F50 (catamaran)

The F50 is a one-design class of hydrofoiling catamaran used primarily for professional sailing competitions, most notably SailGP. Developed by Core Builders Composites in New Zealand and designed by a collaboration of naval architects and engineers, the F50 is based on the AC50 used in the 2017 America's Cup, but features significant performance upgrades.

The key characteristic of the F50 is its ability to "fly" above the water on hydrofoils, substantially reducing drag and allowing for exceptionally high speeds, often exceeding 50 knots (approximately 57.5 mph or 92.6 km/h). This hydrofoiling capability is achieved through the use of sophisticated automated flight control systems and adjustable foil elements.

The catamarans are constructed using carbon fiber composites, contributing to their light weight and structural rigidity. Each F50 is crewed by a team of sailors who manage the sails, foils, and flight control systems. The sail plan typically includes a mainsail and a jib, with the option of using code zero sails for lighter wind conditions. The configuration can be adjusted depending on wind strength and course layout.

The F50 class is designed to promote close and competitive racing by ensuring that all teams compete with identical equipment. This emphasis on standardized technology places the focus on the skill and strategy of the sailors. Regular maintenance and upgrades are performed on the boats to maintain parity and ensure safety. The F50's high performance and challenging sailing conditions require highly skilled and experienced sailors.