TFP

After Yamaha ended their involvement with the TriFoiler it was clear that Dan and I should continue with a new production prototype so in '92we made TFP (TriFoiler Prototype). It was with this prototype that we did all the development to make the TriFoiler easy to rig and trailer. We developed the sensor retraction system, foil retraction, mast rotation, mast stepping, and seating. All of the production tooling was taken from this boat. It was sold to someone in Germany.

 

 

Me and Dan sailing next to the Belmont pier. Note the Queen Mary and the hanger for the Spruce Goose in the background.
Me at Cabrillo Beach. I forgot to raise the centerboard. Dan with reefed sails.
The wake in this photo shows the ideal jibe. At first bare away slowly and let the boat accelerate. Midway through the jibe when there is no more power from the sails increase the rate of turn. After the sails fill with air on the new tack accelerate back up to speed on a broad reach. Head up when the boat is up to speed.
It was a show stopper at the Atlantic City boat show in the Spring of '93. I pulled the boat to the show with my 87 Honda Civic.
We rigged and derigged dozens of times to figure the best way to do it. We tested and evaluated every little part to find the easiest way.
I am dropping it off at the freight forwarder so it can be shipped to Germany.