Orlando, FL -- (SBWIRE) -- 06/08/2015 -- Longtime sailing enthusiast Tom Phillips of Orlando, Fla. is looking to combine the best of both worlds: the speed and maneuverability of the latest hydrofoil technology along with the luxury of a 70-foot catamaran.
So far the new "foiling" methods have only been used for small boats and they've worked extremely well. "The technology is available and we're looking to bring it into the cruising world," says Phillips. "We are seeking funding for the research, development and construction of a completely carbon fiber luxury cruising yacht that employs this foiling technology.
"Imagine the ride of a 70-foot catamaran at 30 knots. Fast, comfortable, flat. And you can navigate in shallow waters. It's not going to take a day or more to move from one perfect anchorage to another, plus we can go where most keel boats cannot, we can maneuver into a shallow harbor."
Phillips's company, Zephyrous Charters, has assembled a top-notch team to take on this landmark project. Peter Johnstone, founder and CEO of Gunboat, is the builder. Johnstone and his staff are the leaders in building carbon fiber catamarans.
The DNA Design Team from Holland will design this new catamaran. DNA is best known for the three-time World Champion DNA A-Class catamaran.
"This new foiling technology will obtain at least an 80 percent lift to increase speed and enhance stability but retain the refined characteristics of a cruising catamaran," Phillips says.
Here are some of the technical advances that will be incorporated into the design:
- L-foil daggerboards
- Central spine
- Lightweight carbon construction
- Mainsail control system
- Shoal draft
"When you arrive at your cruising destination, you will feel at ease, knowing that this cat should draw less than three feet," notes Phillips. "With rudders, daggerboards, and props all fully retracted, you'll be free to skim over skinny waters."
This project is, however, an ambitious proposition with a budget of $500,000. In order to generate this funding, Phillips has launched a Kickstarter campaign, which can be viewed at https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/864977498/foiling-cats
Donations of any amount are welcome and all contributors are invited to the 2016 Miami International Boat Show Feb. 11-15 for a complimentary ride on the new catamaran.
Backers who make a $25 pledge will receive a T-shirt with the Foiling Cats logo. A $100 donation gets you a ticket to the official launch party at the 2016 Miami Boat Show. For $1,000 you receive 2 nights lodging in Miami, 2 boat show tickets and 2 launch party tickets. For $10,000, contributors can take a three-day cruise on the new catamaran.
"This is the next revolution in sailing," says Phillips. "We'd love people to join us."
Additionally all attendees at the launch will have the opportunity to have their picture taken and autographs signed by some of the Americas Cup team that will be in attendance, as well as some US Olympic medalists.
For additional information, visit https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/864977498/foiling-cats or the Foling Cats Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/pages/Zephyrous-Global-Charters/896060403784407?pnref=lhc
Phillips can be reached directly at tphillips@zephyrouscharters.com
Contact Name: Tom Phillips
Company Name: Zephyrous Charters
Email Address: tphillips@zephyrouscharters.com
Website URL: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/864977498/foiling-cats
City: Orlando
State: FL
Zip Code: 32839
Country: USA
Phone Number: 561-430-9233