The problem with a catamarn is of course that it will have two foils (each in one hull) and that leads to a multivariable control situation where control actions on one foil setup will have a noticable effect (disturbance) on the other foil setup. This is typically a difficult control problem to solve.
Alinghi seems to be raising its windward foil all the time. It requires crew work, but eliminates this problem.
I am however convinced that the path to succesful foiling requires the assistance of a skilled control systems engineer and that had been lacking up to now.
Agreed. The ORMA 60s have no control system, though. I think there is a good possibility that symetrical section T or L foiled rudders combined with S foils would be a self-stabilized setup.
