61 knots and flip...

A dramatic day for L'Hydroptere

L’Hydroptère recorded a speed peak of 61 knots this morning. Thus, the flying trimaran is the first sailing boat to reach such an extraordinary speed.

Wind conditions were tough with an established wind of 35-38 knots and gusts of over 45 knots off Napoléon beach at Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhône, the speed base of l’Hydroptère, certified by the WSSRC.

It was in these conditions that the trimaran started the first full speed run of the day. Taking advantage of the established wind, the speed progressively increased: 50, 55 and then a top speed of 61 knots!

However the squall that caused this acceleration was really powerful and resulted in l’Hydroptère’s capsizing.

For the moment, Alain Thébault and his crew are preparing to tow the trimaran, which will be moored in Fos sur Mer before being put into dry dock.

The crew members are suffering from small injuries, but they are above all delighted with this speed peak which confirms the boat’s potential. They are impatient to get back to the attempts and stabilise those impressive speeds.

More photos on the following page...