Flying Phantom Essential Information, Review, Specs

The Flying Phantom Essential emerged from Phantom International's dedicated focus on designing and producing high-performance foiling beach catamarans, a niche the company carved out since its founding in 2012. Introduced in 2017, the Essential was deliberately conceived as a "little brother" to the more extreme Flying Phantom Elite, aiming to open up the world of foiling to a broader spectrum of sailing enthusiasts rather than just elite racers. This design philosophy emphasized ease of use while retaining the exhilarating thrill inherent in hydrofoiling. Phantom International, under the leadership of figures like Alex Udin, consistently prioritized the development of extensive hydrofoiling systems and fostered a competitive environment through their one-design class racing series. 9, 10, Builder Article The construction of the Flying Phantom Essential utilized pre-preg carbon with a honeycomb core for both the hull and deck, ensuring a lightweight yet robust structure essential for foiling performance.

Sailing Performance and Handling

Weighing in at a mere 375 pounds (170 kg) with an overall length of 18.04 feet (5.5 meters), the Flying Phantom Essential is built for speed and agility. It features a fractional sloop rig, complemented by a reported sail area of 236 square feet, which includes its main and jib, along with a larger Code 0 sail for enhanced downwind performance. The catamaran is equipped with distinct Z-boards and L-rudders, which are crucial for its ability to lift out of the water and "fly." Owners and reviewers describe the boat as a "flying catamaran" and a "rocket," capable of "taking off" and "flying" above the water's surface, significantly reducing drag and allowing for incredible speeds. 1, 13, Builder Article Despite its high-performance nature, safety was a significant consideration in its design, with its four foils deployed at all points of sailing to ensure stability and control while foiling. The design aimed to provide both the power to foil and the stability to maintain safe flight.

Accommodations and Layout

As a compact, high-performance beach catamaran designed purely for exhilarating on-water experiences, the Flying Phantom Essential does not feature traditional interior accommodations. Instead, its layout is optimized for performance and crew ergonomics. The deck is primarily an open platform, featuring trampolines between the hulls and a minimalistic cockpit area designed to facilitate agile movement and efficient control of the sails and foils. Given its purpose and size, there are no enclosed living spaces, berths, or galley facilities typical of cruising sailboats. The design prioritizes lightweight construction and unrestricted movement for the crew, focusing on the dynamic experience of hydrofoiling.