l’Hydroptère Starts Record Drive

Posted by Alan Sorum Mar 19, 2007

Team l’Hydroptère (hydrofoil) announced its intention to break the current category D 500-meter speed record and the absolute speed record for one nautical mile on 14 March 2007. Sponsors are working with the World Sailing Council to certify the data collection process and equipment to be used on the craft. A World Sailing Council representative will be on hand to certify the record attempts and measurements taken by the installed Trimble GPS system.

l’Hydroptère is more aircraft than sailboat. The vessel is designed to literally fly just at the surface of the water. With a length of 18 meters and 165 square meters of sail, the l’Hydroptère begins lifting off from the water at 12 knots. Project directors anticipate an ultimate top speed approaching 50 knots.

Looking for favorable weather, Alain Thébault and his crew will sail hard for seven days in La Trinité-sur-mer. Sailings will increase through the week as crew experience builds with use of l’Hydroptère. Ideal conditions will see winds of 25 to 30 knots from the south-southwest. Practice sessions are taking place in front of Port Haliguen to mimic these conditions.

You can view the latest pictures of the l’Hydroptère effort at their organization website. News of daily record attempts will be posted at hydroptere.com.