As preparations intensify for the Foiling SuMoth Challenge 2025, the TU Delft x DutchSail Team is charting a course defined by innovation, collaboration, and above all, sustainability. With a multidisciplinary crew of students and researchers from leading Dutch universities, the team is pushing the limits of circular design and high-performance engineering in the world of foiling.
A United Vision, A Diverse Crew
Under the guidance of Kunal Masania, Associate Professor in Renewable Composites at TU Delft and Team Manager, the team brings together a unique blend of technical talent and creative thinking. Leading the charge are Tigo Ledeboer (Team Captain, TU Delft) and Bas van der Gulik (Co-Captain and Engineering Lead, Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences), supported by a dedicated group spanning communications, logistics, sustainability, and marketing:
- Emilie van Eps – Communications Officer, University of Twente
- Mees de Graaf – Logistics Officer, TU Delft
- Tijn van der Gulik – Sustainability Officer, Utrecht University
- Beau-Jane Adam – Marketing Manager, Erasmus University Rotterdam
Together, they embody a forward-thinking mindset rooted in education, engineering, and ecological responsibility.
Smart Sustainability in Practice
This year’s SuMoth campaign revolves around “smart sustainability and innovative repurposing.” The team has embraced an ambitious material strategy: combining recycled carbon fibers with bio-based resins, and creatively integrating repurposed carbon rowing oars—a bold example of upcycling in performance sport.
Production methods are equally mindful. By applying vacuum-assisted resin infusion, the team minimizes waste while maximizing structural integrity. Furthermore, the decision to reuse an existing hull mold not only reduces carbon footprint but also accelerates production timelines. Most impressively, the entire design follows a lifecycle thinking approach—the boat is engineered for easy disassembly and end-of-life recyclability.
Designing for Circular Excellence
Early in the project, the team established a set of clear Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and design constraints, laying the groundwork for disciplined development. One of the key structural priorities was to analyze critical load paths, particularly addressing vang loads on the bow to prevent buckling under pressure.
This meticulous approach extended to material selection. The team conducted a quantitative material study, ranking materials based on performance metrics and environmental impact. The repurposed carbon oars were subjected to mechanical testing, and the data integrated into Finite Element Method (FEM) simulations, ensuring strength and stiffness in parts like the gantry, wings, and stem fitting.
Milestones Reached, Momentum Gained
Through a rigorous schedule of monthly design reviews, feedback from supervisors and seasoned Moth sailors shaped an iterative, high-quality design process. The team also strengthened its community ties by expanding its sponsorship network, further embedding itself in the vibrant DutchSail ecosystem.
One of the most exciting ongoing efforts is the development of the MS360 sustainability report. This document will encapsulate the team’s commitment to circular design principles, material transparency, and low-impact manufacturing—positioning TU Delft x DutchSail as a beacon for sustainable innovation in competitive sailing.
Eyes on the Future
While focused on their upcoming final presentation at Lake Garda, the team is also thinking ahead. Initial brainstorming sessions are already shaping ideas for future editions of the FSMC, ensuring that today’s progress becomes the foundation for tomorrow’s breakthroughs.
TU Delft x DutchSail Team is more than a competition team—it is a living case study in how technical excellence and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand. As the countdown to FSMC 2025 continues, this team is not just building a boat—they’re building the future of sustainable sailing.
