A foiler designed in Australia
Distributed in France by Marçon Yachting and RS Sailing France, we went to try the Skeeta at the CV of Martigues, one of the sites selected to host the Olympic Games in 2024. This foiler, which measures 3.32 m and weighs 38 kilos, is delivered with its fittings already mounted and ready to be used.
We take this fiberglass hull out of its board bag to finalize its assembly. Fifteen minutes are enough to rig the mast and the wings, without any tools.
The assembly is easily done with the hull laid flat on its cart, no need to lay the whole thing down. The Skeeta is offered with three sail areas, 7.2 m2, 8.5 m2 or 9.5m2, to be chosen according to the conditions and the weight of the helmsman. With this wide range of sail areas, the Skeeta is capable of being sailed by a helmsman weighing between 65 and 100 kilos.
A very simple start-up
Our test will take place in 12-14 knots of steady wind, and we rig the 7.2 m2 sail.
This one is very easy to put on the mast, which is entirely in carbon and guyed. As on a laser, it is the mast foot that is changed according to the selected sail.
The foils are made of aluminum, and can be locked in the down or up position with a small clip that is very easy to use. The feeler, which is used to regulate the incidence of the main foil, is adjusted with a small hoist accessible from the mast foot.
Excellent stability
The departure from the beach is very easy. There is no need to swim for a long time with the boat lying on the water, as is usual with a Moth. The Skeeta can be maneuvered alone and without assistance.
Here, the stability of the Skeeta's shape allows the helmsman to start calmly and to lower his appendages as soon as the depth allows it.
Once the set is ready to fly, the helmsman finds easily his place on the wing. The length of the stick is well adapted. The Skeeta takes off gradually and settles quickly on its foils.
The mainsheet control is fluid, and the helmsman quickly finds his bearings. Despite the light conditions of our test, the Skeeta reaches an impressive speed and gives us a great feeling.
Even in the event of a crash, the Skeeta stays in its lines and starts up again immediately. The coxswain stays in place on the kite and relaunches easily.
A very versatile boat
If the Skeeta was designed to facilitate access to sailing on foils for a helmsman with some experience in dinghies, it can also be much more versatile. It is indeed designed to be used in the archipelago, like a normal dinghy.
The foils can be removed very quickly and replaced by a small plastic profile. The Skeeta is then able to adapt to different programs depending on the level of the helmsman and the conditions encountered.
On the budget, the Skeeta is available, ready to sail with its launching cart, at 15,940 euros TTC.
