Overall Description and Design Insights

2025 marks our debut in the Foiling SuMoth Challenge, and our goal is simple: deliver a functioning Moth to the S3 event. This will provide us with invaluable hands-on experience and a solid foundation for future projects.

Our design journey has evolved through several phases. We began by drawing inspiration from existing Moth models, aiming to adapt features that would best suit our needs. Initially, we favored a hull design resembling the competitive Bieker Moths, known for their speed. As we refined our approach, we decided to narrow the transom and smoothen the underwater lines, drawing inspiration from the Aerocet Moth. This design adjustment reduces drag and enhances the boat’s aerodynamic profile, ensuring a faster and more efficient ride.

The result is a hull with streamlined lines, striking a balance between high performance and buildability. Our focus has been on simplifying the construction process while maintaining hydrodynamic efficiency. One of the most exciting features we’ve incorporated is an aerodynamic fairing at the bow of the deck, eliminating wind-exposed control circuits. This innovative solution will ensure the boat performs optimally in challenging conditions.

This year, we’ve opted to repurpose second-hand components for the rig and foils, saving both time and resources. However, the wings and gantry are entirely our design! We’ve chosen carbon fiber for the gantry due to its excellent strength-to-weight ratio, ensuring both durability and lightweight performance. The wing design has gone through multiple iterations, and while we initially explored ambitious and unconventional concepts, we scaled them back due to time constraints. Perhaps next year, we’ll push the limits further!

Our first prototype is a significant step towards creating a Moth that’s not just fast but also sustainable and practical given our limited resources. This prototype will also serve as a testing platform, allowing us to refine our approach and learn more as we continue developing future Moths.

Achieved Milestones

Our success wouldn’t be possible without the incredible support we’ve received along the way. We’re particularly grateful for the leadership of our Team Manager, Professor Annamaria Gisario, and the entire Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Sapienza University. Thanks to their research network, we’ve been able to establish a partnership with the Institute of Marine Engineering at the CNR, which is about to enter a crucial phase. With access to their state-of-the-art facilities, we’ll be able to conduct necessary tests, both numerical and in the towing tank, to perfect our boat.

Additionally, we owe a huge thanks to BETA CAE Systems for providing us with software licenses, which have played a critical role in the CFD analysis for our S1 Report.

We’re also thrilled to announce that the Sapienza Foiling Team has been invited to participate in the inaugural Rome Foil Festival! This exciting new event, dedicated entirely to the world of foiling, will take place from May 15 to 18 at Lake Bracciano, just north of Rome. We’ll have our own stand at the event, where we’ll introduce the team, showcase our project, and present our new boat to the public!

Ready for Competition: What We Still Need to Complete Before the Challenge

While time is tight, we’re making the most of every moment to get our Moth ready for competition. Each step of the process is a challenge, but one we’re more than willing to face. For a team with limited experience in boat design, getting a boat ready in our very first year is no small feat. But we thrive on challenges, and they push us to go further, learn more, and improve.

At the end of the day, it’s not about the final result, but the journey. Every challenge, every mistake, and every breakthrough we experience will contribute to our learning and development for years to come. We’re excited for what the future holds and can’t wait to share more of our progress as we approach the Foiling SuMoth Challenge.