The first X3 a new Formula 48 hydrofoil is about to be introduced. The boat breaks new ground in rc multihulls with the first retractable main foils ever offered to rc sailors. The X3 uses the same foil system and altitude control system as does our phenomenol F3, the worlds first production rc sailing hydrofoil. With the exception that the skipper of the X3 can instantly,at will, retract the main foils to reduce wetted surface in light conditions or in transitional conditions. When hit by a gust the skipper can deploy the foils just as quickly allowing the speed and power of the gust to be better utilized than on a “normal” rc trimaran.
The beam to length ratio of the main hull is over 13/1 and of the outside hulls over 18/1.All up sailing weight is expected to be around 5.5 pounds. Sail Area in a Wing Tip Rig™ is 1394 sq. inches and is reefable thru 20knots true wind speed.This unique rig allows the skipper to just purchase one rig whereas most other mutihulls and monohulls would require at least three rigs to be sailable in the same wind range as this boat.An optional asymetric spinnaker that can be manually added to the boat on te beach will be available for blast reaching.Because of the F48 rules spinnakers are currently illegal for competition in the class.
Performance is expected to be nothing short of astonishing on foils with fast tacking and high VMG to windward.
Because of the hydrofoils this boat is FAR more stable both atwhartships and fore and aft than a “normal” trimaran without hydrofoils. The foils,once deployed, automatically adjust for wind strength keeping the boat rock stable regardless of gusts and without any input from the skipper.For that reason I highly recommend the boat to multihull beginners since it will be one of the easiest multihulls to learn to sail.A three or four channel radio will work though we highly recommend PCM radio’s for this boat.The radio compartment on the X3 is entirely separate from the mainhull in order to keep the radio equipment protected yet easily accessible for maintainence.
For travel the boat breaks down to an approximately 12" by 12" by 50" package plus the rig.I’m working on supplying an optional case for transport and a rig bag for care and transport of the sails.With the hydrofoils deployed a stand is not necessary.
This boat will be loads of fun to sail and to race.
Under development for over a year --Sailing soon…
Doug Lord
microsail.com
monofoiler.com
High Technology Sailing/Racing