Nautical Term: Hydrofoil
Definition of Hydrofoil
A high-speed watercraft that utilizes immersed foils to create hydrodynamic lift as the craft moves at increased speeds. This lift reduces the resistance the craft faces, resulting in greater efficiency and faster travel times.
For instance, consider a hydrofoil ferry traveling between two islands in the Mediterranean Sea. As the hydrofoil reaches its cruising speed, the immersed foils create hydrodynamic lift, which causes the craft to rise above the water surface. As a result, the hydrofoil experiences significantly reduced resistance and greater efficiency, allowing it to travel at faster speeds and complete the journey between the two islands in less time compared to traditional ferries.
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