L’hydroptere the world’s fastest sailing yacht

I know we usually only report on the type of boats powered by burning fuel but when you come across a yacht that can put to shame many engine-powered vessels you have to say something to the world about it.

So I introduce to you the fastest wind-powered sailing yacht in the world “l’Hydroptere”! To describe this yacht in 2 words would simply be “Breathe Taking”.

This superyacht of sailing yachts has set the benchmark for speed sailing, on Friday 4th September in the Hyères Harbour, the French tri-foiler l’Hydroptère set a new world record over 500 meters with an average speed of 51.36 knots breaking the previous speed record of 50,57 knots set by kitesurfer Alex Caizergues in Namibia last year.

In addition, the above record Alain Thébault and his crew also went on to set the record for the fastest nautical mile speed at an eye-watering 48.72 knots smashing the previous record of 43.09 knots.

l’Hydroptere team issued the following statement after achieving the records above:

By a 28-knot west wind, Alain Thébault and his crew took full advantage of the flying trimaran’s potential and earned the title of the fastest sailing craft on the planet*. With a top speed of 55.5 knots (103 km/h) and an average speed of 51.36 knots, today l’Hydroptère takes her place in the history of sailing.

Watch the full video footage of the record-breaking run