Writing a book on the hydrodynamics of high-speed marine vehicles was challenging because I have had to cover all areas of traditional marine hydrodynamics, resistance, propulsion, seakeeping, and maneuvering. However, there is a need to combine all aspects of hydrodynamics in the design of which high-speed vessels are very different from conventional ships, depending on whether they are hull supported, air cushion supported, foil supported, or hybrids.

High-speed vessels are a fascinating topic, and I have been deeply involved in research on high-speed vessels since a national research program under the leadership of Kjell Holden started in Norway in 1989. We also started the International Conference on Fast Sea Transportation (FAST), which has a much broader scope than marine hydrodynamics. I have also benefited from being the chairman of the Committee of High-Speed Marine Vehicles of the International Towing Tank Conference (ITTC) from 1990 to 1993. Further, this book would not have been possible without the work done by the many doctoral students who I have supervised. Their theses are referenced in the book. Parts of the book have been taught to the fourth year, master of science students and doctoral students at the Department of Marine Technology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU).

My philosophy in writing the book has been to start from basic fluid dynamics and to link this to practical issues for high-speed vessels. Mathematics is a necessity, but I have tried to avoid this when physical explanations can be given.