Gunboat G4 with UptiP Foils

G4 Foiler

Here is the stress testing of the main foil video from Holland Composites:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ToUGy07JUVY

 

G4 Foiler

From Scuttlebutt today: http://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/2015/03/20/g4-a-quantum-leap-forward-and-up/

Very interesting question with answer by Mischa Heemskerk from the DNA Company:

How adjustable are the foils?

The main foil can rake fore and aft over 10 degree’s (-3 till +7), while the rudder can rake 4 degree’s (-2 till +2). Since this is a cruiser-racer, we have made the daggerboard case for the first boat extra long with three pre-set positions so we can move the daggerboard to the optimum balance point during sailing.

 

G4 Foiler

Sailing pictures here as she is being worked up to foiling soon:
https://www.facebook.com/gunboatcatamarans

 

G4 flies!

Of all the boats the dissers said would never fly-she is the greatest-the first production cruising(racing) foiler in the history of mankind!!!!!
click:

 

Congratulations to the Gunboat team, did anyone here say it couldn't foil Doug? I'm still full of questions such as what windspeed is required for it to get on the foils and is the boat in it's "cruising" configuration and weight? The Gunboat team were smart taking it to St Marteen strong and steady breezes with protected areas to fly the boat. Personally I'm more excited about the potential performance of the California 45 but none built as yet.

 

And I doubt anyone would consider it a cruising boat either. A beautiful machine none the less..., I hope they manage to keep it right side up long enough to get some good video and race results behind it... well done to the designers and builders...

 

G4 Flies!

from SA("mrclean") :

Just off the phone with one of the test foilers...she flies just beautifully. Downwind full foiling @ 25-30 knots in the usual trade wind conditions, upwind not quite foiling but very much displacement-reduced and a gentle ride @ 14-17 knots. Total newb driving reminded me of my own report after sailing the GC32: "So easy to drive!"

High res photos coming in a couple hours along with a quick report.

Bravo, PJ and team.

 

G4 Flies!

from SA:

From A-Catter Ben Hall (Hall Spars):

"An epic day of sailing the new Gunboat G4! The orange rocket handled the 18-20 kt breezes off St Maarten with ease. Foiling was fast and steady. I got to drive upwind and hit 15.4 kts...incredible!

Downwind with R1 we peaked out at 25.7. On the foils we had really good VMG with TWA of about 160. On the final burn into the harbor with the solent and full main the top speed was 29.7.

Probably one of the best days of sailing ever for me...all on a boat with a cruising interior, a nice fridge and stove, electric sail drive and cockpit for the best of parties.

Truly remarkable."

 

Remarkable pictures remarkable cruiser/racer:

click-

 

Agree. You don't take any boat on it"s first test sail with 30 or more knts with gusts and significant wave heights.

I wonder if they had any foiling experience or where they first time foilers. Does any member know.

I'm was surprised they tried with 18 - 20 knts

From the pics there is a reasonable amount of fetch. I'm surprised how far aft the lifting foils are.


Yes a cruiser / racer I guess you could refine some of the interior like pigment colour the hull interiors ceilings / sides to get rid of the feeling you are in a rock cave also to give more light reflections and it would be nice to know how much more weight could be added like a 4 burner stove - microwave oven - double sinks to rinse the detergent when washing dishes. Most Americas object strongly to dishes not being rinsed by the dish washer. Interior shower in the toilet compartment rather than a open air solar shower on the trampolines. That should not alter the performance much.


I would be more concerned re the elect motors over heating when on load for long periods. Remember the Young Catamaran experience being delivered from SA.

Any comments DOUG and thanks for educating the doubters. I was in that category.

 

Agree especially if it's a trimaran Racer / Cruiser. Know any designers designing ocean racer / cruisers trimarans about the 66 ft size a foiler design.

 

Your Project. Is it a foiler or can foils be added at a later date.

 

Not intended to fly fully but foil assist is a distant possibility if I find out I'm heir to a fortune or something .

 

The racer/cruiser Paradox (63') has been retrofitted with lifting foils for foil assist it's the only one I can think of in that size range and it's for sale if you are cashed up.

http://www.bernard-gallay.com/yacht-for-sale/PARADOX-380

 

G4 with UptiP Foils

Gunboat G4 inside and outside : https://www.facebook.com/gunboatcatamarans/photos_stream