I've been following the development of the Moth class ever since I got my Europe Dinghy 15 years ago, which is a derivative from the class. This summer the class has created a defining moment in the history of sailing. A small group of sailors are no longer just sailing, they are also flying or foiling. They ride the foil with the boat hull above water. Few years ago, only a few superman can barely control the beast. Today, some can even tack without coming off the foils. I imagine it maybe like skating backward in top speed, jump over a high fence and change direction all at the same time without losing a heart beat. According to this month's Sailing World, all of the techniques are only possible with relentless practice (hours on the water everyday). Instincts, reactions, and muscle memory are required to the point the sailor isn't thinking about every change in conditions, freeing his attention to concentrate on tactics. Like Tai Chi; looking at nothing, seeing everything and do as little as possible.Also, it's best to ride as high as possible without the foil coming out of water. Height means less drag from the foils and a more efficient rig. If it get too high, it crash down. The sensations of flying above the water, of lightness, of pure efficiency, are unmatched anywhere else in the sport (in any sport, I would say, even I've not try it myself).
There is a saying "Path to salvation is narrow and difficult to walk on as a razor's edge." Live here and now. Prevent oneself from dragging through life between future expectation and past disappointment. Maybe without those frictions, one can attend enlightenment and truly be flying.
