Flying Moths

air chair foil

Jon, I saw one using the actual air chair foil but built by a Doctor sailing in Merritt Island, Fl. a while ago. The vertical fin was just a little forward of the normal single fin position on a windsurfer. He said he had 3 hrs. time on it the day I saw him and he was getting 15-30 seconds air time. The board was not significantly faster than a "normal" board but the Doc described the sensation as incredible.
The foil did not move so he controlled it 100% with rig and body movement. Said he need about 15k wind to get up and that day was 15-20...
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I couldn't open your url so it may have this but just in case take a look:
http://neilprydemaui.com/itemDetails.php?id=48

 

Doug,

opened your url, and yes, basically, that windsurfer uses the same foil arrangement as what I am considering, not too unlike a plane. I am only thinking it over for the time being, but as far as I could see, that foil arangement eliminates the need for a control wand by using a tailplane foil that assists to keep the main foil under under a condition of a constantly positive angle of attack, and it has the advantage of being able to support the crew weight a significant distance forward of the main foil without severe pitching problems, and it can be placed a fair way aft compared to the bifoiler arrangements that are being seen in Moths at the moment.

I am sure that with more time and practice, that a moth could get up and foiling on a similar system for longer than 30 seconds at a time, and in less than 15 knts of breeze. Pace though, may be another issue to be dealt with at a later stage of development.

Cheers,
Jon

 

Hey! I won't be last!