Faites-nous rêver / Yes we fly

25 August 2025 Network News

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A new project funded this year as part of theFaites-nous rêver call for projects, ENSTA Alumni presents Yes we fly.

The Yes we fly project aims to make a boat fly! Based on their shared passion for sailing and their appetite for science and DIY, several ENSTA students have decided to add foils to an "old" boat to make it competitive again.

This project echoes two of the major challenges facing the Mini class today. The Mini class refers to all races involving Mini 6.50s, boats measuring 6.50 meters in length: the smallest sailboats in ocean racing! The two most famous races are the Mini Transat (a solo transatlantic race with no communication) and Les Sables-Les Açores-Les Sables (a single-handed loop race on the eponymous route). In recent years, the class has had to face up to economic and ecological challenges: on the one hand, the ambition of "winning" projects is driving up the price of new Mini boats, and on the other, the desire for performance is pushing older Mini boats into the background. The result: old Mini's go unused, while dozens of new Mini's are built every two years, at astronomical selling prices!

"Théotime de Reboul and Louise Angellier (ENSTA Paris class of 2025) therefore decided to add foils, built using the scientific and technical skills acquired at ENSTA, to an old-generation Mini.

The project is currently progressing on three fronts. Firstly, the boat has been purchased and we've been able to sail it to get the hang of it. These sailings have enabled us to meet other members of the Mini class and to take the first images and videos to prepare communication media.

At the same time, scientific CFD calculations and foil dimensioning are continuing, thanks in particular to the support of professionals who are enthusiastic about the project.

Finally, contacts have been made to help finance the project. With our end-of-study internships taking place abroad, we're taking advantage of this opportunity to solicit the support of a wide range of marine-oriented companies in order to close the necessary budget."

Théotime DE REBOUL (class of 2025)

Objectives for the year:

Integrate the mini class, take part in training and regattas with the aim of qualifying for the SAS ;
Finish sizing the foil, start building it;
Find 40,000 euros to finance the construction of the foils, boat reinforcements and participation in training sessions and regattas.

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