydrofoil racing yacht?

Hydrofoil racing yachts can achieve impressive speeds, with some models reaching over 50 knots (57.5 mph or 92.6 km/h). The F50 sailboat class, used in the SailGP series, holds the record for the fastest sailboat class, with a top speed of 52.2 knots (60 mph or 97 km/h).

What does a hydrofoil do to a boat?

A hydrofoil lifts the hull of a boat out of the water as it gains speed. This reduces the wetted area of the hull, minimizing drag and allowing the boat to achieve higher speeds. The lifting action of the hydrofoil also provides a smoother ride by reducing the impact of waves and chop.

Read more about “… Hydrofoil Catamaran: The Ultimate Guide to Foiling on Water”

How fast do hydrofoil boats go?

Hydrofoil boats can reach impressive speeds, depending on their design and purpose. Racing hydrofoil yachts can achieve speeds over 50 knots (57.5 mph or 92.6 km/h), while recreational hydrofoil boats can reach speeds of 20-30 knots (23-34.5 mph or 37-55.5 km/h) or more.

Why don’t boats use hydrofoils?

While hydrofoils offer significant advantages in terms of speed and efficiency, they also come with certain limitations. The complex design and higher costs associated with hydrofoils can be prohibitive for some boat owners. Additionally, the handling and control of hydrofoil boats require a certain level of skill and experience, making them less accessible to novice sailors.

Read more about “… Why do boats not use hydrofoils?”

Hydrofoil yachts have revolutionized the sailing experience, offering increased speed, improved efficiency, and a smoother ride. Whether you’re a competitive sailor looking for the thrill of high-speed racing or a recreational sailor seeking a more exhilarating sailing experience, hydrofoil yachts provide an exciting and innovative option.

Recommended Links:

• Hydrofoil History
• Advanced Hydrofoiling Techniques
• Hydrofoil Equipment Reviews
• How Do Hydrofoils Work on Boats? 2023

Reference Links:

• Sailing Hydrofoil – Wikipedia
• Gunboat Official Website
• Nacra Official Website
• SailGP Official Website
• America’s Cup Official Website

Now that you have a comprehensive understanding of hydrofoil yachts, it’s time to set sail and experience the thrill of foiling firsthand. Whether you’re racing on the high seas or cruising along the coast, a hydrofoil yacht will take your sailing adventures to new heights. Happy foiling!

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is based on research and personal experience. Hydrofoiling™ is not affiliated with any specific brand or product mentioned in this article. Always consult with experts and follow safety guidelines when engaging in hydrofoil activities.

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Leaders in their respective fields, the team's expertise ranges from technology and electronics to fashion, luxury goods, outdoor and sports equipment, and even food and beverages. Their years of dedication and acute understanding of their sectors have given them an uncanny ability to discern the most subtle nuances of product design, functionality, and overall quality.

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- 2023 NSW and Australian Champion design

This Swift is a joint venture between Damic Design and our building partners to create what we believe is the fastest and best built International Moth on the market.

We have neatly 20 years of experience in the class which has helped immensely with the design and development of the platform. The end result is a boat that is easy to sail, looks great and most importantly wins races straight out of the box.

Please click on the link below for more information and pricing or to lock in your build slot.

The Concept

The Swift Moth has been designed with one main objective in mind, which is to be the fastest production Moth on the market!

This required a no compromise approach, so we have used the best available materials and manufacturing processed to achieve what we believe is the most thorough though Moth design to date. We settled on the final concept from over 55 different sub-variants to make sure the finished product is as close to perfection as we can get. The boat is also made in small batches that guarantee outstanding quality and finish that is simply not possible on a mass-produced build.

We focused on three key areas of improvement.

1.       Minimise aero drag

2.       Reduce overall weight

3.       Improve usability and ease of manoeuvres such as foil tacking.

We also wanted to make sailing more enjoyable though systems that work and excellent ergonomics. We made the platform fully dismantlable so that the whole boat can be packed in a box for low cost of transport to and from regattas. And lastly, we made the boat easy to live with so things like wing assembly, control lines take-ups and general maintenance are super easy and accessible.

When you buy the Swift Moth, you are not only buying speed and quality but access to advice and ongoing support from the Moth sailor and designer with nearly 20 years of class experience.

The hull shape has been primarily optimised for aero gains as we spend so little time in displacement mode. Though CFD and on water testing, our final shape ensures that the overall drag is very low. This is achieved by maximising attached flow not only top sides but also underside of the hull. Something that is particularly important in upwind sailing mode. We also tried to ensure that the airflow is accelerated over the forward section of the foredeck feeding clean air straight into the sail decksweeper. Hull volume has also been kept to an absolute minimum, but we raised the mid-section to help keep the front bars clear of the water for take-off in large waves but also to increase the effective aspect ratio of the sail and the hull. The Hull is made from carbon/foam sandwich construction with increased number of frames to ensure high stiffness at very low weight. The shell is available in any colour with striking clear carbon top sides.

The wing entire frame is a carefully engineered structure that is very light, stiff and aero. It also dismantles with just 4 bolts! The tubes are made from pressure moulded pre-pre carbon fibre with High Modulus used in the structure of the transverse bars. Solid trampolines then attach to the frame to make a super smooth transition to ensure attached flow over the entire structure. The trampolines also feature concealed rope take up channels and most importantly the overall concave shape helps reduce the mid-wing height making the trampolines feel less steep. This makes for easier boat handling, but while maintaining the advantage of a powerful platform though a high wing frame.

Control System and bowsprit

The Swift control system is based on one theory. The less linkages, the less slop! So, for this reason, our foil control tubes have the bare minimum of moving parts and linkages. And the ones that are there, have all been designed to eliminate slop. This all means you get more control and speed while sailing. The main carbon control tube sits on the deck floor and features what is now class standard gearing and bias adjusters. The bowsprit itself is a lightweight carbon tube with moulded end fitting that houses a titanium wand head for precision and weight reduction. The wand top tube itself is a custom carbon aerofoil section with adjustable wand inside.

Removable Foredeck

We paid a lot of attention to making the boat look clean so all the messy stuff like control system and rope take-ups are all hidden under the removable clear carbon deck fairing. When removed this fairing allowed easy access to everything that would might want to change. An access hatch above the mainfoil allows for connection of the pushrods, so the deck fairing only needs to be removed for maintenance purposes. We also extended this fairing a long way aft so that sail endplates on it removing the need for any additional fairings. The deck fairing is available to suit either 1050, 1150 or 1250DS sails.

Aero Wing Fairings

These components are optional extras, however we consider them as essential upgrades to the aero package. The wing fairings in particular are easily removable carbon mouldings that Velcro down and cover most of the trampoline control lines. They help guide the airflow over this usually messy area and reduce the overall drag quite significantly.

Toe-Strap Mouldings

This is another upgrade item that is designed to reduce the drag associated with traditional toe-strap mounts. Our carbon moulded alternatives are not only very aero but also allow for easy removal of the toe-strap though a single titanium bolt.

The gantry has been a big focus area as we consider it quite critical to improving take off performance. Our design not only offers low drag characteristics, but also water drainage at foiling speeds ensuring that boat is as light as possible in take-off mode. The gantry is constructed from carbon foam sandwich with internal framing that makes it super stiff yet very light.

The hydrofoil package comprises of our proven and race winning Swift range. The verticals we use are ultra-thin and short in cord while the horizontal range now consists of 5 foils. Three main horizontals and two rudder horizontals. All foils are a result of ongoing development since 2012 with a clear aim to push limits of design and materials in order to maximise performance well into the future.

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INTERNATIONAL MOTH SPEED GUIDE

Moth Dinghy expert Rob Greenhalgh introduces this extraordinary singlehanded foiling dinghy and describes the keys to sailing one fast.

Who sails the foiling Moth Dinghy?

The Moth class is for everyone—it’s so exciting, you don’t need to race it. Club sailors can get a huge buzz out of foiling, going fast around the bay, and learning to foil jibe and tack. They might enjoy it so much they never need to join a race. At the other end of the spectrum, there are sailors who have been in Moth Class for a decade or more and love the challenge of racing this exciting, complex craft. 

Viewed from stern or bow, the foiling moth is a high-speed machine, clearly unlike other sailboats.

What kind of sailors enjoy this challenge?

Moths are development boats, not a strict one-design class, and that’s daunting for some. The technical and evolutionary side of Moth sailing requires a good understanding of how everything works—how the foils interact with the rig setup and how to balance both aspects. Over the last five years, there have been massive speed advancements, which will continue. To be at the top of the game, you have to enjoy the technical side. But you can buy equipment off the shelf and, if you practice and sail well, soon be up to pace. Though more technically oriented sailors often gain an edge for a while, there are also lots of people who will make changes that don’t help them, so it evens out.

How physical is the sailing?

When you are first getting into it, Moth sailing seems physically hard, but once you’ve done it a while, it’s not too bad. On a windy day with a lot of capsizing, it gets pretty tiring. But it’s a light boat, and the loads are not high. Anyone can do it if you can move quickly at times. There are plenty of Moth sailors in their 60s.

New boats or used, which are better?

My advice for the first-time or second-time buyer is to look for a good second-hand boat that you know will fly. This saves you a lot of effort, because even experienced Moth sailors need a few months to work up a new boat. Sure, it’s always a worry that you might not be getting good enough kit with a used boat, but in my experience, any modern Moth can be made fast. If you want to buy new, a standard boat from either of the two main builders—Exocet by Maguire Boats, or Mach 2 by MacDougall McConaghy—will quick enough for top 5. You can also have a look at the new Bieker Moth by LSF Composites.

The Moth is a development class. What’s happening lately?

The Vi-8 DS 3Di (on top) and Vi-8 LA 3DI feature the same sail area. The LA has more power in lighter winds to foil more quickly; the DS has less drag at high speeds.

What sails do you recommend?

8LA-3Di provides extra power to get on foil.

Which sails do you use?

The decksweeper (Vi-8 DS 3Di) creates an endplate and lowers aero-drag. It is slightly faster once foiling.

How does foil choice affect sail choice?

Moths have two foils, a larger foil for lighter winds and a smaller foil for stronger, and that’s a choice you have to make on the beach. In my case, if I expect to be on my foils all day, I’ll choose the smaller foil and the deck-sweeper sail. If the winds are lighter or less reliable, I will often choose the big foil and the LA sail. And if I expect light air to start but a building breeze all day, I’ll likely choose the big foil with the deck-sweeper sail.

Tuning the Moth Dinghy

What are the keys to tuning a moth.

Generally speaking, you should set up your boat to carry as much rake as possible. How much is that? You’ll know it’s too much if you can’t get under the boom in tacks and jibes. This is not something you do underway, and if the boom is making boat handling more difficult, make the rig more upright until that smooths out.

What other key adjustments do you make before launching a Moth?

Batten tension is one. For Batten 1 (the top batten) down to Batten 5, just take the creases out of the batten pockets—don’t over-tighten them. For Batten 6, remove the crease and then add two more turns by twisting the batten key two full revolutions in a clockwise direction. For Batten 7, take the creases out and add three turns. The outhaul is also non-adjustable underway. Rig the boat ashore with the outhaul loose. Pull on max vang and max cunningham, and then pull the outhaul tight. This will give you a good all round setting.

What other settings can you recommend?

Here some of the numbers from my boat, but don’t worry if your measurements are different. Comparing measurements boat to boat may not matter at all. The important thing is to start recording them and experimenting.

• Front Prodder 340 (adjustable +/-50mm)
• Side Arm 410mm
• Deflection 220mm
• Shroud Base 1500mm
• Mast Length 5100mm (excluding plastic plugs top and bottom)
• Back of mast to clew ring 2340mm

From mast length to shroud base, it's important to record all of your boat and rig measurements. You will change them over time.

How do you set up your foils, actuator wand, and gearing?

Sailing in rougher water requires faster gearing between your actuator and main foils. Foil gearing is a critical control for waves; make sure it can be adjusted for rough waters. To get through waves you need faster gearing. You’ll also change foil size depending on the wind forecast. I have two sets of main foils and use the smaller one on windier days. However, if the wind is light for the first race and predicted to build, I’ll go with the larger foil because the speed penalty of not being able to fly with other boats can trumps all other considerations.

Upwind Moth Sailing

What is most important when sailing upwind.

On any point of sail, the vang and cunningham are powerful controls, and need constant adjustment for different conditions. The goal is to generate power for low-riding and to get up on the foils, and then flatten the sail as the wind builds. One of the challenges of the Moth is it has a maximum 8.25 square meters of sail area, and upwind in most conditions, that’s more sail than you need. Downwind, you have the opposite problem; your speed reduces the apparent wind so much, you’re always starved for power.

What is low-riding mode and how do you sail fast in light winds?

In general you don’t race in winds when you can’t foil, but it may happen that the wind lightens up substantially during a race. Sailing in low-riding mode is an art in itself, something like balancing in a canoe because the hull is so narrow. I always recommend practicing sailing that way.

What does it take to fly a Moth?

Heel the Moth to windward to keep the boat more stable and reduce leeway.

Why do you tip the Moth to windward when flying?

We sail with the rig always tipped to windward because it keeps the boat more stable and reduces leeway on the main foil. Use very subtle steering and trimming of the main.

How do you trim the Moth sailing upwind?

Correct trim is the absolute key to good boatspeed. It’s very easy to over-sheet and stall the front of the mainsail. Always have the inside tell tales lifting. A common mistake is sailing under-powered and over-trimmed. As the wind increases, flatten the main by tightening vang and cunningham to accommodate the higher apparent wind speeds.

How do you adjust sail trim for gusty winds?

You need your rig set-up to be user friendly. That means having enough vang and cunningham to straighten the sail. If twisted, the center of effort can move up and down the sail. It takes a certain level of confidence to get to the point where you can let go of the mainsheet to tighten the kicker and cunningham.

Downwind Moth Sailing

What is the key to good moth speed downwind.

Sailing downwind, be sure to maintain a big entry angle in the lower part of the sail and avoid over-trimming.

What is your focus when trimming downwind?

I focus closely on my lower tell tales, keeping them flying 100 percent and making sure I ease enough to keep the sail ‘hooked up’ with airflow attached. I look for a nice big entry angle on the bottom part of the sail and clean up any horizontal creases by subtly tightening the cunningham. From there, it’s a matter of very subtle trim and steering. If in doubt, ease the sheet and be sure you have good flow going around the front of the sail. If you run into a light patch, just head up to keep the flow going on the main. If needed, power up the main even more. Get the gearing really slow on your foils to minimize drag. The boat will go faster and apparent wind will increase, moving the wind forward and letting you trim harder. Especially when it’s a bit lighter downwind, be sure to pre-empt a drop in apparent wind by easing main and bringing the bow up!

Moth Tacking, Jibing And Gear Changing

How do you foil jibe a moth.

When foil tacking or jibing, you need to flatten the boat. For jibing, bank into the turn to leeward. You’ll turn the boat more aggressively when your body is ready to move across to the new wing.

How do you foil tack a Moth?

When tacking you have to move quickly, bringing the boat relatively flat once head to wind. Start luffing slowly, taking the edge off your speed; make sure the boat is flat when head to wind. As my body moves across the middle to the new wing, I’ll increase the rate of turn, steering quite aggressively through the eye of wind, but my body has to be ready to cross the boat and receive the power on the new tack. You need to come out tipped to windward. Here’s how I break it down:

• Ten seconds before tacking, consider slowing the boat slightly and sailing slightly higher.
• Plan for a slow luff head to wind, followed by a faster turn rate once confident that crew weight can be positioned correctly.
• Heel to windward before the tack but flatten the boat once head to wind. Move your weight inboard. It is important here to sheet the mainsheet on centerline so that it is not over the leeward wing when you pass underneath.
• As you move across the middle of the boat, pass the tiller extension around the back and into a position halfway along the leeward wing.
• When you are confident you can move to the new side, increase the rate of turn, landing on a wider than close-hauled course.
• There are a lot of G-forces during this period, so expected to get ejected a few times!
• Don’t try to piece the whole tack together immediately. Practice the first phase of luffing head to wind, getting your weight to center, and switching the tiller extension across.
• Remember to ease mainsheet out of the tack and have your hands positioned so that the sheet can be eased quickly. The sheet is more important than the tiller on exit.
• I set my mast rake to allow 70 to 75cm between the boom and the deck where I cross the boat. Tacking is important, so make sure you have room under the boom! For tacking practice, I recommend having the rig more upright.
• Don’t adjust any control lines right before or after tacks, unless it is very light and foiling is marginal.

Name 5 key gear changes in a Moth

• To foil early in light air, power up by having the vang and cunningham as loose as possible. However, it is easy to over-deepen the front of the sail, requiring further bear-away to get good flow on the sail. Don’t overdo it.
• Downwind always requires a deeper sail shape than upwind, regardless of wind speed.
• Once foiling, immediately pull on vang to stabilize the sail and cunningham to clean the creases. Even though the wind is light, we are quickly doing 14/15kts. The AWS is high so we need to change sail shape to achieve good speeds.
• As the breeze builds, constantly increase vang and cunningham loads to achieve the desired sail shapes. Max vang should be achieved in 15 knots and max cunningham in 18 knots.
• The Moth gets overpowered quickly, and from 18 knots upwards a softer tip or different sail is required. North’s LA and DS designs have a slight variation in the luff rounds to cover the range, with the DS being aimed at 14 knots true wind speed. For lighter sailors, a softer-tip allows the mast to bend earlier and depower the sail.

How do you start a race in a Moth?

Starts are a bit chaotic. Even for long-time racers, a Moth start will be a new experience. People get up on their foils with about 25 seconds to go and do a big turn-up at about 3 seconds, crossing the lining at 20 knots. A key thing when you’re on your foils is to have the ability to slow down while maintaining control. You need to practice that. Getting to the pin too soon is dodgy, especially with boats starting on port tack.

Why do so many Moths start on port tack?

Moths travel at 15 to 18 knots upwind, so tacking is a very costly part of an upwind leg. Reducing the number of tacks during a beat is very efficient, although this depends somewhat on how well you tack and how confident you are in making your tacks.

How many ways can you capsize a Moth?

You will capsize a Moth every possible way when learning. But I can sail for days now without capsizing, unless it is windy and choppy. The key to recovering quickly is to get on the daggerboard and do a dry capsize, climbing back over the wing. Sometimes that’s hard to do, especially when you pitchpole and find yourself 20 meters out in front of that boat.

What is the most common boat-handling mistake in a Moth?

Capsizing! Foil tacking, in particular, is very difficult. A common mistake is trying to foil tack when it’s breezy. Drag is so high that as you go through head to wind, everything slows down and it’s easy to capsize. You may be better off planning to do a touch-and-go tack. 

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More From Forbes

Candela’s all-electric-powered hydrofoiling passenger ferry poised to transform global ferry transportation.

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The all-electric-powered Candela P-12 ferry flies over the water on hydrofoils

I would never say “I told you so,” but…now that Candela , the world’s leading producer of all-electric-powered hydrofoiling boats, has just closed the largest funding round in the company's history, I might be bold enough to say…”I’m not surprised.”

That’s because I’ve been closely following the development of this wonderfully smart company’s hydrofoiling boats since I test flew a P-7 near their small and efficient shop in Stockholm in 2021. So, I’m really not surprised they just raised over $25 million to expand production of their game-changing P-12 ferry. And since yacht building powerhouse Groupe Beneteau is a key partner in the largest fundraising round Candela has ever completed it appears Candela’s brand of tech-controled hydrofoiling is about to go global.

“Our investment perfectly aligns with Groupe Beneteau‘s ecological transition objectives, scaling up innovative solutions for more sustainable boating and unparalleled experiences,” says Bruno Thivoyon, CEO of Groupe Beneteau, the world's largest boat manufacturer (15 factories, 9 brands, and more than 8,000 yachts built annually) with a total revenue of over $1.5 billion in 2023. “Candela’s technology, enabling significantly more efficient electric vessels, will transform waterborne transport into its next sustainable phase.”

A Candela P-8 and P-12 underway near Stockholm, Sweden

“We couldn’t be more excited about having Groupe Beneteau on board,” says Gustav Hasselskog, Founder and CEO of Candela. “As the leading global boat company, their trust is a stamp of approval for our technology to transform waterborne transportation. We’re excited for the possibilities ahead."

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The new investment round will help to scale up production to meet demand for the recently launched Candela P-12, the world’s first electric hydrofoil ferry. The P-12 is the first fast and long-range electric ferry on the market. Its efficient hydrofoil technology cuts lifetime emissions by 97.5% compared to diesel vessels, while simultaneously allowing operators to save up to 50% in operating costs. Since it generates minimal wake, the P-12 has been granted exemptions from speed limits, as for example on its maiden route in Stockholm, where it from July will cut travel times in half compared to road transport and legacy diesel vessels.

And it’s pretty obvious Hasselskog and company are on the right track. According to some projections the market for electric vessels is expected to be worth $14.2 Billion USD in 2030.

“We’ve spent years developing the technological maturity, and now we’re fit for scaling to commercial vessels. As in any industry, the fastest-scaling company will dominate the market,” says Hasselskog.

The Candela P-8 and P-12 hardly make a ripple as they fly over the water on computer-controlled ... [+] hydrofoils

Other backers in the round include longtime investors EQT Ventures , Ocean Zero LLC , and Kan Dela AB. The new investment brings total funding since Candela’s inception to over $75 million.

“EQT Ventures has steadfastly backed Candela's vision to accelerate the shift towards fossil fuel-free lakes and oceans since 2021. The launch of Candela's P-12 vessels signifies a watershed moment in sustainable transport", says Lars Jörnow, Partner at EQT Ventures.

The only question is: when will we see a P-12 ferry here in the US?

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Electric boats

Candela raises record funding to solve the biggest problem with electric boats.

The innovative Swedish electric boat maker Candela has just announced its biggest funding round ever, reeling in €24.5M (US $26.6M). Fresh off the announcement of the first commercial user of the company’s new P-12 electric ferry , Candela is now flying closer to its goal of replacing combustion engine watercraft with efficient electric boats in both the recreational and commercial boating industries.

The company is well on its way to achieving that goal, using an innovative design with computer-controlled hydrofoils that help its boats fly above the surface of the water. The hydrofoils enable the boats to use 80% less energy than comparable vessels covering the same route.

That efficiency improvement is an even bigger achievement in the water than on land, since electric cars only have to consider aerodynamics when they push air out of the way. Boats dealing with the hydrodynamic issues of much heavier water result in significantly lower efficiencies. Electric boats thus typically require incredibly powerful motors and massive battery banks. But Candela’s high-tech hydrofoils mean the boats can be much more efficient and economical with smaller motors and batteries that still achieve longer range.

And major boatbuilders seem to agree with Candela’s approach. In fact, one of the key contributing members of Candela’s latest record funding round is Groupe Beneteau, a leading global boat maker with a turnover of €1.46B, 15 factories, 9 brands, and more than 8,000 yachts built annually.

As the company explained, the move correlates with its own goals.

“Our investment perfectly aligns with Groupe Beneteau‘s ecological transition objectives, scaling up innovative solutions for more sustainable boating and unparalleled navigation experiences. Candela’s technology, enabling significantly more efficient electric vessels, will transform waterborne transport into its next sustainable phase”, said Bruno Thivoyon, CEO at Groupe Beneteau.

It’s a major score for Candela, as the company’s CEO Gustav Hasselskog added:

“We couldn’t be more excited about having Groupe Beneteau on board. As the leading global boat company, their trust is a stamp of approval for our technology to transform waterborne transportation. We’re excited for the possibilities ahead.”

Candela expects the new investment round to help scale up production to meet demand for the recently launched Candela P-12, the world’s first electric hydrofoil ferry.

The P-12 marks a new chapter in waterborne transport, as it’s the first fast and long-range electric ferry on the market. Its efficient hydrofoil tech cuts lifetime emissions by an impressive 97.5% compared to diesel vessels, while simultaneously cutting operators’ costs in half.

Since it generates minimal wake, the P-12 has been granted exemptions from speed limits in many no-wake areas, such as on its maiden route in Stockholm, where in July it will begin cutting travel times in half compared to road transport and legacy diesel vessels.

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Micah Toll is a personal electric vehicle enthusiast, battery nerd, and author of the Amazon #1 bestselling books DIY Lithium Batteries , DIY Solar Power,   The Ultimate DIY Ebike Guide  and The Electric Bike Manifesto .

The e-bikes that make up Micah’s current daily drivers are the $999 Lectric XP 2.0 , the $1,095 Ride1Up Roadster V2 , the $1,199 Rad Power Bikes RadMission , and the $3,299 Priority Current . But it’s a pretty evolving list these days.

You can send Micah tips at [email protected], or find him on Twitter , Instagram , or TikTok .

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The superyacht world is speculating that Mark Zuckerberg just bought this 118-meter boat

• The 118-meter superyacht Launchpad made her maiden voyage last week.
• The yacht world is speculating that her owner is Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg.
• Here's what we know about the luxury vessel.

In the world of superyachts , privacy is the most valuable asset. It can be next to impossible to discern the details of a superyacht transaction — and that's particularly true if the vessel in question is worth nine figures.

Yet some in the boat blogging world are speculating that Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg is the new owner of Launchpad, a megayacht currently moored in Fort Lauderdale, Florida after she made her maiden voyage from Gibraltar to St Maarten last week. Launchpad clocks in at 118 meters long, about nine meters shorter than Jeff Bezos' superyacht Koru .

The transaction could not be confirmed, with yacht world insiders declining to share what they know and representatives for Zuckerberg not responding to a request for comment from Business Insider. In the past, reports about Zuckerberg owning superyacht Ulysses have proven false.

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"It is Feadship's standard policy to never divulge any information about our yachts with reference to ownership, costs, or delivery, etc," Feadship, the ship's builder, wrote to BI. "Whether it is an 18-meter Feadship from the 1960s or a 118-meter Feadship from the 21st century, we do not share private information."

But Zuckerberg's name has been connected to Launchpad for a few months now, beginning in December when reports swirled that he visited Feadship's shipyard in the Netherlands.

Then, earlier in March, yachting bloggers like eSysman SuperYachts and Autoevolution started speculating that he officially snagged the boat, originally built for a sanctioned Russian businessman, at a $300 million price tag. (While that's a seemingly huge amount, it's still less than 0.2% of Zuckerberg's $177 billion net worth.)

Another clue that might point to US ownership is that the yacht bears the flag of the Marshall Islands, a US territory and commonplace for American buyers to register their ships, according to public marine tracking.

If Zuckerberg were to have bought Launchpad, he would join a cohort of superyacht-owning tech billionaires . Along with Bezos, the likes of Oracle cofounder Larry Ellison and Google cofounders Sergey Brin and Larry Page have purchased impressive boats with even more impressive amenities.

SuperYacht Times , an industry publication and intelligence platform, has some of the best images of the yacht. Photos show a swimming pool on her main deck and a large helipad.

While less is known of the interior, a vessel of her size can likely sleep dozens of guests and crew and may have amenities like an expansive gym where Zuckerberg could practice his jiu-jitsu or a spa with a massage area. We suspect there's also space for plenty of toys — which could include his viral hydrofoil foil .

Do you have any details about Launchpad or any other superyachts? Email reporter Madeline Berg at [email protected].

Watch: Walmart heiress' superyacht vandalized by activists in Ibiza

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