Foiling Ufo Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Foiling Ufo emerged from Fulcrum Speedworks in 2017, a company founded by Dave Clark, who continues a legacy of performance boatbuilding established by his father, Steve Clark, formerly president of Vanguard Sailboats. The company's original vision for the UFO was to introduce a "simplistic yet revolutionary hydrofoiling sailboat" that could bring the thrill of foiling to a wider audience. This design ethos emphasizes cutting-edge technology combined with user-friendliness, aiming to eliminate many of the complexities typically associated with foiling craft.

Fulcrum Speedworks manufactures the Foiling Ufo in its 17,000-square-foot factory in Rumford, Rhode Island, utilizing advanced vacuum-infused vinylester fiberglass composite construction. This meticulous manufacturing process ensures that the boats are lightweight yet exceptionally rugged, aligning with the company's focus on efficient and high-quality production. The Foiling Ufo maintains a strict one-design philosophy, fostering close and exciting racing where skill is paramount.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a length overall of 10 feet and a waterline length of 8.75 feet, the Foiling Ufo is designed for dynamic, high-speed performance, primarily characterized by its hydrofoiling capability. Unlike traditional displacement boats, its performance is defined by its ability to lift its hulls clear of the water, significantly reducing drag and allowing for impressive speeds. The vessel's hull speed when not foiling is approximately 3.96 knots. However, the true intent of the Foiling Ufo is to achieve "flight mode," an experience described as unlike sailing any other boat.

Owners and reviewers consistently highlight the Foiling Ufo's user-friendly nature, noting that even those new to foiling can successfully get airborne within minutes. Its twin-rudder design and centerline T-foil arrangement contribute to its stability both on and above the water. While foiling, the boat offers an exhilarating, high-speed experience, allowing sailors to soar above the surface. When sailing with the hulls in the water, some users have noted a typical catamaran characteristic where the design can present an unexpected challenge. The Foiling Ufo is renowned for being compatible and rewarding to sailors of all skill levels, making it an excellent platform for learning to foil and enjoying competitive one-design racing.

Accommodations and Layout

As a compact, performance-oriented foiling dinghy, the Foiling Ufo prioritizes an open and uncluttered deck layout over traditional interior accommodations. The design focuses on maximizing the sailing experience and ease of handling. Given its 10-foot length, there are no enclosed cabins, galleys, or heads typically found on larger sailboats. Instead, the layout is streamlined to provide the necessary space for a single sailor to maneuver and manage the sail and control systems required for foiling. The simplicity of its design ensures that the emphasis remains on the thrill of high-speed, above-water sailing.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Foiling Ufo frequently praise its solid construction and the revolutionary experience it offers by making foiling accessible. The boat is consistently lauded for being user-friendly, allowing even novice foilers to quickly achieve flight. The one-design class fostered by Fulcrum Speedworks has created a strong and active owner community, centered around competitive racing and a shared passion for innovative sailing. This communal aspect is a significant draw, enabling owners to engage in close and exciting races. While specific "common problems" are not widely reported in a negative context, the learning curve associated with mastering foiling, like any advanced sailing technique, is an inherent part of the owner experience. The focus of owner discussions often revolves around improving foiling technique and enjoying the unique capabilities of the Ufo.