Sailing Performance & Handling
Sailing the Windrider Rave is often described as more akin to flying an aircraft than piloting a traditional keelboat. The vessel utilizes a tri-foil configuration: two large T-foils on the outriggers (amas) and a single T-foil on the rudder. According to the original design specifications and historical technical documentation from WindRider, the boat begins to "lift off" the water in approximately 10 to 12 knots of true wind. Once the hulls clear the surface, drag drops significantly, allowing the Rave to accelerate rapidly to speeds often exceeding 1.5 to 2 times the wind speed, with top speeds recorded in the 25 to 30-knot range.
Handling is unique due to the foot-pedal steering system, which leaves the sailor's hands free to manage the main and reacher sheets. The "wands" trailing from the bow of the amas act as mechanical sensors; as the boat rises, the wands drop, automatically adjusting the angle of attack on the underwater foils to maintain a constant flight height. This mechanical feedback loop makes the Rave surprisingly stable in a straight line, though it requires a wide turning radius. Unlike modern foiling moths that require elite-level athleticism to balance, the Rave’s trimaran platform provides a stable base, making foiling accessible to sailors who lack the agility of a gymnast.
Popular Mentions & Media
The Windrider Rave holds a significant place in nautical history as the first production hydrofoil available to the general public. It gained widespread attention in the late 90s through features in major sailing publications, most notably being named "Most Innovative Boat" by Sailing World and receiving extensive technical coverage in Cruising World magazine during its debut years. Its cultural footprint is cemented by its longevity; while production has ceased, the Rave remains a staple in "speed sailing" YouTube archives and DIY foiling communities, frequently cited as the spiritual predecessor to the modern foiling revolution.
Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist
Prospective owners of a used Windrider Rave must conduct a rigorous inspection of the foil-to-hull interfaces and the mechanical wand system.
- Polyethylene Hull Integrity: Because the hulls are made of rotomolded plastic, they are susceptible to "oil canning" or deformation if stored improperly on a trailer for long periods. Buyers should check the fairness of the amas and main hull to ensure they haven't developed flat spots that disrupt hydrodynamic lift before the boat gets on foils.
- Wand and Foil Linkage: The mechanical linkages connecting the bow wands to the foil flaps are the "brain" of the boat. Any slop, corrosion, or stiffness in these stainless steel rods and plastic bushings will lead to "porpoising" (uncontrolled pitching) during flight.
- Aka and Beam Stress: The aluminum crossbeams (akas) endure immense torque when the boat is foiling at 25 knots. Inspect the mounting points and the bolts for signs of metal fatigue or elongated holes in the polyethylene.
- Foil Condition: The foils themselves are composite structures. Any chips or delamination, particularly on the leading edges, will cause cavitation, which prevents the boat from reaching foiling speeds.
Community & Resources
The primary hub for technical support is WindRider International, which continues to offer some replacement parts and archived manuals for the Rave. Technical discussions and modification guides are frequently hosted by the WindRider Owners Group and various multihull forums, where veteran "Ravers" share insights on foil tuning and upgrading the sail plan to modern laminate materials.
The Verdict
The Windrider Rave is a niche "speed machine" that offers a foiling experience unlike anything else in its price bracket. While it lacks the refinement of a carbon-fiber racing machine, its durability and mechanical stability make it an excellent entry point for speed-seekers.
Pros
- High-speed potential with relatively low skill requirements compared to foiling dinghies.
- Extremely durable rotomolded construction can handle beaching and rougher treatment.
- Hands-free steering allows for active sail trimming at high speeds.
- The mechanical foil system provides automatic leveling without electronics.
Cons
- Heavy for a performance boat, requiring significant wind to achieve lift-off.
- Mechanical wands require frequent maintenance and fine-tuning.
- The rotomolded hulls can lose their shape over time if not stored correctly.
- Large footprint and complex rigging make it more difficult to launch than a standard dinghy.
