Bladerider launch new affordable Moth Foiler

by Media Services on 3 Jun 2008
Bladerider International have announced the release of their new Bladerider FX, following in the footsteps of the highly successful Bladerider X8 model. The new strict one design, hydrofoil racing moth, is intended as an affordable entry into the moth foiling concept. But like the world championship winning X8 version, it is fully compliant with the International Moth Class rules at an approximate price of £5,887 (€7,495) compared with £8,856 (€11,250) for the X8 version. (all ex tax)

Moth World Champion Rohan Veal, the Bladerider Sales Manager commented:

'With the potential of reaching a much wider market, Bladerider set out to make an affordable alternative to its already successful X8 model. The first day the FX was tested on water, the unanimous conclusion was - It’s fast! - Tested against the X8 in 10+ knots, it was extremely well matched and showed no signs of speed difference. From sailing the boat against other top sailors, it was much quicker against the X8 than expected'.

Using vacuum infused technology, the hull of the new FX is an extremely strong fibreglass construction and is finished off with a clean white and impact resistant gel-coat skin. The FX hull weight is under 20kg. The hydrofoils are the same extremely slick carbon fibre foils as currently used on the X8, but the bolt-on hull wings are a much simpler carbon fibre tube frame with moulded corners for easy fitting and maintenance.

The FX has the same reliable carbon mast, carbon boom, one design x-ply sail, Ronstan fittings and FSE Robline ropes. The overall weight is approximately 40kg as opposed to 32kg on the carbon fibre X8. The new Bladerider lifts out of the water in as little as 6 knots of wind, and easily reach top speeds above 25 knots.

Sales of the carbon fibre Bladerider X8 in 2008 will be approximately 200 boats. However, the new Bladerider FX is expected to sell over 500 boats in 2009. Production of the FX will commence in July, with the first shipments starting in September this year.

The public launch of the Bladerider FX will be at the CST International Moth Class World Championships at the Portland Sailing Academy from 4 July 2008. The FX will be available for on water demonstrations and test sails during the event.

Anyone wishing to view or test sail the fantastic new Bladerider®FX at the Moth Worlds should contact the UK reseller Michael Airey on +44 (0)7867 802 062, email: michael.airey1@ntlworld.com

Website: www.bladerider.com.au