Peacoq: Compact high-performance spoiler for double-handed fun (2024)

Around 80 years after the first sailing hydrofoil designs, the market is gaining momentum. In addition to design classes such as the Motte, there are now more and more One Designs, which are generally intended to promote regattas as well as make flying a little easier for the average sailor. In the single-handed segment, the Waszp, a variation of the Motte, has now established itself in this segment.

The 69F class, derived from the America's Cup, is also enjoying growing popularity. However, it is sailed in threes and already has a sail area of 40 square metres on upwind courses. So far there is no clear frontrunner in this class, but a promising contender from France was presented for the first time last week at boot in Düsseldorf.

In addition to the symmetrical V-foils, the 4.70 metre long Peacoq foiler is equipped with a T-foil on the rudder. This makes the carbon racer look almost like a little brother of the 69F skiff. Although the boat has been optimised for two people, it should also be easy to handle single-handed. This is ensured by the self-tacking jib as well as the clearly laid out trimming devices in the co*ckpit.

Peacoq is fast on the foils

Performance is right at the top of the list of requirements for this design. Although sailors should be able to learn to fly the Peacoq almost child's play, it should also be possible for regatta sailors to tickle the last few per cent out of the fast dinghy. V-profiles are fundamental to this idea. Initially, these largely regulate the flying height themselves. The further the boat rises out of the water, the less surface area of the foil is in the water. This generates correspondingly less lift - the dinghy lowers itself again. This makes the sailor's job easier and prevents ventilation, which usually causes hard crashes. These are not only unpleasant for the crew, but can also cause serious damage to the foils and boat.

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However, Peacoq does not reach top speeds on its own. The helmsman can manually determine the flight attitude using the T-foil on the rudder and thus raise or lower the bow or stern slightly. The angle of the V-foils can also be adjusted while sailing to get even more out of the racer on any course and in any conditions. It is particularly effective to lift the windward foil completely out of the water, as in the America's Cup or currently in the Ocean Race. This further reduces water resistance and should result in an incredible upwind speed of up to 20 knots. The leefoil and centreboard are enough to keep Peacoq stable and on course. When docking and casting off as well as in light winds, both profiles can be completely lifted out of the water at the same time. This should make handling near the shore and when slipping easier and prevent possible collisions in the harbour or on land. In light winds, the foils merely interfere and create more resistance.

Peacoq is an all-rounder

The stability of the hull in this low-riding mode is a truly remarkable feature of this dinghy. As a video on the manufacturer's Instagram channel shows, Peacoq also seems to sail exceptionally well. At least in comparison to most other foilers, which often have problems with this.

Peacoq is manufactured entirely in France, and not just from carbon fibre. The centreboard, which is located in front of the mast, is even made of aluminium, and glass fibre is also used. Ready to sail, the modern foiler weighs in at 140 kilograms. The Kevlar mainsail (9.5 m²) on the seven metre high mast is fully battened, as is the small headsail (3.5 m²). A gennaker can be ordered as an option.

According to the manufacturer, speeds of up to 25 knots are currently achievable on rough courses. Pecoq is designed to take off from around ten knots of wind and, like most foiling dinghies, is therefore ideal for inland waterways.

Peacoq in 360° view:

CEO Patrick Billot told us a little more about the modern two-man trailer in an interview:

YACHT: Who is Peacoq suitable for?

Billot: The boat is best suited for people who want to start foiling but already have a good basic level of sailing skills. In other words, people who are interested in performance and regattas.

What makes Peacoq so special?

There are two aspects in particular. Firstly, that the foils are fully retractable. This means you can easily switch between foiling mode and classic sailing. On the one hand, this is still very fast and on the other, it provides a great deal of safety.

The second important aspect is the fact that you can fly this boat on just one foil. This means that the boat is very fast and handles very well upwind.

How fast?

As a beginner in this boat, you can quickly reach speeds of between 15 and 18 knots, I would say.

And what is the previous record?

At 25 knots. However, I think that sailing with only one foil in the water will allow Peacoq to fly much higher and faster.

Technical data:

Alternative on the market: foiling is child's play with the Gerys 4.7

We have already been able to test one of the alternatives on the market ourselves. Just this much in advance: foiling with the Gerys 4.7 is easy and simple. All you need is at least ten knots of wind. With the Code Zero rolled out and a little sensitivity, the speed required to take off (around 7 knots) is easy to achieve. Then the flounder goes up. The sailor does not need to adjust anything. The laterally protruding J-foils have fixed angles of attack, and the rudder blade with the elevators is also fixed. It's all very simple.

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