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SP80 Achieves New Milestone in Pursuit of World Sailing Speed Record
First high-speed runs for SP80 © Guillaume Fischer
The Swiss team pursuing the world sailing speed record has reached a significant milestone. After training in Leucate, South of France, they recorded a remarkable speed of 40+ knots (74 km/h) with their innovative kite-powered boat this summer.
While there is currently no official record for this type of vessel, known as a ‘kiteboat’, SP80 has established itself as the fastest kiteboat globally. The next objective is to approach the absolute world sailing speed record, with an official attempt scheduled for 2025.
Following an initial phase of logistical adjustments and several months in the shipyard, the team relaunched their boat in mid-June, aiming for high-speed runs by the end of summer. They are now managing to achieve average speeds of around 30 knots (55 km/h), with a peak speed of 40.652 knots (74 km/h) and an average speed of 35.280 knots over the standard 500-meter distance for world record attempts.
Despite the current world record held by Vestas Sailrocket II at 65.45 knots (121 km/h) over 500 meters, this training campaign has been invaluable for the team. It has allowed them to collect crucial data and better understand the boat’s behavior at high speeds. This information is essential for refining the design of the record-breaking foil, which is vital for achieving higher speeds. Currently, SP80 is utilizing a training foil with a maximum speed capacity of around 45 knots.
“The foil is key to breaking the record,” explains Benoît Gaudiot, COO and SP80 kite pilot. “We wanted to test a simplified version on the water quickly, gathering as much information as possible to finalize the more complex and costly design of the record foil. With the data we’ve collected at high speeds, we can enhance our simulations and start producing the final foil with far more knowledge than we had previously.”
Thanks to the lessons learned this summer, the boat is set to return to the shipyard in September for enhancements to pilot safety systems and the integration of the new foil. The initial target is to break the 55-knot barrier (100 km/h) from October to December.
“This is a crucial step for us,” emphasizes Xavier Lepercq, CTO of SP80. “In sailing, the fastest boats face a significant physical underwater phenomenon: cavitation, akin to the sound barrier in aviation. To surpass 60 knots, we need foil designs that diverge greatly from what’s seen in the America’s Cup; the constraints are different. If our boat can overcome this barrier, we have the potential not only to challenge Vestas Sailrocket II but to surpass it.”
The team aims to make an official record attempt ahead of summer 2025.
“The positive results from the past months have been encouraging for the team,” concludes Mayeul van den Broek, CEO and pilot of SP80. “We’ve learned tremendously and firmly believe the boat can achieve much higher speeds; we had to limit its speed to avoid exceeding our training foil’s capabilities! Our focus over the past few months has been on safe runs, controlled training conditions, and building confidence in our boat—objectives that have been successfully met. Now, we look to gradually approach the impressive speeds held by current record holder Paul Larsen. Of course, we remain at the mercy of weather conditions… we hope the Tramontane wind will be favorable this winter!”
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Alex Tanaka, a seasoned sailor and marine journalist from Singapore, has a deep passion for the sea that began in childhood. With a degree in Marine Journalism from the National University of Singapore, Alex has built a reputation for insightful and engaging storytelling. Their work captures the excitement of sailing and the intricate details of maritime life, making them a respected voice in the sailing community. When not writing, Alex enjoys exploring new waters and participating in local regattas, always seeking the next adventure on the horizon.
