The latest iteration of the ETF26 catamaran has hit the waters, and it’s turning heads with its cutting-edge full foiling capabilities. Developed by Anemo Sailing, the owner of the ETF26 brand, this new version promises to redefine high-speed sailing as we know it.
Revolutionary design enhancements
The redesigned ETF26 features elongated foils and expanded rudder planforms equipped with a new differential rudder rake system and a refined sail plan. This significant upgrade enables the boat to lift off at just 14 knots and sustain flight in winds as light as 7 knots downwind and 10 knots upwind.
During the recent ETF26 SERIES event in Quiberon, crews had the opportunity to test these innovations. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with sailors reporting the ability to maintain speeds over 20 knots across all courses, with average downwind speeds between 25-32 knots and a maximum speed of 38 knots. The boat also demonstrated easier flight in lighter winds below 10 knots. This not only makes the races more thrilling but also more visually spectacular, as the boat can now perform impressively both upwind and downwind, offering speeds ranging from 17 to 20 knots while upwind.
These enhancements are revolutionizing the way sailors and experience the sport, making each race not only a test of skill but a stunning display of advanced sailing technology.
From the Crews’ perspective
But who better to speak about this than our sailors themselves? They’ve been vocal in their praise for the new enhancements:
Matthieu Salomon from Entreprises du Morbihan, after testing the new foiling system, expressed great satisfaction: “We were thrilled to fly upwind without radically altering the platform’s setup. We’re eager to test this new upwind foiling mode again, as it could be a major advancement for the class. Many international teams are particularly looking forward to this capability.”
Maelle Frascari of Geronimo Racing Team shared her excitement about the new foiling system, noting the substantial improvements in the boat’s performance, especially with the new foil and rudder configurations which enhanced the aero dynamics and sail trimmability. This has made the boat more responsive and exhilarating to sail.
Tim Mourniac from Team Bro highlighted how these changes have transformed the ETF26 into a radically different beast, capable of impressive speeds and superior stability across various wind conditions, “ The boat’s enhanced design allows it to lift off at lower wind speeds, reaching cruising speeds around 17 knots, providing a stable and enjoyable ride which I think will be very interesting tactically and competitively in races.”
Two years of intensive development
The journey to this advancement spanned two years, starting from initial designs by the renowned Verdier office to rigorous testing phases throughout the summer. From prototyping the first foil late in 2023 to finalizing and producing a series-ready pair in spring 2024, the development process has been meticulous. This extensive innovation required a complete rebalancing of the boat, tweaking everything from rudder platforms to sail shapes and mast settings.
Looking ahead
As the ETF26 series continues to innovate, it remains a leading training platform for America’s Cup and SailGP teams, bridging the gap between Olympic sailing and professional elite circuits. The new “Full Foiling” version not only elevates the thrill and challenge of the races but also opens up new possibilities for tactical racing, making the ETF26 an even more attractive option for up-and-coming teams, including young and female sailors eager to make their mark in the world of foiling.
Interested in feeling the thrill of full foiling for yourself? If you want to test out the ETF26 and see these innovations in action, don’t hesitate to contact us. Join the revolution in high-performance sailing today!
