Racing Hydrofoil Hydrodynamics Course
Online 300-hour course in racing hydrofoil hydrodynamics. 6 modules covering the World Sailing Racing Rules, the AC75 class rule of the America’s Cup and XFOIL. Assigned tutor and open enrolment.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this programme. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Explain the generation of lift and drag on hydrofoils.
Compare foiling configurations across different racing classes.
Analyse the stability and flight control of a foil-borne boat.
Design profiles and planforms using numerical tools.
Assess ventilation and cavitation phenomena.
Size the structure of a carbon foil.
Develop a hydrofoil project in accordance with a class rule.
Who it's for
- Competition hydrodynamics engineer wishing to specialise in Racing Hydrofoil Hydrodynamics.
- Appendage designer wishing to specialise in Racing Hydrofoil Hydrodynamics.
- CFD analyst wishing to specialise in Racing Hydrofoil Hydrodynamics.
- Performance engineer in sailing teams wishing to specialise in Racing Hydrofoil Hydrodynamics.
- Composites manufacturing technician wishing to specialise in Racing Hydrofoil Hydrodynamics.
- Technical racing sailor wishing to specialise in Racing Hydrofoil Hydrodynamics.
- Engineering or science graduates seeking to join America’s Cup and SailGP teams.
What you'll work with
- World Sailing Racing Rules
- AC75 class rule of the America’s Cup
- International Moth class rules
- Nacra 17 class rules
- Formula Kite class rules
- ITTC recommended procedures
- ISO 12215 Small craft. Hull construction and scantlings
6 modules · 300 h
1.1Lift and drag in dense fluids1.2Two-dimensional profile theory1.3Lift and moment coefficients1.4Reynolds number on hydrofoils1.5Finite wing and induced drag1.6Free-surface effect and submergence1.7Profile ventilation1.8Cavitation and its onset at high speed1.9Comparison between hydrofoils and aeronautical wings1.10Practical: profile polar with XFOIL
2.1T-, L- and V-shaped hydrofoils2.2Moth foils and ride-height control by rod2.3Foils on Nacra 17 and GC32 catamarans2.4AC75 foil arms2.5Foils on windsurfing and kitesurfing2.6Foil-equipped stabilisers and rudders2.7Take-off, stable flight and landing2.8Class rules limiting foils2.9Historical evolution in the America's Cup2.10Case study: comparison of T and L configurations
3.1Longitudinal balance of the boat in flight3.2Flight height and control systems3.3Flaps and angle-of-attack control3.4Lateral stability and righting moment of the foil3.5Pitch dynamics and oscillations3.6Interaction with waves and gusts3.7Manual control versus assisted control3.8Dynamic flight modelling3.9Height and attitude sensors3.10Laboratory: flight height simulation
4.1Selection of low-drag profiles4.2Planform, aspect ratio and sweep4.3Spanwise lift distribution4.4Wing-to-mast junctions and junction effects4.5CFD with OpenFOAM and STAR-CCM+4.6Panel and vortex lattice methods4.7Multi-objective optimisation of lift and drag4.8Validation with towing tank tests4.9Correlation with real sailing data4.10Workshop: design of a foil for the Moth class
5.1Loads on the foil during sailing5.2High-modulus carbon laminates5.3Manufacturing in machined moulds5.4Bending and torsional stiffness5.5Fatigue failures and impact damage5.6Form tolerances and surface finish5.7Non-destructive inspection of the foil5.8Material rules in one-design classes5.9Foil repair and maintenance5.10Case study: failure analysis of a foil
6.1Class and design requirements6.2Selection of profile and planform6.3Lift and drag calculation6.4Flight stability analysis6.5CFD simulation of the foil6.6Structural laminate design6.7Test plan and validation6.8Assessment of class rule compliance6.9Report and presentation6.10Final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
100 % online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. There are no fixed timetables: students progress at their own pace within the intake, which makes it compatible with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is XFOIL, OpenFOAM, Simcenter STAR-CCM+, MATLAB, Rhinoceros 3D, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied using real procedures for obtaining hydrofoil profile polars, CFD simulation of a foil with a free surface, and analysis of flight data from a Moth. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final integrating project.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Explain the generation of lift and drag on hydrofoils.
Compare foiling configurations across different racing classes.
Analyse the stability and flight control of a foil-borne boat.
Design profiles and planforms using numerical tools.
Assess ventilation and cavitation phenomena.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- No prior degree is required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
- Sufficient level of Spanish to follow the reading of technical regulations.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme comprises 300 hours in total, spread over 3 to 5 months. That is an average of 10 to 15 hours per week, compatible with a full-time job.
The course uses XFOIL, OpenFOAM, Simcenter STAR-CCM+, MATLAB and Rhinoceros 3D. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.
A SEIUM own diploma upon passing the continuous assessment and the integrating project. It is in-house training, not an official qualification from the Ministry.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are credited towards the advanced programme. Please check the credit transfer policy when you enrol.
Related programmes
Dynamic Electricity Pricing Course
Online 300-hour course in dynamic electricity pricing. 6 modules covering Directive (EU) 2019/944, CNMC Circular 3/2020 and Python (pandas). Assigned tutor and open enrolment.
Course in Military Supplier Audits
Online 300-hour course in military supplier audits. 6 modules covering ISO 19011 (auditing guidelines), AQAP 2110 (NATO quality assurance requirements) and SAP QM. Assigned tutor and…
ADR Course for the Transport of Dangerous Goods
Online 300-hour ADR course for the transport of dangerous goods. 6 modules covering ADR (European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road), Directive…
More in Motorcycles & 2-Wheelers
All Motorcycles & 2-Wheelers programmes → · How to apply · Fees & financing · Scholarships