Vortex Pod
RACER
Specification
5.30m
LENGTH OVERALL
5.80m
150kg
280kg
FULL DISPLACEMENT
3.787m
WINGS UP BEAM
9.2m
RIG HEIGHT
16.80m2
3.30m2
JIB SAIL AREA
Hull & Wing Construction
The Vortex pod racer is beautifully balanced.
The hulls and Pontoons are a full pre-preg carbon fibre foam core construction. The Vortex pod racer is hand finished, sprayed with 2K polyurethanes in a temperature controlled and dust-free environment. The wings are pre-preg carbon torsional beams with wing fairings, taking the torsional loads of the foils and rig.
Joystick Flight Control
Foot Pedals
Rope Control Systems
The cockpit rope system looks complicated but in fact is very simple. All rope controls are led into the cockpit allowing the V-pilot to operate all systems from the safety and comfort of the cockpit seat.
Main Foil Lock
Rudder Up
Main Foil Down
Main Foil Up
Jib Sheet
Outhaul
Main Sheet (Top)
Cunningham (Bottom)
Vang
Jib Sheet
Main Foil Up
Main Foil Down
Rudder Down
Main Foil Lock
Rudder Lock
Outhaul
Main Sheet
Vang
Shroud
V-Pilot Ventilation
Mainsail &
Jib Systems
Essentially there are only two control ropes used while sailing. There’s the mainsheet, which is centred in the cockpit allowing for right or left hand use, and then the jib sheets run to the cockpit’s port and starboard.
The main halyard is on a simple over cam system. It locks when you hoist and when you over hoist it unlocks. The jib halyard is run back to the cockpit and cleats off on a simple cam cleat. There’s a Cunningham purchase system located neatly inside the mast tube to tighten luff of main sail and out haul on a purchase system neatly inside boom.
The boom vang system is a simple multi purchase system running to the cockpit.
Rig & Sail
Foil Construction & Deployment
The carbon fibre foils are designed to be stable at speed, allowing the V-Pilot to soar like a graceful bird or with the aggressive dynamics of a fighter jet.
The Vortex pod racer can be launched direct off the beach or via a ramp. Once in the water, the rudder and forward T-foils are easily deployed and retracted from the cockpit controls.
The forward T-Foils have two functions; the first is to give you automatic lift through the wand system with no input required from the V-pilot, then by using the joystick the heel (bank) can be controlled. This is done by shortening the wand linkage system via the spring slider, and this in turn adjusts the angle of the flaps of the main foils.
The rudder has a similar system but operates off the rudder lift arm with three lines, which are: rudder down, rudder up and rudder lock with a single set position.
Electronics
The Vortex pod racer features x3 Sailmon MAX displays with Windex, which allow for different electronic read outs simultaneously, so the V-pilot can concentrate on flying while gaining maximum data feedback. MAX features a built-in, fast GPS and advanced 9-axis compass, which generate the most accurate sailing data such as heading, speed, wind, and course over ground. In addition, MAX contains a ping function, countdown timer, distance, and time to start line. All data is presented on a clear transflective 320 x 240 pixels 4.4” LCD with anti-reflective front glass for maximum display clarity in all daylight conditions. The powerful 3600mAh lithium-polymer battery ensures that the MAX can be used all day long. And with the Sailmon app, you can relive every trip. All results are visualised on a clear timeline and map. Share and compare your detailed insights with friends, training partners and competitors!
Safety
The Vortex pod racer is a 30-knot boat and with safety in mind, we highly recommend you to purchase a Vortex safety helmet. The foils are designed to be stable at speed, allowing the V-Pilot to soar like a graceful bird or with the aggressive dynamics of a fighter jet.
