Vortex Pod Racer

McConaghy Boats Pocket Foiler

Already very involved in the world of foiling, manufacturer McConaghy Boats has developed a flying machine for a crew member eager for thrills.

Vortex Pod Racer

Published 09/03/2021

By Emmanuel van Deth

Issue: 176

Published: mar. / apr. 2021

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The craft is presented as a dismantlable trimaran with relatively short floats -not unlike Eric Tabarly's famous Paul Ricard. The helmsman takes his place in a bucket-seat in the central hull. He has foot controls, a joystick and waterproof electronics. The three foils are retractable to facilitate launching and departing from or coming back to the beach. At the end of a session of virtual lessons, sailors will know how to use the Vortex Pod Racer and will be able to fly at 30 knots at 3 feet (one meter) above the surface of the water. The first unit is currently under construction at the Zhuhai plant in China.

Technical specifications:

Builder: McConaghy Boats

Material: Carbon

Hull length: 17’5” (5.30m)

Beam: 19’ (5.80 m)

Light displacement: 330 lbs (150 kg)

Air draft: 30’2” (9.2 m)

Mainsail area: 180sq ft (16.8 m²)

Jib: 35.5 sq ft (3.30 m²)

www.vortexpodracer.com