Flying Phantom Elite Information, Review, Specs

Phantom International emerged in 2012 with a clear vision to revolutionize sailing through hydrofoiling technology, making the thrilling experience of "flying" on water more attainable. The Flying Phantom Elite, launched around 2015, was a direct manifestation of this ambitious goal. Designed by Martin Fischer and Alex Udin, the Elite was specifically engineered for high-performance racing and competition, showcasing the cutting edge of Phantom International's foiling development. The company described its design objectives as creating an "18' all-around foiler," signaling its intent for a versatile yet intensely performance-focused boat.

The builder's ethos during this period was deeply rooted in innovation, driven by a passion for hydrofoiling and a desire to lead in racing catamaran design. Phantom International utilized advanced materials, evident in the Elite's pre-preg carbon and Nomex sandwich construction for both hulls and mast, ensuring extreme lightness and rigidity. The boat features T-foil rudders and L-shape foiling daggerboards, crucial components that allow the catamaran to lift out of the water. While the Elite remained a dedicated racing platform, Phantom International also introduced the Flying Phantom Essentiel, a "little brother" designed to be more accessible for beginners, highlighting the Elite's specialized role within the Flying Phantom lineage. An evolution of the Elite, the "Ultimate" version, was introduced in 2018, featuring updated hull, rudder, and foil designs aimed at even greater foiling efficiency.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Flying Phantom Elite is purpose-built for exhilarating speed and highly responsive handling, a direct consequence of its ultralight displacement of just 363 pounds and its advanced foiling capabilities. With a reported sail area of 253 square feet across its main, jib, and gennaker, the Elite boasts significant power for its size, designed to rapidly accelerate and achieve high speeds. The fractional sloop rig, combined with its rotating carbon mast, optimizes sail shape and efficiency, crucial for maximizing performance in a racing environment.

Its defining characteristic is its ability to hydrofoil, lifting its hulls entirely out of the water to dramatically reduce drag. This allows the Elite to achieve "flying" speeds, offering an unparalleled sensation of speed and an incredibly smooth ride even in choppy conditions. As a high-performance racing catamaran equipped with sophisticated T-foil rudders and L-shape foiling daggerboards, the Elite demands a skilled and attentive hand. Its light weight and powerful sail plan contribute to a highly agile and sensitive platform, rewarding precise control and quick decision-making, particularly when transitioning onto and off the foils. The design prioritizes pure speed and competitive performance over leisurely cruising.

Accommodations and Layout

As an 18-foot high-performance foiling beach catamaran, the Flying Phantom Elite is exclusively designed for competitive sailing and does not feature any interior accommodations. Its open-cockpit layout prioritizes weight reduction, ergonomic efficiency for the crew during racing, and direct access to control lines and systems. There are no cabins, berths, galley, or head facilities, reflecting its singular purpose as a purebred racing machine intended for short-duration, high-intensity sailing.