foiling f18 catamaran

What is a Foiling Catamaran? (All You Need To Know)

Have you ever seen a boat literally fly over the water? With a foiling catamaran, that’s exactly what you get.

Foiling catamarans are the latest innovation in sailing technology, making them more efficient, agile, and environmentally-friendly.

In this article, we’ll look at what foiling catamarans are, the benefits they offer, the different types available, their applications, maintenance and care tips, cost, and where you can find them.

So, let’s dive in and learn all about foiling catamarans!

Table of Contents

Short Answer

A foiling catamaran is a type of boat that uses hydrofoils to lift the hulls out of the water, allowing it to sail faster and smoother than a traditional catamaran.

The hydrofoils, which are mounted on the underside of the boat, help to reduce drag and increase lift, allowing it to reach speeds of up to 40 knots (75 km/h).

Foiling catamarans are typically used in sailing races and can be seen in events such as the America’s Cup and the Olympics.

What are Foiling Catamarans?

Foiling catamarans are a type of sailboat that use hydrofoils to lift the hull out of the water at high speeds, allowing for increased speed and maneuverability.

This is achieved by the hydrofoils, which are located on the bottom of the boat and act as wings to create lift and reduce drag.

This type of sailboat has become increasingly popular in competitive sailing, as it is faster and more efficient than traditional sailing vessels.

Additionally, foiling catamarans are used for recreational sailing, making them a great choice for sailors of all levels.

Foiling catamarans are typically constructed from lightweight materials such as carbon fiber or Kevlar, allowing them to be faster and more agile than their heavier counterparts.

They are also equipped with specialized hydrofoils, which are designed to optimize the lift and reduce drag, resulting in faster speeds and better maneuverability.

These hydrofoils are usually adjustable, allowing for further optimization of the boats performance.

Foiling catamarans are typically larger than traditional sailboats, and can be up to 50 feet in length.

They are also typically equipped with multiple sails, allowing for greater control over the boat’s speed and direction.

In addition to their superior performance, foiling catamarans are also more stable than traditional sailboats, making them a great choice for recreational sailing.

Overall, foiling catamarans offer a great combination of speed, maneuverability, and stability, making them a great choice for both competitive and recreational sailing.

Whether youre looking for a competitive edge or just a fun day out on the water, foiling catamarans are sure to provide an enjoyable and thrilling experience.

Benefits of Foiling Catamarans

Foiling catamarans offer many benefits for sailors of all levels.

For competitive sailors, these boats offer superior speed and performance, allowing them to cruise at higher speeds, and with greater maneuverability.

This makes them ideal for racing and other competitive events, where speed and agility are essential.

For recreational sailors, foiling catamarans offer an enjoyable experience that is both safe and exciting.

These boats are designed to be lightweight and stable, making them easy to maneuver and handle.

Additionally, their design allows them to be sailed in a variety of conditions, from light winds to heavy seas.

Lastly, foiling catamarans are environmentally friendly.

As they use hydrofoils to lift the hull out of the water, they reduce drag and produce less wake than traditional vessels.

This means that they have a lower environmental impact, as they use less energy and produce fewer emissions.

Overall, foiling catamarans offer something for everyone.

Whether you are a competitive sailor looking for a fast and agile vessel, or a recreational sailor looking for a safe and enjoyable experience, foiling catamarans provide a great option for all types of sailors.

Types of Foiling Catamarans

Foiling catamarans come in a variety of shapes and sizes.

In general, they are characterized by their use of hydrofoils to lift the hull out of the water at high speeds.

The most popular type of foiling catamaran is the Moth, which has a single central hull and two foils on the bottom.

This type of catamaran is well-suited for competitive sailing, due to its superior speed and maneuverability.

Other types of foiling catamarans include the Nacra 17, the A-Class, and the Formula 18.

The Nacra 17 is a two-person performance catamaran, while the A-Class and Formula 18 are both one-person boats.

All three of these catamarans use hydrofoils to lift the hull out of the water, and are popular in competitive sailing.

For recreational sailing, foiling catamarans come in a variety of shapes and sizes.

Many of these boats are designed for one or two people, and some are even designed for larger groups.

Foiling catamarans are often used for daysailing, racing, cruising, and leisure sailing.

Some of the most popular recreational foiling catamarans include the Hobie 16, the Hobie Mirage, and the Hobie T2.

All of these boats use hydrofoils to lift the hull out of the water, allowing them to sail faster and more efficiently.

Foiling catamarans are also becoming increasingly popular in the world of yacht racing.

These boats are able to reach incredibly high speeds, making them ideal for competitive sailing.

Many yacht racing teams are now using foiling catamarans, such as the America’s Cup teams.

The America’s Cup is the world’s oldest and most prestigious sailing event, and it has now been dominated by foiling catamarans for the past several years.

In conclusion, foiling catamarans come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and are used for a variety of sailing activities.

They are becoming increasingly popular in competitive sailing, due to their superior speed and maneuverability.

Additionally, they are often used for recreational sailing and are enjoyed by sailors of all levels.

Applications of Foiling Catamarans

Foiling catamarans have become incredibly popular in competitive sailing, thanks to their superior speed and maneuverability.

The use of hydrofoils to lift the hull out of the water at high speeds reduces drag and allows the boat to sail faster and more efficiently.

This has made them a favorite among professional sailors, who have used them to set speed records in the Americas Cup and other international sailing events.

In addition to competitive sailing, foiling catamarans are also becoming increasingly popular for recreational use.

They offer a unique sailing experience, allowing even novice sailors to experience the thrill of high-speed sailing.

The hydrofoils also increase stability and make it easier for the boat to turn on a dime.

This makes them a great choice for sailors who want to explore new areas or practice different sailing maneuvers.

The versatility of foiling catamarans also makes them a good choice for sailing clubs that host events for all levels of sailors.

They can be used by beginners to learn the basics of sailing and by more experienced sailors to practice more complex maneuvers.

Additionally, they can be used for a wide range of activities, such as racing, cruising, and even fishing.

Foiling catamarans are also becoming popular among those who want to use them for longer voyages.

The hydrofoils help to reduce drag and increase fuel efficiency, making them a great option for those who want to travel long distances without having to worry about fuel costs.

Overall, foiling catamarans are an incredibly versatile and enjoyable type of sailboat that can be used for a variety of applications.

Whether youre a competitive sailor looking for a competitive edge or a recreational sailor who just wants to have some fun on the water, foiling catamarans are a great choice.

Maintenance and Care of Foiling Catamarans

When it comes to maintaining and caring for a foiling catamaran, there are a few key points to keep in mind.

First, the foils must be inspected regularly for any damage or wear and tear.

This can be done by inspecting them visually or using a borescope to check for any signs of damage or wear.

Additionally, the foils should be cleaned regularly to ensure they are free from dirt, debris, and algae.

This will help maintain optimal performance and reduce the risk of damage or wear.

When it comes to the hulls of the boat, they should also be inspected regularly for any signs of damage or wear.

This can be done by checking the hulls for cracks, dents, and other signs of damage.

Additionally, the hulls should be cleaned regularly to ensure they are free from dirt, debris, and algae.

This will help maintain the performance of the boat and reduce the risk of damage or wear.

Finally, the rigging and sails of the boat should also be inspected regularly for any signs of damage or wear.

This can be done by checking the sails for tears and other signs of damage and by inspecting the rigging for wear and tear.

Additionally, the rigging should be checked periodically to ensure it is properly tensioned and adjusted.

Overall, caring for and maintaining a foiling catamaran requires regular checking of the foils, hulls, rigging, and sails.

This will help ensure the boat is performing at its best and reduce the risk of damage or wear.

Additionally, regular cleaning of the foils, hulls, and rigging will help maintain the performance of the boat and ensure it is safe to sail.

Cost of Foiling Catamarans

For those looking to get into the sport of sailing, the cost of a foiling catamaran can be a major consideration.

While these boats are superior in terms of speed and maneuverability, they can also be expensive.

The cost of a new foiling catamaran can range from tens of thousands of dollars to several hundred thousand dollars, depending on the size and features of the boat.

Additionally, there are ongoing costs associated with foiling catamarans such as repairs and maintenance, as well as upgrades and accessories.

That said, it is possible to find used foiling catamarans for sale at a fraction of the cost of a new one.

Used boats may not have all the bells and whistles of a new model, but they can still be a great way to enter the world of sailing.

Many used foiling catamarans are also ideal for recreational sailing, and can provide hours of enjoyment.

For those looking for the ultimate sailing experience, a foiling catamaran may be the perfect choice.

The cost of these boats may be high, but the performance and enjoyment they deliver is unmatched.

With the right maintenance and upgrades, a foiling catamaran can provide years of fun and adventure.

Where to Find Foiling Catamarans

Foiling catamarans have become increasingly popular in recreational and competitive sailing, and are now available from a wide variety of retailers.

For those looking to purchase a foiling catamaran, there are a few different options to consider.

For those looking to buy a brand new foiling catamaran, there are several manufacturers that specialize in producing boats of this type.

These manufacturers typically offer a wide range of models, from high-performance racing boats to more relaxed recreational sailing boats.

Additionally, there are also online stores that specialize in selling foiling catamarans, offering a variety of models from different manufacturers.

For those looking for more of a budget-friendly option, there are also a number of used foiling catamarans available on the market.

These boats can often be found at online marketplaces or at sailing clubs and marinas.

Additionally, some sailing clubs and marinas offer rental foiling catamarans, allowing sailors to try out the boats before making a purchase.

Finally, for those who are looking to build their own foiling catamaran, there are a variety of kits and plans available online.

These plans often include detailed instructions, diagrams, and materials lists, making it easier for aspiring boat builders to construct their own boat.

In any case, there are plenty of options for those looking to purchase or build a foiling catamaran.

With the right research and preparation, anyone can enjoy the exhilarating experience of sailing a foiling catamaran.

Final Thoughts

Foiling catamarans are a type of sailboat that offer superior speed and maneuverability, and are becoming increasingly popular in competitive and recreational sailing.

With their various designs, applications, and maintenance requirements, foiling catamarans are perfect for sailors of all levels.

If you’re looking to pick up a foiling catamaran for yourself, be sure to research the different models, their associated costs, and where you can find them.

With the right care and maintenance, you’ll be sure to enjoy your foiling catamaran for years to come!

James Frami

At the age of 15, he and four other friends from his neighborhood constructed their first boat. He has been sailing for almost 30 years and has a wealth of knowledge that he wants to share with others.

Recent Posts

Does Your Boat License Expire? Here's What You Need to Know

Are you a boat owner looking to stay up-to-date on your license requirements? If so, youve come to the right place! In this article, well cover everything you need to know about boat license...

How to Put Skins on Your Boat in Sea of Thieves? (Complete Guide)

There is a unique sense of pride and accomplishment when you show off a boat you customized to your exact specifications. With Sea of Thieves, you can customize your boat to make it look like your...

Our catamarans

Championship Season  is starting again! Get a head start  by ordering your spare parts today!

Usage learning & racing 3

Crew Configurable 5 

3 – The Nacra 15 is available in semi-foiling and full foiling configuration. 5 – The Nacra 15 is available in single and double crew configuration.

Usage Competitive racing 6 

Crew configurable 4

6  – The Nacra F16 Carbon is only Class legal for races in double crew configuration. 4  – The Nacra F16 Carbon is available in single and double crew configuration.

Usage racing, foiling †

Crew 2  sailors

† – The Nacra F18 Infusion  is available with an  Retrofit compatible   FCS Package . 

Usage Competitive racing

Crew 2 sailors

Usage Technical racing  3

3 – The Nacra F20 Carbon is also available as full foiling cat with the FCS Package.

Usage Youth Olympics & worlds

Crew 2 Youth sailors

Usage Olympics & worlds

Crew 2 Mixed sailors

NACRA WORLDWIDE DEALER NETWORK

Nacra Sailing wants catamaran sailing to be available to everyone – to the young and the old, the new and experienced sailors, the holiday makers and racing buffs, the beach heads and the Olympic medal contenders.

To accomplish that goal we have been investing in a good and reliable network of dealers around the world. Wherever there’s water, Nacra is nearby.

Locate a certified Nacra Dealer near your area, or see if our staff is on site at events. Pick your desired catamaran and contact us. We’ll make sure it’s in your waters in no time.

Can’t find a Nacra Dealer nearby, or does your local sales point not offer Nacra? Contact us and we’ll find a solution.

Shop all your spare parts and accessories directly from our online store.

Shopping for your business?

Do you order for a sailing school or club, a resort, or do you want to become a Nacra Certified Dealer? Contact Nacra Sailing to apply.

© Nacra Sailing INT. 2024

• E: [email protected]
• T: 252-489-3491

No products in the cart.

Nacra F18 Evolution

$ 28,000.00

Description

The Nacra F18 Evolution is a racing catamaran built with advanced technology, sophisticated design tools and 45 years of experience. The primary ambition of the new Formula 18 design was to build upon the Nacra F18 Infusion’s unique pedigree as the best all-around performing F18, over the full range of sailing conditions for every sailor.

Most notable on this F18 Evolution: the hull shape design. It has an aggressively styled raked wave-piercing bow with a horizontal hull chine running back into the transom. This design delivers a unique compromise for both sailing upwind and downwind at different speeds. The optimized foredeck in front of the main beam and embedded beams into the hull add extra sleekness to this design. The updated longitudinal beam position optimizes the hydrodynamic and aerodynamic balance between the sail plan and appendages.

Winner of the F18 Europeans, F18 Worlds & The Worrell 1000 Race!

Standard Configuration

• Designer: Nacra/Morrelli & Melvin
• Glass foam sandwich FRP epoxy resin
• Carbon daggerboard
• Carbon kick up rudders
• 1:10 main sheet system
• 1:16 Cunningham
• 1:4 Jib Cunningham
• Harken hardware
• Tapered Spin Halyard
• Nylon spinnaker
• Pentex sails
• Jib Self Tacker
• Wing trampoline with out kickers
• Fixed Carbon tiller extension
• Shroud and forestay with adjustable turnbuckle
• Foot straps
• Deck sweeper sail
• Adjustable trapeze system

You may also like…

Nacra Euro Trax N15, F16, N17 & F18

14′ -18′ Catamaran Trailer w/roller

Related products.

Nacra F15 (Youth Worlds Class)

Nacra 570 MK2 Boat Cover Top Notch 9 Fabric

Nacra F20 Carbon- Demo Boat

Nacra 500 Mk2 Wing Seats- Pre order Special!

• Privacy Policy
• Returns/Exchanges

East Coast Sailboats, Inc: 104 Shores Avenue, Point Harbor, NC 27964

Tel: 252-489-3491

F1x A-class foiling catamaran

World champion, lighter = better, craftsmanship, meet the foiling f1x a-class catamaran.

This is the ultimate singlehanded foiling catamaran of the moment: ultramodern, incredibly fast, very agile, extremely strong and feather-light, in an aerodynamic and ergonomic design. The perfect total package, packed in 1 foiling catamaran. This is the world’s coolest boat for singlehanded races and the winner of several A-cat world championships and many other sailing races.

The 2020-F1x A-cat is exactly the same foiling catamaran that made Mischa Heemskerk Vice-World Champion at the Herveybay Worlds 2018 in Australia and World Champion at Weymouth 2019. All our foiling F1x A-class catamarans come straight, ready to race and ‘Mischa-tuned’ from our factory.

Unique design enables top performances

The F1x A-class foiling catamaran is the ultimate reflection of our current design language. The aerodynamic design accentuates the performance qualities of this super fast foiling racing boat. The sophisticated deck plan provides clear control and minimal air resistance.

Foils The rudders and daggerboard foils used on the F1x A-class foiling catamarans are produced with the highest quality carbon pre-preg fibers. The foils are cured in our own Autoclave . Our winning foil design was created in close cooperation with Glenn Ashby and the designers of AC Team New Zealand .

Construction The F1x A-cat is manufactured entirely according to the carbon pre-preg/ Nomex production method, and cured in our Autoclave. This technology is the same as used in the aerospace industry and within other foiling boats like for example, the America’s Cup.

Design The design of the F1x foiling A-class catamaran was completely conceived by the DNA design team and made at DNA’s own yard. In the DNA design team Pieterjan Dwarshuis, Mischa Heemskerk and the renowned Dutch industrial design engineer Rudo Enserink worked closely together to create the perfect foiling A-class catamaran.

We build your new foiling boat!

Technical details.

The F1x A-class foiling catamaran has a number of unique features that improve performance. For example:

• Semi ridged trampoline. Gives extra torsional stiffness to the boat and increases its aerodynamic characteristics.
• Patented main-sheet-wheel-system. For more direct and faster trim of the main sail.
• Aerodynamically placed traveller car.
• Flexible daggerboard casings. For minimal water absorption in floating mode.
• Aerodynamically shaped ‘beams’.
• Adjustable T-rudders. Foiling with rudder differential is possible.

Specifications

LOA: 5.49 m BOA: 2.30 m Max. draught: 1.20 m Sail area: 13.94 m Total weight: ca. 53 kg Top speed: 31 kn Extra: All measurements according to IACA Class regulations.

Buy a champion's boat!

Are you excited to buy a F1x A-class foiling catamaran from DNA Performance Sailing? Please fill in our contact form:

Yes, I want a F1x A-cat!

Schrijf je in voor onze nieuwsbrief en blijf op de hoogte van de nieuwste ontwikkelingen.

Contactformulier

• Company Name
• Full name * First Last
• Emailaddress *
• Phonenumber *
• Mijn vraag betreft * My question: TF10 F1x G4 F4 Custom Parts Hydrofoils Other
• Name This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Registrieren Sie sich für unseren Newsletter

lassen Sie sich über die neuesten Entwicklungen informieren!

• E-Mail-Adresse *

Schrijf je in voor onze nieuwsbrief

blijf op de hoogte van de nieuwste ontwikkelingen!

• First name *
• Last name *

Wij gebruiken cookies om u de beste online ervaring te bieden. Door akkoord te gaan, accepteert u het gebruik van cookies in overeenstemming met ons cookiebeleid.

Wanneer u een website bezoekt, kan deze informatie in uw browser opslaan of ophalen, meestal in de vorm van cookies. Beheer hier uw persoonlijke cookiediensten.

• wordpress_test_cookie
• wordpress_logged_in_
• wordpress_sec

• Virginia Beach
• History & facts
• Famous people
• Famous landmarks
• AI interviews
• Science & Nature
• Tech & Business

Discover something new everyday

Famous places

• Food & Drinks
• Tech & Business

Top 20 Facts about the City of Moscow

Moscow Metro- by A.Savin - Wikimedia Commons

Read Next →

18 things you probably didn’t know about Sacre-Coeur basilica in Paris

Best Theme Parks and Attractions in and Around Paris

The Best Way to Visit the Paris Catacombs

20 facts about the city of moscow, 1. moscow’s oldest surviving building is more than 550 years old.

Assumption Cathedral – Wikimedia Commons

2. The world’s largest medieval fortress is found in Moscow

Moscow Kremlin on foreground- by Pavel Kazachkov- Wikimedia Commons

3. Moscow hosts Russia’s largest zoo

Moscow Zoo entrance- by A.Savin – Wikimedia Commons

4. Trains with the most frequency in the world are found in Moscow

Moscow Metro- by A.Savin – Wikimedia Commons

 5. The City of Moscow hosts the World’s second-largest library

Russian State Library main building interior- by A.Savin – Wikimedia Commons

6. The City of Moscow is home of the Babushka doll

Babushka dolls variety- by Ph. Saget – Wikimedia Commons

7. The City of Moscow hosts the world’s largest university building

Moscow State University- by Dmitry A. Mottl- Wikimedia Commons

8. The City of Moscow hosts one of the largest urban parks in the world

Visitor at Izmailovo Park- by Kristy2906 -Wikimedia Commons

9. Europe’s largest botanical garden is found in Moscow

Moscow’s Botanical Garden- by AlixSaz- Wikimedia Commons

10. The City of Moscow boasts 7 identical skyscrapers

Seven Sisters side by side pictures- by okruz- Wikimedia Commons

11. The City of Moscow FBI buildings were once torture chambers

Peasants tortured by Saltykova- by P. V. Kurdyumov – Wikimedia Commons

12. The first man in space was buried in Moscow

Yuri Gagrin- by P. V. Kurdyumov- Wikimedia Commons

13. Victory Obelisk is Moscow’s highest Monument

Victory Obelisk- by GAlexandrova- Wikimedia Commons

14. Moscow has an underground river

15. moscow’s stray dogs can navigate the metro, 16. lenin’s corpse is preserved in a mausoleum in moscow’s red square.

Lenin Mausoleum at the Red Square- by NVO- Wikimedia Commons

17. The largest bell in the world is found in the City of Moscow

Tsar Bell- by W. Bulach- Wikimedia Commons

18. The City of Moscow has billionaire residents

19. old moscow was segregated, 20. the city of moscow and england share an insignia.

St. George on Horseback slaying the dragon- by W. Bulach- Wikimedia Commons

Planning a trip to Paris ? Get ready !

These are  Amazon’s best-selling  travel products that you may need for coming to Paris.

• The best travel book : Rick Steves – Paris 2023 –  Learn more here
• Fodor’s Paris 2024 –  Learn more here

Travel Gear

• Venture Pal Lightweight Backpack –  Learn more here
• Samsonite Winfield 2 28″ Luggage –  Learn more here
• Swig Savvy’s Stainless Steel Insulated Water Bottle –  Learn more here

Check Amazon’s best-seller list for the most popular travel accessories. We sometimes read this list just to find out what new travel products people are buying.

Christine M

Discover Walks contributors speak from all corners of the world - from Prague to Bangkok, Barcelona to Nairobi. We may all come from different walks of life but we have one common passion - learning through travel.

Whether you want to learn the history of a city, or you simply need a recommendation for your next meal, Discover Walks Team offers an ever-growing travel encyclopaedia.

For local insights and insider’s travel tips that you won’t find anywhere else, search any keywords in the top right-hand toolbar on this page. Happy travels!

Hello & Welcome

Popular Articles

Top 20 Streets to See in Paris

Paris in two days

Top 15 Things to do Around the Eiffel Tower

The Best Way to Visit Paris Museums

Top 15 Fashion Stores in Le Marais

Visit europe with discover walks.

• Paris walking tours
• Montmartre walking tour
• Lisbon walking tours
• Prague walking tours
• Barcelona walking tours
• Private tours in Europe
• Privacy policy

© 2024 Charing Cross Corporation

• Hispanoamérica
• Work at ArchDaily
• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Cookie Policy

Moscow's High Rise Bohemia: The International Business District With No Business

• Written by Dario Goodwin
• Published on March 17, 2015

The Moscow International Business Center (Also known as Moskva-City ) was meant to be Russia ’s ticket into the Western world. First conceived in 1992, the district at the edge of Moscow’s city center is intended to contain up to 300,000 inhabitants, employees and visitors at any given moment and, when completed, will house over 4 million square meters of prime retail, hotel and office space to create what the Russian government desired most from this project: an enormous financial district that could dwarf London’s Canary Wharf and challenge Manhattan . Twenty three years later though, Moscow-based real estate company Blackwood estimates that as much as 45% of this new space is entirely vacant and rents have plummeted far below the average for the rest of Moscow. The only press Moskva-City is attracting is for tenants like the High Level Hostel , a hostel catering to backpackers and other asset-poor tourists on the 43rd floor of the Imperia Tower , with prices starting at $25.50 for a bed in a six-person room. This is not the glittering world of western high finance that was envisioned back in the post-Soviet 90s; but what has it become instead?

As one might expect from a project of this sheer ambition, Moskva-City has a troubled past. The economic crash in 2008 hit Russia hard enough to evict the previous Mayor of Moscow , Yuri Luzhkov, who had been a cheerleader for the district, and replace him with the considerably more austere Sergei Sobyanin, who famously declared that the whole idea was an “urban planning mistake.” But as recently as 2013, the Wall Street Journal was triumphantly claiming that Moskva-City had risen from the dead, citing 80% occupancy rates and glowing quotes from industry insiders claiming that Moskva-City was the "place to be." Driven by record highs in oil prices, Moscow looked poised to become the next Dubai .

Instead, Moscow is now in the grip of an economic winter prompted by western sanctions and drops in the price of oil. The large financial groupings that Moskva-City was meant to shelter have been warned off by their inability to issue credit to international markets, for example - but Moskva-City isn’t just an Empire State Building left empty by the Great Depression.

A fundamental problem that is holding Moskva back compared to the rest of Moscow is the simple fact that currently, getting to Moskva-City is nigh-on impossible at peak hours. Moscow has long been plagued with transport problems, ever since the government failed to match the dramatic expansion of the city with a dramatic expansion of the transport system after the Second World War. Despite being only 2.5 miles from the Kremlin , Moskva-City is only just inside the ring road that bounds the city center and which acts as the only real transport link to it (and as a result, is clogged by construction vehicles.) A railway and metro hub has been finished, but so far only runs a one-stop shuttle service to the closest Metro station that is actually integrated with the rest of Moscow Metro. The isolation of the outer districts is a large, negative part of the Moscow psyche, and it’s not surprising that this is driving away the globetrotting financial elite this project was meant to attract.

The project is managed by architectural practice No.6, which is a constituent part of the large Moscow based practice Mosproject-2 , which is itself a public corporation headed up by Mikhail Vasilyevich Posokhin, who is apparently the “People’s Architect of Russia.” Despite all this state involvement, the project has still managed to become bogged down in bureaucratic infighting - each lot is managed and developed individually, which has led to developers competing for occupants by slashing rates.

Much has been written about the way modern financial districts and towers that inhabit them can be unwelcoming, forbidding or even hostile by design, but the skyscrapers of Moskva-City seem even less friendly than usual. The site - a former stone quarry, chosen out of necessity as the only place in the city center where a new district could be plausibly constructed - is isolated both physically and visually, leaving the cluster a stark anomaly on the city skyline. Even the names seem more imposing than optimistic now: Imperia, City of Capitals , Steel Peak.

The Mercury City Tower , so far the tallest completed building on the site, is officially “a strong reference to Russian constructivism, [which] gives the tower a strong vertical thrust similar to the one found in New York's Chrysler building .” It would be easy to criticize the Mercury City Tower for picking ‘inspirations’ that are so totally opposed to each other - The Chrysler building the defining emblem of American pre-crash confidence and Constructivism created with the express purpose (especially architecturally) of extending the Bolshevik revolution into a social revolution - but the way they smash those two inspirations together is almost beautifully ironic.

Even though the High Level Hostel is less an asset to a financial district than it is a PR problem, it’s been a huge success since opening in September, already ranked 27th out of 766 hostels in Moscow by TripAdvisor. According to the management agency for Moskva-City , 58% of the new occupant signings this year have been non-financial, including a number of small to medium size businesses. Other areas of office space have been occupied by a restaurant and a culinary school, while another space has been redeveloped into a 6,000 seat theater.

While Moskva-City is failing to be a financial district that could take on the world, it’s inadvertently becoming a humanized space catering to the very groups that the Russian economic miracle left behind. Taking advantage of rents lower than the rest of Moscow , the world class facilities and the sheer desperation of the developers, the humanization of Moskva-City could well create the world’s first high-rise bohemia.

Of course, these are not spaces designed for a community, or even for people: these are spaces designed for money, and there’s little scope for changing something that seems so baked into the design of Moskva-City . The High Level Hostel is trading off of the irony of being a hostel in a banking tower, but it’s perfectly possible that at some point people will no longer find this joke funny (especially in a building that seems hostile to the very idea of humor). The isolation of Moskva, even though it allowed this community to spring up in the first place, is just as detrimental to a humanized district as it is to a financial one: even bohemians need to move around the city, or the district risks becoming a black-spot instead of a hot-spot.

Moskva-City’s isolation won’t last forever. The end of construction will open the roads up to traffic, and plans to properly integrate the spur lines of the Metro in this area into the wider system are well under way. The integration of the district will inevitably push up rents, and the Russian economy will eventually boom once again. When that happens, Moskva-City is prime territory to be reconquered by the giants of international finance, and it seems unlikely that the municipal or national governments would want to step in to protect this accidental district. For now, though, the towers capture perfectly this moment of Russia ’s schizophrenic understanding of its place in the world.

• Sustainability

世界上最受欢迎的建筑网站现已推出你的母语版本!

想浏览archdaily中国吗, you've started following your first account, did you know.

You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser .

• Gorky Central Park of Culture and Recreation, Moscow
• Guide to Russia

What is the history of Gorky Park?

• In the pre-revolutionary period, Gorky Park was a city dump and wasteland, which was cleared in 1923 to host the All-Russian Agricultural and Artisan Industrial Exhibition
• In 1928, a huge park was planned on the former site of the exhibition. It would not just be a place of leisure, but a place to proudly display Soviet culture and daily life
• Gorky Park has remained a cultural hub ever since, and has been renovated and added to over the years to make it one of Moscow’s top attractions today

Gorky Central Park of Culture and Recreation

Gorky Park is the most famous park of Moscow, created during the Soviet period as a hub for relaxation and cultural activities. The park is beloved by Muscovites and tourists alike, who visit in all seasons to stroll, enjoy sports, admire the park’s attractions, and attend cultural events. Gorky Park is the central part of an ensemble of four green spaces – Muzeon Park of Arts, Neskuchny Garden, and Sparrow Hills Nature Reserve – which curve around the southern bank of the Moskva River to the south-west of Moscow city centre. Here you may spend some time and enjoy nature and contemprary art during your vacation in Moscow .

History of Gorky Park

Imperial russia.

In the 17th century, the eastern bank of the Moskva River beyond Moscow’s city limits was home to floodplain meadows, where palace horses grazed. From the mid-1850s, events such as cockfights, fistfights, and races were held here, and by the 20th century this area had become a city dump where the unemployed and homeless people of Moscow lived, which remained this way until the Soviet period. This wasteland lay in stark contrast to the adjoining Neskuchny Sad – ‘merry garden’ – which lay to its south, an area of aristocratic country estates and elaborate gardens.

Soviet Russia

Photo from  https://parkseason.ru/

Following the October Revolution, Vladimir Lenin travelled around Moscow to find a suitable site for the first All-Russian Agricultural and Artisan Industrial Exhibition, which would reveal opportunities for socialist development of agriculture and industry. Lenin decided on the wasteland alongside the Moskva River, which was cleared with a programme of community work. In 1923, the exhibition began. It encompassed 250 pavilions dedicated to different themes of agriculture and industry, and was divided into thematic zones, such as villages, livestock, crops, engineering, railways, republics of the USSR, and foreign countries. The organisation of the exhibition demarcated the future layout and size of Gorky Park, and the paths, ‘zones’, and main square of the exhibition have been preserved until the present day. In March 1928, Moscow City Council decided to establish a park of culture and recreation on the site of the former exhibition, which would also encompass the Neskuchny Garden. Moscow’s residents were instrumental in the construction of the park – they voiced their desires for events spaces, physical education and leisure facilities, and gave up their weekends to build the park. The park’s main architect was Konstantin Melnikov.

Did you know? Konstantin Melnikov also helped to construct Lenin’s Mausoleum and the Rusakov Worker’s Club, one of Moscow’s Constructivist masterpieces .

Over 100,000 Muscovites flocked to the opening of the park on 12th August 1928. The brand-new park was equipped with two theatres, a cinema, nursery, reading room, restaurant and café, music stages, sports arenas, rowing boats, and even a giant helter-skelter slide. Unfortunately, because of the vast size of the crowd and the general excitement, the park was damaged and closed until September.

Did you know? The park was not named after Maxim Gorky, writer and founder of Socialist Realism, until 1933.

In 1929, Betty Glan – at the mere age of 26 – became director of the park. She decided to reconceptualise it, uniting leisure, design, and ideology with the help of Moscow’s most eminent architects, designers and artists. Over the next decade, more cultural venues were established in the park, the Pushkinskaya Embankment along the Moskva River was developed, and the landscaping of the park was carefully cultivated. Architect Alexander Vlasov was particularly influential, and won the Grand Prix at the 1937 World Exhibition in Paris for his design of Gorky Park. This period under Glan’s directorship until 1937 was known as the ‘golden age’ of Gorky Park, which became not just a place for recreation, but a public space where Soviet culture and everyday life could be proudly displayed.

Did you know? During the Second World War topical events were held in Gorky Park, such as the championship in bayonet combat, grenade-throwing competitions, and air defence training. What’s more, an exhibition of captured enemy weapons – tanks, artillery, aeroplanes, and more – was organised in Gorky Park and continually updated throughout the war.

In the post-war decades new attractions were continually added to Gorky Park. These included the majestic 24-metre triumphal arch at the entrance to the park, an astronomical observatory (which remains open today), the famous Ferris wheel (unfortunately dismantled in 2008), and a fountain with lights and music.

Russia today

Photo from  https://countryscanner.ru/

The Gorky Park ensemble continued to flourish as a centre of culture and recreation in post-Soviet Russia. The adjoining Muzeon Park of Arts was founded in 1992, and Garage Museum of Contemporary Art was established in Gorky Park in 2008. The ensemble underwent serious reconstruction in 2011. Many new sports facilities were added, including centres for beach sports and extreme sports, bicycle paths and sports equipment rental hubs, and much effort was devoted to reviving original buildings, sculptures, and landscape compositions. Two years later, the embankment of the Moskva River from the southern tip of Zamoskvorechye Island all the way to Sparrow Hills was redeveloped and pedestrianised, making it possible to peacefully walk or cycle along the Moskva for many kilometres.

What can you do at Gorky Park today?

• Explore the park and see architectural attractions, fountains, and beautiful gardens
• Visit Garage Museum of Contemporary Art and the Gorky Park Museum
• Go boating on the lakes and stroll down the Pushkinskaya Embankment
• Rent bicycles or scooters, skateboard, and visit the sports centres

What can you do at Gorky Park?

Park attractions.

While exploring the treelined paths of Gorky Park, you’ll come across a number of attractions. To the west of the main entrance, near the river, is a beautiful geometric bandstand used for music and literary evenings in the Soviet period. As you head down the central alley of Gorky Park from the main entrance, you’ll see a statue of Maxim Gorky on your right, and discover the light and music fountain with its dancing jets of water – find the schedule of its performances here .

Did you know? Don’t be afraid to feed the red squirrels and birds you encounter on your walk around Gorky Park – there are even vending machines which sell special food for the animals!

The southern section of Gorky Park is occupied by the Golitsynsky Garden. In 1802, the Golitsyn Hospital was founded here as a hospital for the poor; it still adjoins Gorky Park today. Gardens were created as a relaxation place for patients, extending from the hospital building to the riverbank, and included landscaped gardens, a Chinese Bridge, and two ponds. On the riverbank is the Rotunda of the Golitsyn Hospital, which has been preserved since the 19th century. There is also a rose garden and fountain by the Bolshoi Golitsynsky Pond.

Did you know? In the Golitsynsky Garden is also located an unusual architectural monument – a public toilet designed by Alexander Vlasov in the 1930s, which is recognised as an ‘object of cultural heritage’!

Outdoor activities

Gorky Park’s extensive and varied grounds aren’t only good for walks! You can relax on the water by renting boats to sail on the Pionersky and Bolshoi Golitsynsky Ponds, or visiting the Olivkovy Beach on the Pushkinskaya Embankment to sunbathe. As well as this, you can hire bicycles, electric scooters, longboards or even roller skates to explore the park and embankments, play table tennis, visit the sports complex to play football, basketball, handball, badminton or volleyball, or visit the Vans skatepark or Nike sports centre for workouts and classes such as rooftop yoga.

Gorky Park Museum

Photo from  http://themedium.ru/

Visit the Gorky Park Museum, located in the left pier of the entrance arch. The current exhibition is dedicated to Gorky Park in the ‘golden age’ of the 1930s, and shows the development of Moscow’s central park through the eyes of Betty Glan. There is an observation deck on top of the arch, which offers a lovely view over the park and Moscow’s skyline.

Did you know? In the entrance arch there is also a gift shop where you can purchase balls, frisbees, blankets, and other items to enjoy your visit to Gorky Park.

Garage Museum of Contemporary Art

Photo from  https://muzeolog.com/

In Gorky Park you will find Garage Museum, Russia’s first philanthropic institution dedicated to contemporary art, founded in 2008 by Roman Abramovich and Dasha Zhukova. 10 major exhibitions are hosted each year to showcase the work of established and up-and-coming artists. Also organised are a rich programme of events including curator-led excursions, workshops, masterclasses, lectures, concerts, performances, festivals, and film screenings at Garage’s outdoor cinema. Read our article about Garage Museum of Contemporary Art to learn more.

Food and drink

There are plenty of excellent cafes and restaurants dotted around Gorky Park, where you can stop for a quick coffee or enjoy a long meal with a view. They include the stylish lakeside café Ostrovok (Little Island) and upmarket restaurant Vremena Goda (Seasons) which serve European and Russian food, colourful lakeside Thai restaurant Lebedinoe Ozero (Swan Lake), trattoria Merkato with its huge summer terrace, restaurant Syrovarnya (Cheese Factory) with a menu focused on its homemade cheese, food-truck court Restoparking which is stylised as a drive-in café, and ice-cream and tea shop Chaynaya Vysota.

What’s nearby?

Gorky Park is bordered by Muzeon Park of Arts, Neskuchny Garden, and Sparrow Hills Nature Reserve. This huge ensemble curves for eight kilometres along the bank of the Moskva River, providing a beautiful oasis of green in Europe’s biggest city.

Muzeon Park of Arts

Photo from  https://new-magazine.ru/

Muzeon Park of Arts is the largest open-air sculpture museum in Russia, home to 1,000 sculptures by Soviet and Russian sculptors, including those by famous artists. A large part of Muzeon is occupied by the New Tretyakov Gallery , which houses Russia’s most complete exhibition of national art from the 20th century to the present day. The pedestrianised Krymskaya Embankment which extends alongside Muzeon has recently undergone redevelopment, and is one of Moscow’s most popular spots to relax.

Neskuchny Garden

Neskuchny Garden is the oldest park in Moscow, founded in 1728 by Prince Nikita Trubetskoy, who threw fantastic festivities in his manor house and gardens – neskuchny means ‘merry’ in Russian. Many other noble families also built their country estates in this area, which became a public park and garden after being acquired by the royal family. Today, the Neskuchny Garden is home to historical buildings, fountains, and gardens from the 18th and 19th centuries, sports facilities, an open-air theatre, and a huge greenhouse which supplies flowers to Gorky Park.

Sparrow Hills

Sparrow Hills Nature Reserve is a huge forest park lining the steep bank of the Moskva River and the only specially protected nature area near the city centre. It is home to ecological trails, ponds, natural springs, rare species of plants and animals, many spots for picnicking, cafes, and a mini zoo. At the bottom of the park lie the Vorobyovskaya and Andreevskaya Embankments, with promenades along the Moskva River, a beach, and piers offering boat trips. As with Gorky Park, Sparrow Hills is hugely popular for sports and outdoor activities in all seasons. A new winter sports complex with snowboarding, ice skating, and ski tracks and jumps is currently under construction. When the weather is pleasant, you can rent a bicycle to ride the 8 kilometres along the river from Muzeon to Sparrow Hills.

Essential information for visitors Address and contact details Gorky Park, Krymsky Val, 9, Moscow, 119049 Website:  https://park-gorkogo.com/ Email:  [email protected] Telephone: +7 (495) 995-00-20 Nearest metro: Oktyabrskaya (570m), Park Kultury (860m) Opening hours and tickets

Related Tours

Highlights of Two Capitals

This is a well-balanced tour of Moscow and St. Petersburg that includes all must-see sights, such as the Kremlin, Red Square, the Peter and Paul Fortress, Peterhof with its world-famous fountains and, of course, the Hermitage Museum.

Accommodation

PRIVATE TOUR

Jewels of Two Capitals

It is our most complete and popular tour of Moscow and St. Petersburg. In addition to visiting all the emblematic places, you will also have free time for your own discoveries. On your free nights you can watch the shows at the Bolshoi and Mariinsky Theaters or a folkloric show.

Classic Moscow

This is our most popular Moscow tour that includes all the most prominent sights. You will become acquainted with ancient Russia in the Kremlin, admire Russian art in the Tretyakov Gallery, listen to street musicians as you stroll along the Old Arbat street, and learn about Soviet times on the Moscow Metro tour.

Group Tour Moscow Break by Intourist

Russia's capital has so much to offer, from the Kremlin and the Metro to the Old Arbat street and the Tretyakov Gallery. Besides these sites, you will also visit a fascinating country estate which today is quite off the beaten path, Gorky Estate, where the Soviet leader Lenin spent the last months of his life.

Our travel brands include

Express to Russia

Join us on Facebook

We invite you to become a fan of our company on Facebook and read Russian news and travel stories. To become a fan, click here .

Join our own Russian Travel, Culture and Literature Club on Facebook. The club was created to be a place for everyone with an interest in Russia to get to know each other and share experiences, stories, pictures and advice. To join our club, please follow this link .

We use cookies to improve your experience on our Website, and to facilitate providing you with services available through our Website. To opt out of non-essential cookies, please click here . By continuing to use our Website, you accept our use of cookies, the terms of our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service . I agree

• Election 2024
• Entertainment
• Newsletters
• Photography
• AP Buyline Personal Finance
• Press Releases
• Israel-Hamas War
• Russia-Ukraine War
• Global elections
• Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East
• March Madness
• AP Top 25 Poll
• Movie reviews
• Book reviews
• Personal finance
• Financial Markets
• Business Highlights
• Financial wellness
• Artificial Intelligence
• Social Media

Russia says it foiled Ukrainian drone attack on Moscow as Kyiv’s counteroffensive grinds on

A Ukrainian soldier prepares a drone on the frontline in the Zaporizhzhia region, Ukraine, Saturday, July 1, 2023. (AP Photo/Libkos)

Russian President Vladimir Putin attends a meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Heads of State Council via videoconference at the Kremlin, in Moscow, Russia, Tuesday, July 4, 2023. (Alexander Kazakov, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)

A woman walks past a building lit by a shaft of light in Kyiv, Ukraine, Tuesday, July 4, 2023. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

• Copy Link copied

Russian air defenses on Tuesday foiled a Ukrainian drone attack on Moscow that prompted authorities to briefly close one of the city’s international airports, officials said, as a Western analysis said that Russia has managed to slow Kyiv’s recently launched counteroffensive .

The drone attack, which follows previous similar raids on the Russian capital, was the first known assault on the city since an abortive mutiny launched 11 days ago by mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin . His Wagner troops marched on Moscow in the biggest — though short-lived — challenge to Russian President Vladimir Putin in more than two decades of his rule.

Authorities in Ukraine, which generally avoids commenting on attacks on Russian soil, didn’t say whether it launched the drone raid.

The Russian Defense Ministry said that four of the five drones were downed by air defenses on the outskirts of Moscow and the fifth was jammed by electronic warfare means and forced down.

There were no casualties or damage, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said.

As with previous drone attacks on Moscow, it was impossible to verify the Russian military’s announcement that it downed all of them.

The drone attack prompted authorities to temporarily restrict flights at Moscow’s Vnukovo airport and divert flights to two other Moscow main airports. Vnukovo is about 15 kilometers (nine miles) southwest of Moscow.

In May, two daring drone attacks jolted the Russian capital, in what appeared to be Kyiv’s deepest strikes into Russia.

Tuesday’s raid came as Ukrainian forces have continued probing Russian defenses in the south and the east of their country in the initial stages of a counteroffensive.

Oleksiy Danilov, the secretary of Ukraine’s Security and Defense Council, said that the military was currently focusing on destroying Russian equipment and personnel, and that the past few days of fighting have been particularly “fruitful.” He provided no evidence and it wasn’t possible to independently verify it.

The Ukrainians are up against minefields, anti-tank ditches and other obstacles, as well as layered defensive lines reportedly up to 20 kilometers (12 miles) deep in some places as they attempt to dislodge Russian occupiers.

The U.K. Defense Ministry said Tuesday the Kremlin’s forces have “refined (their) tactics aimed at slowing Ukrainian armored counteroffensive operations in southern Ukraine.”

Moscow has placed emphasis on using anti-tank mines to slow the onslaught, the assessment said, leaving the attackers at the mercy of Russian drones, helicopters and artillery.

“Although Russia has achieved some success with this approach in the early stages of Ukraine’s counteroffensive, its forces continue to suffer from key weaknesses, especially overstretched units and a shortage of artillery munitions,” the assessment said.

Western analysts say the counteroffensive, even if it prospers, won’t end the war, which started with Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022.

Russia, meanwhile, has continued its missile and drone barrage deep behind the front line.

Russian shelling of Pervomaiskyi, a city in Ukraine’s northeastern Kharkiv region, wounded 43 civilians, Kharkiv Gov. Oleh Syniehubov said Tuesday. Among the wounded were 12 children, including two babies, according to officials.

Oleksandr Lysenko, mayor of the city of Sumy in northeastern Ukraine, said that three people were killed and 21 others were wounded in a Russian drone strike on Monday that damaged two apartment buildings.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the attack also damaged the regional headquarters of the Security Service of Ukraine, the country’s main intelligence agency. He argued that the country needs more air defense systems to help fend off Russian raids.

In all, Ukraine’s presidential office reported Tuesday, at least seven Ukrainian civilians were killed and 35 others injured in the fighting over the previous 24 hours.

Putin referred to the recent mercenary rebellion that rattled the Kremlin during a video call Tuesday with leaders of the countries of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization , or SCO, which is a security grouping dominated by Moscow and Beijing.

Putin said that “Russian political circles, the entire society have shown unity and responsibility for the fate of the motherland by putting up a united front against the attempted mutiny.”

He thanked the SCO members for what he described as their support during the uprising.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu also said that a united front thwarted Prigozhin’s mutiny. He said Monday in his first public comment about the episode that it “failed primarily because the armed forces personnel have remained loyal to their military oath and duty.” He said that the uprising had no impact on the war in Ukraine.

Dmitry Medvedev, head of Russia’s Security Council chaired by Russian President Vladimir Putin, said Tuesday that the mutiny had not changed the attitude of Russian citizens toward signing up as professional contract soldiers in Ukraine. In a video posted on Telegram, he said almost 10,000 new recruits had joined up in the last week, with 185,000 joining the Russian army as professional contract soldiers since the start of the year.

In contrast, Prigozhin said that he had the public’s backing for his “march of justice” toward Moscow.

On Tuesday, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe adopted a resolution recognizing Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism and the Wagner private mercenary group as a terrorist organization.

The declaration urges member states to take measures against the Wagner Group and any affiliated or successor structures. In addition, the document calls on members to recognize “the responsibility of Russia as a state sponsor of this terrorist organization.”

Meanwhile, Russia’s Foreign Ministry said Tuesday it saw “no grounds” to extend a deal that has allowed Ukraine to ship grain through the Black Sea to parts of the world struggling with hunger. The statement came less than two weeks before the expiration of the agreement, which was extended for two months in May.

Moscow has complained that a separate agreement with the United Nations to overcome obstacles to shipments of its fertilizers has not produced results.

Follow AP’s coverage of the war in Ukraine: https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine