Smooth operator: Foiler’s all-new anti G-force technology takes inspiration from aviation

ENATA Marine just announced that its “flying superyacht”, Foiler, now includes an all-new active stability mode which counteracts the physics of G-force. ENATA said the latest advances relating to the Foiler’s stability have been heavily informed by its in-house aerospace division. The UAE-based boat builder has been researching the system since the Foiler’s debut two years ago and is now marketing the yacht as a “dream ride”.

Alois Vieujot, ENATA’s Manager, said: “As the yacht truly does ‘fly’ in the water; our investment in aerospace technology is directly feeding into the development of our yachts. In addition, our marine division is held to the same high-precision engineering, tolerance and fitness standards that we uphold in our aerospace wing of the company.”

The new mode enables some tilt when turning, ENATA say this is similar to the experience in a luxury car. Without the active stability mode engaged when turning passengers will experience the effects of G-force – likened to the ride on a “sporty yacht”, by switching the active stability mode on G-force effects are counteracted.

The 2020 update of the Foiler specification also includes 54 onboard sensors that are located across the 10-metre yacht’s operational platform. The sensors pick up data including wheel positioning, port and starboard foil angles and pressure, exhaust temperature, and propulsion performance and stability indicators. Data can be controlled and monitored via a touch screen on the central console or via any smartphone or tablet connected to the onboard system.

Data gathered by the sensors is sent to the Cloud, where ENATA’s artificial intelligence (AI) system runs diagnostics. The AI system is able to instruct the owner in real time to make operational and mechanical adjustments to improve performance and prevent wear and tear on the yacht, reducing downtime for maintenance and expenditure on new parts.

According to ENATA, the system can be updated via the wireless connection onboard, similar to a Tesla car. The company also notes it is aware of concerns regarding data protection, in particular location tracking. ENATA states: “Owners have complete control over who is able to access their yacht’s system at any given moment. Should an unexpected issue arise, temporary access can be granted to ENATA’s remote assistance team and then withdrawn at the touch of a button.”

Vieujot added: “The technology upgrades that the FOILER has received for 2020 are truly ground-breaking; never before have we seen such innovations that will continue to improve a yacht owner’s experience day in, day out – both in ways that they can see and feel, and those that happen in the background.”

Foiler: at a glance

• Builder: ENATA Marine
• Passengers: 8 (1 metric tonne certification)
• Top speed: 40 knots
• Cruise speed: 18-35 knots
• Range: 150nm (at 30 knots)
• Propulsion: 740hp hydrostatic system (2x 370hp Diesel V8)
• Length: 9.8m
• Draft: 1.9m
• Height: 3.7m
• Wingspan (foils deployed): 7.2m