I have to say that I am not too familiar with the world of sailing; I fall into the camp of if you can stick an engine on it then why not. My argument has always been that with an engine a boat is simply faster, but it seems that I will have to rethink my opinion after seeing the Hydroptere. The Hydroptere is the fastest sail boat in the world, and to prove that fact it is about to embark on a transpacific voyage that it aims to do in the quickest time ever.
A marvel of modern engineering, the Hydroptere features extra light composites made from carbon while a titanium frame holds them together. In fact the boat is so light that is floats up to 15 feet above the water and cuts a svelte aerodynamic shape. The central foil and wings reduce drag from the water and with the wind on her side she can reach speeds of 52mph, which in terms of wind powered transport is superfast.
The Hydroptere will embark on its transpacific voyage from its base in Paris in a few weeks. It will head to Los Angeles before aiming for Honolulu and finally completing the journey across the planets biggest ocean. Helming the Hydroptere will be Alain Thébault, Jean Le Cam and Yves Parlier.
