Hydroptere – The World’s Fastest Sailboat

The world’s fastest sailboat is about to set sail on a voyage to claim the transpacific speed record for a wind-powered vessel. The Hydroptere sailboat is a marvel of engineering and materials technology, using a carbon composite and titanium frame design that floats up to 15 feet above the water. To reduce water drag and improve its aerodynamic shape, Hydroptere features a primary central foil and a pair of wings on either side that raise the ship above the surface at cruising speed. At full sail, the Hydroptere can reach speeds of up to 52 mph, a blinding speed for a sail-driven craft. The Hydroptere is planning to further its claim as the world’s fastest sailboat on a record-setting transpacific voyage. It will be traveling from Los Angeles to Honolulu with support ships in the hopes of setting a new high mark for its class.  Hydroptere is currently in Paris, undergoing preparations for its record-setting voyage at the architecture workshop of Jean Nouvel. It will set out in the weeks ahead under the leadership of Alain Thébault, Jean Le Cam and Yves Parlier.