Ecofoiler, the flying (3.8 m) and “eco” drift designed by guru Tison

Italy’s Nlcomp unveiled the prototype hull and mold of the ecoFoiler, a 3.80-meter foil dinghy made from recyclable materials, at the JEC in Paris, the world’s leading composites industry trade show.

EcoFoiler, eco and recyclable

The EcoFoiler is made using thermoplastic resin and natural fibers so the boat is recyclable at the end of its life, and its mold was made in 3D by the company Breton, with which nlcomp collaborates, thanks to the innovative Genesis printer and a recyclable thermoplastic polymer.

The presentation of the ecoFoiler at the JEC in Paris was an opportunity to announce another important innovation in the nlcomp world, the collaboration with Thomas Tison Yacht Design & Engineering for the development of ecoFoiler, a French firm specializing in yacht design and engineering, currently engaged in INEOS Britannia’s challenge for the America’s Cup 2024.

The partnership will bring America’s Cup expertise and technology to the project, a competition in which Thomas Tison is currently in his fourth participation (previous ones were with Mascalzone Latino, Team Origin, and Artemis Racing), helping to further enhance the ecoFoiler’s performance. The dinghy is designed to be easy to maneuver, a feature that makes it an ideal product for sailors of all levels who are looking for a flying boat that respects environmental sustainability and has a sophisticated design.

Thanks to Thomas Tison’s experience in composite engineering, which has led him to design some of the most advanced racing yachts, and nlcomp’s knowledge of biocomposites, the ecoFoiler will be a foiling dinghy that combines performance with the latest sustainable technologies will not be much heavier than its non-eco-friendly alternatives.

Not only Tison. The dreamteam behind the boat

In addition to the collaboration between Thomas Tison and nlcomp, the boat also benefits from partnerships with leading companies in sustainable materials and manufacturing. Bcomp, for example, provides Amplitex linen fibers, which are environmentally friendly and have a lower carbon footprint than theand traditional glass fibers. Arkema, on the other hand, supplies thermoplastic resins, which guarantee end-of-life recycling, are recyclable and further reduce the environmental impact of the project. Breton, on the other hand, produced the world’s first 3D printed recyclable mold for a sailboat.

So a 2023 of great challenges lies ahead for nlcomp, as in addition to the ecoFoiler, and the collaboration with Thomas Tison, the Ecoracer OD 30, the world’s first recyclable monotype, designed by Matteo Polli, is on the way.

EcoFoiler – data sheet

Design: Thomas Tison Yacht Design & Engineering
Hull length: 3.80 m
Width: 1.20 m (preliminary)
Material: rComposite
Shipyard: nlcomp
Sail area: 8 sqm (premilinear)
Crew weight: 65-95 kg