Following a few links around the web, it’s good to notice that there are a few new home builders making their own foils. Brent Pearson and Lochy Byrne are both making new foils. Whilst it is hard to tell, it looks like they are using timber cores, wrapped in carbon. I hate to say it, but I think that they simply won’t be strong enough. My first foil was 6 layers of 200gsm carbon and 1 layer of kevlar each side (14 in total), and that snapped through like butter. My replacement foil has 22 layers in total, and that seems to do the job.

The advice that I have for anyone thinking of building foils is that you should expect a long development curve, with equipment breakages. Don’t expect your boat to foil first go, and even when it does foil, you still may have a long way to go to get your setup right. If you love R&D and are prepared for that, GO FOR IT! If you aren’t, then order a set from John Ilett, they are worth what you have to pay for them.

And very purdy with a clear finish.