High speed ship

A method for achieving a plane state in a vessel having insufficient cruise power to achieve the plane state from a fixed configuration, the method comprising the steps:

• establishing the vessel initially at rest;
• deploying a retractable power boost system;
• applying cruise power to establish the vessel underway;
• setting a variable trim to achieve a relatively higher pitch angle when underway;
• shifting a load aft to further increase the pitch angle;
• applying said boost power to accelerate the vessel;
• said boost power separate from said cruise power;
• upon achieving a first speed at the increased pitch angle, shifting the load to a forward position, and adjusting the variable trim to achieve a lower pitch angle than said increased pitch angle and to bring the vessel into a plane operational state;
• disengaging the power boost system and configuring the power boost system for minimum drag when the vessel attains said plane state;
• and
• the vessel maintains a cruise speed in said plane operational state.