Learn to Sail

Hydrofoiling sailboats are the latest cutting edge of sailing. So of course we have foilers at the MIT Sailing Pavilion!

There are not currently organized classes to learn foiling. There is a dedicated cadre of foiling sailors. If you’re experienced with foiling boats or interested in learning, make yourself known to them and the staff. These boats are more fragile than most of the others in our fleets, so we do require that you demonstrate your sailing skill by qualifying for the Helmsman rating and having permission from the dockstaff.

UFO

The UFO is a simplistic modern hydrofoiling boat, that allows anyone to fly through the air, freeing the hull from draggy water. More stable than the International Moth -or even a child’s pram- with a simple rig, and a set of fully retractable hydrofoils.

A wand system control the foils, which can be set to fly very high, very low (even ‘no fly mode’) and all points in between. This means you can progressively add challenges to your UFO experience as you feel ready for them, from ‘beginner mode’ all the way to ‘extreme mode’. Additionally, the highly tunable sail can be set up to provide only the amount of power that your body type needs and no excess. The UFO is meant to be accessible and fun for sailors of all sizes, ages and skill levels.

Waszp

The WASZP is based on the foiling Moth, it differs fundamentally in that it is a strict one-design. While it is a bit less bleeding edge, it is built far more robustly, making it durable enough for heavy use by enthusiastic MITNA sailors. With no meaningful breakdowns in its first season of 2023, it has proven a big hit with the Pav’s adrenaline junkies!

The mast is unstayed, making it simpler to rig and, with no shrouds to act as giant cheese wires, considerably safer when you do take a tumble. The durable alloy main foil and rudder lift like conventional daggerboards so it’s easier to get on and off the dock.

Here’s a good overview of the Waszp from Yachting World.