What is a Hydrofoil?

Have you ever seen a boat that looks like it’s floating above the water? That’s not magic, it’s a hydrofoil. These sleek, modern watercrafts have been making waves in recent years, particularly with the rise of high-speed ferries. But what exactly is a hydrofoil, and how does it pull off that gravity-defying trick? Let’s dive deeper into the world of hydrofoil ferries and find out what they are, how they work, and why they’re making such a splash. 

What is a hydrofoil? 

Let’s get straight to it. Think of a hydrofoil as a boat with wings, but underwater. Instead of staying flat on the surface like a regular hull, a hydrofoil uses submerged fins known as foils to lift itself above the water while it gains speed. As the water flows over these fins, they produce lift, pushing up the hull and reducing drag. Less drag means that the vessel can travel at higher speeds and ensure smoother crossings when you're gliding above the waves. 

How does a hydrofoil work? 

Without getting too scientific, hydrofoils operate by way of basic fluid dynamics. When a hydrofoil travels through the water, the unique shape of its wing causes a difference in pressure, with higher pressure below and lower pressure above, causing the hull to lift. It’s essentially the same principle that allows airplanes to fly, except in this scenario, it’s working against water resistance as opposed to air. 

As the hull is no longer dragging against the water’s surface once it’s elevated, there’s a significant decrease in friction. This means hydrofoils can travel much faster than conventional ferries while using less energy, hence why they are such an eco-friendly mode of transport. 

History of Hydrofoils 

Hydrofoils might seem like a modern invention, but they have been around since the early 1900s. Alexander Graham Bell, the same man who invented the telephone, was one of the early pioneers. Impressively, Bell constructed a hydrofoil boat out of wood and metal that reached speeds of over 70 mph back in 1919. 

Since then, hydrofoils have come a long way technologically. Nowadays, most high-performance hydrofoils use carbon fiber and other composite materials. These are remarkably strong yet very light, which increases speed, lift and overall efficiency. Unlike steel or aluminium, carbon fibre is not prone to corrosion. 

Why hydrofoils are the future of ferry travel 

As the global transportation sector turns in favour of greater efficiency and environmental responsibility, hydrofoils are emerging as a promising solution for the future of ferry travel. These stylish, modern vessels not only provide faster and more sustainable travel but also optimize passenger comfort. 

Reduced Energy Consumption 

One of the most significant advantages of hydrofoil ferries are their potential to reduce fuel consumption. By lifting the hull above the water at speed, hydrofoils dramatically decrease hydrodynamic drag, which is the primary source of resistance for traditional ferries. Couple that with electric or hybrid propulsion systems, hydrofoil ferries can function with substantially lower greenhouse gas emissions. 

Shorter Travel Time & Smoother Journeys 

Wave goodbye to bumpy rides at sea. As the hull is lifted above the surface, it avoids the slamming and rolling frequently experienced on conventional ferries. This guarantees shorter sailing times, improved scheduling reliability, and greater passenger comfort. 

Less Coastal Impact 

Another environmental benefit of hydrofoils is their reduced wake, which reduces shoreline erosion and allows for travel in more congested waterways. This makes them an ideal vessel for inner-city ferry routes where preserving the coastal environment is important. 

What to expect on a hydrofoil ferry? 

While hydrofoil ferries may be designed with speed in mind, that doesn’t mean they skimp on comfort. Though the exact amenities can vary depending on the operator, the route, and vessel type, here are a list of the most common features on hydrofoils: 

• Spacious passenger seating 
• Snack bar or café 
• Wi-Fi 
• Charging outlets 
• TV screens 
• Luggage storage 
• Air conditioning 
• Toilets 

What ferry routes use hydrofoils? 

Whether you are island hopping in Greece or island hopping in Croatia, hydrofoils can be found nearly everywhere now. Here are some of the most popular ferry routes that provide hydrofoils for a faster and smoother journey:

Italy 

Naples to Ischia: Over 30 hydrofoil sailings per day operate from Naples to Ischia, with travel times of approximately 50 minutes. 

Naples to Procida: This route provides approximately 20 daily hydrofoil sailings, completing the journey in around 30 minutes. 

Sorrento to Capri: With more than 20 daily crossings, hydrofoils travel from Sorrento to Capri in 15 to 30 minutes, making it a popular option for tourists visiting the Amalfi Coast.

Greece 

Athens to Aegina Ferry: Blue Star Ferries and Aegean Flying Dolphins provide hydrofoil services on this route, with a combined 11 daily sailings. 

Athens to Poros Ferry: With up to 6 daily crossings, hydrofoils are available on this route with Blue Star Ferries and Aegean Flying Dolphins and take around 1 hour. 

Athens to Mykonos Ferry: With up to 3 daily sailings, hydrofoils are available on the Athens to Mykonos route with SeaJets and Cyclades Fast Ferries and take around 2 hours and 50 minutes. 

Croatia 

Split to Hvar Ferry: Operated by high-speed catamarans, this route takes only 1 hour and operates up to 14 times per day with TP Line and Krilo Kapetan Luka. 

Dubrovnik to Korcula Ferry: Operated by high-speed catamarans, this route takes around 1 hour and 40 minutes and operates up to 4 times per day with TP Line and Jadrolinija. 

Book a hydrofoil today 

So, there you have it! Hydrofoils are more than just modern watercrafts; they’re a smart blend of physics and innovation. As technology keeps evolving, with lighter materials, smarter systems, and cleaner energy, we’re only going to see more of these high-speed vessels out on the water. Book your ferry tickets now and travel to your next holiday destination on a hydrofoil.