"Sailing at more than 100 kilometres per hour releases more adrenaline than we've ever experienced before!" said an overjoyed Alain Thébault after setting the record off the French coast near Hyères.
The foiling trimaran "Hydroptère" has thus made an impressive comeback after capsizing at the beginning of the year.
Back then, the boat had overturned at full speed and broken the mast, and the team seemed to have fallen far behind in its battle for the world record for the fastest sailing boat.
But now everything went perfectly. In 25 knots of wind, with gusts of up to 28 knots, Thébault's team managed an average of 51.36 knots on the 500 metre course required by the World Sailing Speed Council (WSSRC). At times, "Hydroptère" even travelled at 55.5 knots. On the 1 nautical mile course it was still enough for over 48 knots. However, all values still have to be confirmed by the WSSRC.
The previous record was held by kite surfer Alexander Caizergues with 50.57 knots, while the fastest sailing vessel was "Macquarie Innovation" with 50.07 knots. This makes "Hydroptère" only the second vessel ever to break the 50-knot barrier.
