A simplified method for the evaluation of the total resistance of a foiling yacht in upright condition

An extremely schematic model of the forces acting an a sailing yacht equipped with a system of foils is here presented and discussed. The role of the foils is to raise the hull from the water in order to reduce the total resistance and then increase the speed. Some CFD simulations are providing the total resistance of the bare hull at some values of speed and displacement, as well as the characteristics (drag and lift coefficients) of the 2D foil sections used for the appendages. A parametric study has been performed for the characterization of a foil of finite dimensions. The equilibrium of the vertical forces and longitudinal moments, as well as a reduced displacement, is obtained by controlling the pitch angle of the foils. The value of the total resistance of the yacht with foils is then compared with the case without foils, evidencing the speed regime where an advantage is obtained, if any.