The German-Danish TeamGaebler and the specialty chemicals company Evonik from Essen have joined forces to bring high-tech sailing to a new level, with the construction of the first SpeedFoiler catamaran in Germany.

“Our SpeedFoiler is an ultra-lightweight, foiling catamaran that will achieve exceptional performance never before seen in our sport,” said Olympic medallist Roland Gaebler. The latest carbon fibre and composite technology make it possible to fly over the water, the company reports.

The new boat class, which is sailed by two persons in the trapeze, is aimed at professionals, as well as ambitious amateurs to compete in open regattas. The first prototype of the 7.62-meter-long SpeedFoiler is currently in the planning stage and will be built in the summer.

German sailing and technological know-how

The collaboration between Roland and Nahid Gaebler, the most successful mixed sailing team, and Evonik, a leading specialty chemicals company, is expected to bring great results. "Evonik is an expert when it comes to lightweight solutions and thus an absolute dream partner for us," said Roland Gaebler.

The specialty chemicals company Evonik offers a broad portfolio of composite and raw materials. These are sold under the brand names VESTAMIN, VESTANAT, NANOPOX and ROHACELL, and such composite applications can be processed in parts of the fibre, in the plastic matrix and the foam core.

The company also has the necessary raw materials, as well as the extensive processing and process know-how. "For us, the SpeedFoiler is an excellent project to illustrate our expertise as a solutions provider for composites and it shows how the results can be transferred to other industries," said Dr Hans Görlitzer, head of Business Development in the Evonik Crosslinkers Business Line.

SpeedFoiler

The SpeedFoiler belongs to the new generation of foiling catamarans. The extreme light weight and the innovative design of the sails, hull and attachments allow these boats to fly over the water. "This is a fantastic experience and makes it extremely fun. And on top on that, you have a lot of spectacular pictures, and excited spectators and journalists all over the world," said Roland Gaebler.

Thanks to the extremely lightweight materials and the revolutionary design of the SpeedFoiler, it will be possible to start races from 1 knot on. The upper wind limit will be around 30 knots. "We can sail in all conditions and start reliably on time. In this way the new class will offer something unique for live TV broadcasts and worldwide streaming on the Internet," explained Roland Gaebler.

The SpeedFoiler was designed for the FoilingWorldCup and the Little Cup and has the dimensions of a C-class multihull. The length is 7.62 m, and the width is 4.26 m. The mast height is 12 m. The sail area ranges from 90 m² (light wind) to 28 m² (strong wind). Martin Fischer, a leading multihull and hydrofoil designer, worked on the project.

Race on four continents

To start with, Roland and Nahid Gaebler will use this boat to participate in some established regattas. Later, their own racing series is planned, the FoilingWorldCup. "Many world-class sailors have already expressed their interest in this new one-design class and the FoilingWorldCup and are just waiting to get going," said Nahid Gaebler.

The FoilingWorldCup is a race of the nations with the best sailors and most innovative boats in the world. It is a new, professional sailboat racing series with 10 tour stops in Europe, the Middle East, Asia and America. The one-design boats for the Foiling World Cup will be provided by the organizer.

TeamGaebler will also participate with the SpeedFoiler at Little Cup and other legendary endurance races. In addition, a European Cup is also planned.

www.evonik.com