One of the most common questions I get is "Would I be able to foil?" Obviously its a valid question. My usual answer is if you have limited dinghy experience such as Laser, 420, or a V-15 you could foil in less than an hour and you could pull off at least one foiling gybe by the end of the day. Tacking takes a little longer, at least foiling tacks do!
The main difficulty is getting ride of a few old traits that are instilled in us from normal boats. Those are:
1. Its all about easing, a tight mainsheet doesn't work for moths. after sailing for a few days, you can start to pull hard on it when you are going upwind. Until then, "When in doubt, let it out!"
2. Windward Heel- When either reaching or going upwind, windward heel is a must. You have to rethink the geometry, your point of lateral resistance is now five feet below you. If you were to try to sail flat or with leeward heel, you simply blow over to leeward. When we want to stop foiling, the best way to stop is to sheet in hard, slightly head up and heel to leeward. At this point the foils stall and you start low ridding.
How does a moth foil?
How does a moth foil?
Contrary to popular belief, a moth's foiling system is automatic. The wand, that carbon stick dragging off the bow is the input device. It senses where the water is and through gearing and push rods, it controls the flap on the front horizontal.
When you are not foiling aka "Low Ridding" the wand is up against the hull pointing backwards. When its like this, the flap on the foil is fully down. Very similar to flaps down on an airplane for take off and landing.
As you rise out of the water, the wand comes forward and is more in an up and down position. The wand now places the flap into neutral position for the least amount of drag. the shape of the foil is now enough to keep you out of the water.
if you slow down the wand is forced backward and more flap is induced in an effort to keep you foiling.
Again, this is fully automatic and takes no effort by the sailor.
