Design Evolution: The New Foils Behind ETF26 Full Foiling
The ETF26 has established itself as one of the most innovative one-design foiling catamarans on the international sailing scene. Conceived by offshore sailor Jean-Pierre Dick and designed by Guillaume Verdier, the platform was created to make high-performance foiling more accessible while delivering spectacular racing in a compact, one-design format.
Today, the class enters a new phase with the introduction of the ETF26 Full Foiling package, a significant evolution aimed at extending the boat’s flight capabilities across a much wider range of sailing conditions.
Building on a Proven Platform
Rather than redesigning the boat, the objective was to unlock additional performance from an already successful platform.
The ETF26 hull architecture remains unchanged, while the development has focused on one of the most influential components of any modern foiling yacht: the foils themselves.
Designed by Guillaume Verdier, the new generation of foils has been developed to improve lift generation, stability and control throughout the different phases of flight.
The result is a platform capable of maintaining stable foiling over a broader range of wind angles, including upwind conditions that previously required greater compromises.
Extending Performance
Modern foiling is no longer simply about achieving the highest top speed.
Performance increasingly depends on the ability to remain airborne consistently, minimise drag and maintain control through manoeuvres and changing sea states.
The new foil package has therefore been developed to improve the overall flight envelope of the ETF26 rather than targeting a single performance figure.
Earlier take-off, greater stability and smoother transitions between displacement and foiling modes all contribute to making the boat faster—and more efficient—throughout an entire race.
A Multidisciplinary Development
As with every advanced foiling project, the evolution of the ETF26 results from close collaboration between naval architecture, engineering and practical sailing experience.
The new foils have been developed alongside specialists in composite engineering, structural design and onboard systems, ensuring that every modification integrates seamlessly within the existing platform.
This collaborative approach reflects the philosophy that has guided Guillaume Verdier Design across numerous projects, from America’s Cup foilers to IMOCA yachts and offshore multihulls.
Continuous Innovation
The ETF26 Full Foiling programme illustrates an important aspect of modern yacht design: innovation does not stop once a boat is launched.
As simulation tools, engineering knowledge and sailing experience continue to evolve, existing platforms can be refined through carefully targeted developments that unlock significant gains in performance and handling.
For Guillaume Verdier Design, this ongoing process of analysis, testing and optimisation remains at the heart of every project, ensuring that each generation of yachts continues to push the boundaries of performance on the water.
