Armstrong Foils: The basics of Wing Foiling explained
by Armstrong Foils & Sail-World 9 Jul 2023 19:37 PDT
10 July 2023
Young sailors take part in the Inspire Racing x Wing program on Race Day 2 of the ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix in Christchurch, New Zealand. Sunday March 19, 2023 © Ricardo Pinto/SailGP
Armstrong Foils founder and head of design, Armie Armstrong, breaks down the all new A-Wing XPS and runs through the basics of beach setup for wingfoiling - the worlds fastest growing aspect of sailing
Whether it’s free flying, wave riding or freestyle, the all new A-Wing XPS delivers next generation performance, power and control. We recruited the world’s leading wing and kite designers to push this shape to the next level. Each aspect of the new A-Wing XPS was tirelessly thought out, tested and finely tuned in a wide range of riding conditions.
An innovative cross panel sail (XPS) design provides an outstanding level of connection when riding. This futuristic panel layout greatly reduces sail distortion by improving load distribution and frame rigidity. This gives all the wing sizes a very direct and controlled feel for easy and comfortable flying. Removable carbon fibre battens minimise trailing edge flutter and provide easy canopy tuning for varying wind strengths.
The XPS’s airfoil section combined with our pre-twist tip geometry produces incredible speed with sublime upwind performance. This greatly benefits jump amplitude for freestyle manoeuvres and delivers plenty of hang time and float for smooth landings. This wing is also a wave rider’s dream with little to no luffing or sail flutter and excellent stability, allowing the rider to focus less on the wing and more on shredding the wave.
A newly developed hybrid carbon handle (HCH) design has a rigid carbon interior skeleton and soft padded exterior. This combination offers the best balance of control, comfort and safety.
We tested hundreds of individual materials during the development of the XPS. We settled on the new generation high quality lightweight Dacron, tried and tested polyester Dacron and Ultra PE woven laminate (ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene) for key reinforcements. The result is a highly refined combination of materials which delivers impressive strength to weight, durability and overall performance.
Available in sizes: 2.6, 3.1, 3.5, 4.0, 4.6, 5.3, 6.1m2
Learn more about the XPS here: www.armstrongfoils.com/xps-aw
Images from the Inspire Racing x Wing program at ITM New Zealand SailGP Christchurch
Armstrong Foils supply Wing Foil equipment used as part of the SailGP Inspire program aimed at young sailors, keen to be involved in the sport and foiling at an entry level. Half of the Olympic classes in Paris2024 are foilers, and for the last three America's Cup regattas, foilers have been used.