Devoti Sailing reveals new sailor-friendly foiler - first sea trials video.
by Richard Gladwell-Sail-World.com/nz 4 Sep 2025 07:29 PDT
Devoti 3D - Test sail - August 2025 © Mario Anfora/Devoti Sailing
Those looking for an entry level foiler, or who just want to have some foiling fun, will be interested to see and sail the new Devoti 3D, which has begun test sailing ahead of production.
The new 3.8metre long foiler, designed by leading designer Hugh Welbourn, in conjunction with Olympic Silver medalist, Luca Devoti, weighs just 39kg is beach or ramp launchable - like other racing dinghies. The prototype was first unveiled at Foiling Week 2025 at Lake Garda, where some initial test sailing was undertaken.
The design borrows heavily from the AC75 with a centreline bustle which allows the boat to sail in three modes/dimensions - Displacement, Skimmimg or Foiling - hence the name "3D". In rough seas the bustle kicks in to assist the hull to get through a confused sea-state, and also in take-off as with the bigger America's Cup boats.
Also like other racing dinghies, the rudder can raised/lowered, and unusually, the sail is hoisted/lowered with a halyard. The launch drill would seem to be getting the 3D afloat, with or without the sail hoisted - reach off shore into a bit deeper water, and then set up the foils and rudder. Coming ashore the process is reversed - with the halyard allowing the sail to be dropped - so the D3 can be got onto the launch trolley easily and without damage in an onshore sea.
The two piece carbon mast fits inside the 3D, along with the boom - making for easy trailing, or roof-topping.
An unusual feature is the wider topped rudder which can be lowered to provide a balance between trim control, and the degree of steerage required for the sailing conditions. The side foils partially retract for launching and retrieval, allowing the 3-D to be easily transported on a ramp or beach - and without the sail raised if necessary.
Initial test sailing with a 23yr old ILCA sailor in control, revealed a very promising performance. Later in a tough cross-sea the 3D charged at the sea-state without any of the hi-jinx that we have seen in similar conditions from much larger foilers in the hands of experienced professional sailors.
The target sailor weight for the Devoti 3D is 55 to 75 kgs, however the test sailor weighed 82kgs, and the Devoti would appear to have a good tolerance for sailo weight meaning that it will be a good option for sailors of all genders and older sailors.
The Devoti 3D looked to be responsive to being worked in a seaway giving it more power.
At first blush the Devoti 3D looks set to fill the big gap in the market for sailors from mid-teens up, who are looking to move out of their first or second race boat, and break into the foiling scene. Beyond that the Devoti 3D would seem to be capable of being sailed by anyone comfortable with helming an ILCA or similar.
Devoti Sailing, one of the worlds most experienced builders of racing dinghies, expect the attractively priced 3D to be in production in mid-November. Some modifications are on the design board including a more refined rig. The launching special price is €11,9999 ex VAT.