The Quadfoiler was originally a Nacra Inter 20 catamaran to which we added foils, sensors, and a kite. This boat represents our first attempt to translate what we had learned from the Trifoilers to a new boat, constructing our own sensor and foil system from scratch. On the Quadfoiler we also tried trailing sensors for the first time. The Trifoilers utilize a leading sensor system, wherein the points at which the wands hit the water are beyond the bow of the boat. The trailing sensor system means that the wands drag behind the bow. The advantage to the trailing sensor system is that it is possible to adjust the ride height of the boat on the fly by adjusting the […more]

Cheyenne is a 125 ft catamaran built by Steve Fosset to circumnavigate the world—originally named Playstation, it set the record in 2004. It subsequently had its mast and sail removed and was used as a camera chase boat for a sailing documentary. In 2010, its new owner, Chris Welsh, allowed us to use Cheyenne as a platform for testing our largest kites (50-110 sqm). Its trampoline provided ample space for kite handling and its size enabled us to collect large load data. For these tests, we transplanted the kitearm, winch, and hydraulic kite-steering system from K1.

Nalani is a cold-molded cedar catamaran that has both an integrated outboard motor and the ability to fly a kite, which, along with its size, makes it a good kite-launching test platform. Originally, we used Nalani with our inflatable mast, shown here with the orange and white kite. This predecessor to the carbon A-frame was intended to aid kite launching and then to be deflated quickly and stowed. Because of Nalani’s ample hull space, motor, and height above the water, we have also used it as testing chase boat. In 2010 we resurrected Nalani to practice kite launching using a 5th line flipping technique and the K1 control system.