Abstract: An improved steering control system is provided for improving the handling qualities of hydrofoil craft during takeoff. In steering control systems for hydrofoils, the craft is banked by operation of control surfaces and the rudder is turned in the corresponding direction to coordinate the turn. To improve the handling qualities and maneuverability during the period of acceleration from hull-borne to foil-borne operation, the steering control system is modified during this period by decreasing the gain of the control loop for the control surfaces and by increasing the gain of the control loop for the rudder. A lag filter is also introduced into both loops.