I came across this new efoil setup on http://www.whimsifoil.com
The prototypes are being developed in the south of France (Marseilles beaches, lakes along the Durance river…)
News coming (very) slowly on the usual channels:
https://www.facebook.com/whimsifoil/
https://twitter.com/WhimsiFoil
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyJwHNawv5dnXqVy6pLbMGQ
According to Pascal Raoust, co-inventor:
"The innovations specific to our project (and which we plan to patent) concern simultaneously:
- the foil (material, geometry and implementation),
- the ergonomics of the system (removable foil and foldable inflatable board for easy transport),
- a submerged motorization without waterproof enclosure
- a stabilizing device that we develop to promote the accessibility of the product to the greatest number."
Few remarks:
- Keep it simple: if this foil works without anhedral wing or fancy curve + is stable and manoeuvrable, it’s good news for DiYers as front and rear wings cores can be easily obtained from EPS/XPS using hot wire cutting technique + carbon fiber.
- Rear wing with positive lift = not patentable
- Non waterproof underwater propulsion = outrunner motor with direct drive ?