Italian Foiler Debut - Metis 45, Streamlining Offshore Foil Racing
The Italian Metis 45 is making waves in the world of offshore racing, as it bridges the gap between Class 40 and IMOCA 60 offshore racing classes. This 45-foot (13.7 meters) vessel, currently under development, boasts a beam of 4.5 meters (14 ft 8 in) and a draught of 3.5 meters (11 ft 6 in), offering a sleek and efficient design for high-speed offshore racing.
### Key Specifications
The Metis 45's key specifications are impressive, with an approximate displacement of 4,000 kg (8,800 lb), making it a very light and competitive racer. The sail area, measured at 100% foretriangle, is an impressive 586.6 m² (6,314 ft²), providing significant power for offshore racing conditions. The ballast weighs in at 26,700 kg (26,700 lb), and the yacht is powered by a Cummins 305 hp engine combined with two 19 kW auxiliary engines, ensuring reliable and efficient propulsion when needed.
### A Radical Foiling System
What sets the Metis 45 apart from its peers is its radical foiling system. This system allows the yacht to lift partially out of the water at speed, reducing drag and increasing performance significantly. While the full technical details of the foiling mechanism have not been publicly disclosed yet, the innovative design approach emphasizes high-speed offshore capabilities tailored for the 45-foot class.
### A Competitive Contender
The Metis 45 is still in the development phase, but its lightweight design, large sail area, and hybrid power setup, combined with the advanced foiling technology, aim to deliver a fast, agile, and highly competitive offshore yacht. This development represents a significant step in offshore yacht racing, filling a niche for foiling yachts in the 40- to 60-foot range.
Traditionally, French teams have dominated this space, but the Metis 45 comes from Italy, adding an exciting new contender to the offshore racing scene. The deck layout follows a similar pattern to recent IMOCAs and Class 40s, with a fully enclosed cockpit and large transparent panels. Notably, the Metis 45 is reported to eliminate the need for expensive control systems on offshore courses.
For those interested in learning more about the Metis 45, contact details can be found on the website sangiorgiomarine.com. For readers seeking to deepen their knowledge of offshore sailing, a subscription to the world's leading magazine for bluewater cruisers and offshore sailors can provide inspirational adventures and practical features. With a subscription delivered to your door, you can save at least 30% off the cover price.
The Metis 45's innovative foiling system, designed for high-speed offshore racing, sets it apart from its peers, promising a competitive edge in the offshore racing scene, traditionally dominated by French teams. With its large sail area, hybrid power setup, and advanced design, the Metis 45 is poised to deliver a fast and agile racing yacht, catering to the growing demand for foiling yachts in the 40- to 60-foot range.
