Top 18 innovations in Flyte

A text-first deep dive into the engineering choices that make Flyte fast, stable, and accessible. No fluff. Just what matters.

01. Flyte Computer

Multi-core microcontroller links sensors and control: GPS, compass, gyro, accelerometer, mast rotation, power management, and more. Drives rake motors, logs telemetry, and powers a full day of sailing via LiFePO₄ with fast charging.

02. Flyte Cockpit

Ultra-slim, aero cockpit with dual sunlight-readable displays that rotate toward helm and crew. Safety soft-power, USB-C charging, and tactile controls mirror remotes for easy access under load.

03. Flyte Remote

Wireless control from helm or crew, even on the wire. Switch telemetry views, trim rake in manual, or override the autopilot. Programmable buttons add expert cues like landing and maneuver calls.

04. Flyte App

Wi-Fi connected web app for mobile, tablet, and PC. Settings, profiles, and analytics on the water and after sailing with coach. Customize cockpit screens and autopilot profiles. Import or export shareable configs. Export telemetry to Telemetry Overlay, ChartedSails, or Njord.

05. Foil rake system

Robot-servo controlled rake: precise, fast, reliable, reproducible. Innovative ceramic bearing system and titanium gearing trim lift in real time. Integrated with sensors and the Flyte Computer, it automates rake reconfigurations, avoids ventilation, cushions landings, and reduces drag across modes.

06. Rudder stock and rake

Stiff, precise stocks transmit load without slop. Robot-servo controlled asymmetric rudder rake keeps balance through tacks and gybes and preserves low drag on the straights.

07. CAN-bus

1-Mbit CAN-bus backbone (automotive-grade) connects sensors, cockpit, and actuators with wired reliability. Extensible for additional devices. Reliable for an autopilot.

08. Radar

Flight-height sensing that works in chop and spray. After extensive testing of ultrasonic sensors, radar proved the accurate option for real water states.

09. Anemometer

Ultrasonic wind sensor: waterproof in case of capsize, aero mast-top mount, and wired connectivity for reliable data (no Bluetooth glitches). Lightweight with minimal windage.

10. Mast rotation sensor

The mast contributes ~1.5 m² to the sail plan. Rotation matters. Measured rotation helps optimize power and drag and enables true-wind direction calculations.

11. Mast foot

Adjustable carbon arm with integrated mast rotation sensing and Flyte Computer connectivity. Unlocks accurate true-wind calculations and rotation-aware control.

12. Z-foils

Latest Z-foil design, iterated with CFD/VPP to minimize drag and maximize lift. Easy top-load removal for shallow water or flipping the boat for maintenance. Self-leveling ride height pairs with rake control for precise flight, with excellent upwind in both floating and foiling modes. Asymmetric foil rake authority (±4°) tunes for upwind vs. downwind.

13. T-rudders

Computer-optimized rudder profiles for minimal drag and smooth pitch damping. A safety outer edge reduces injury risk, and a special lift system simplifies shallow-water departures and arrivals. Asymmetric rudder rake control (±6°) optimizes balance upwind and downwind.

Computer-optimized sections for low drag
Safety outer edge geometry
Special lift system for shallow departures/arrivals

14. Full-carbon hull

Stiff, lightweight platform (5.4 m x 2.55 m), shaped through simulation to minimize drag. Rocker and volume are tuned for smooth takeoff and forgiving touchdowns.

15. Carbon mast

High-performance 9 m mast optimized for two sailors. Lighter than typical F18 masts with familiar F18-style setup for proven reliability and rapid tuning. Sealed for buoyancy to reduce turtling risk.

16. Carbon double-deck tramp

A clean, aero deck: control lines and take-ups live below the surface. A zippered underside gives quick access. Carbon construction stays taut and maintenance free. Easy to walk on. No re-tensioning required.

17. Carbon snuffer

Full-carbon, aerodynamically shaped snuffer integrates structure and lowers the gennaker tack for a reduced pressure point. Self-tacking jib traveler, jib cunningham, and gennaker tack line are cleanly integrated; decksweeper jib contributes to a low pressure point.

18. Handling

Roles adapt to skill. From beginner crews to pro helms, controls are accessible from the wire: cunningham, jib, mainsheet, traveler, foil rakes, and mast rotation. Autopilot profiles support learning in floating mode up to confident foiling.

Structural analysis and finite-element calculations by D3 Applied Technologies & Redondo Studio and ST2 Design. Engineers with America's Cup and SailGP experience. Precision manufacturing by Exploder ensures the design translates into a well built boat. Optimized stiffness-to-weight and safety margins underpin Flyte's full-carbon platform. Learn more.