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The World Sailing Speed Record

The history, a story of legendary boats and sailors.

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Crossbow - 26,30 knots (48,71 km/h)

October 1972 on the Isle of Portland; Weymouth’s annual Speed Week has gathered a number of experimental boats, and the contenders are eager to show off their speedy machines. The course against which they are measured is a 500m run, simply because a mile does not fit in the venue. The Crossbow and its 4-man crew come out ahead of the bunch, finishing their run in under 37 seconds, thereby logging the first World Speed Sailing Record, as well as cementing the 500m run as the official benchmark.

A unique visibility in the sailing world

The World Sailing Speed Record gets the most attention in the sport because it is not restricted to a single discipline. What’s more, this record has a global impact and goes beyond the boundaries of the sailing world .

« Just like with the sound barrier, once you’re through, you’re through, and the equation for doing 100 knots or greater will have been written. »

Paul Larsen, current World Sailing Speed Record holder

[email protected]  

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World’s fastest monohull: Malizia-Seaexplorer IMOCA 60

• August 17, 2023

The IMOCA 60 Malizia-Seaexplorer is the world’s fastest monohull, having set a blistering 24-hour record of 641.08 nautical miles while competing in The Ocean Race transatlantic leg

Followers of the IMOCA 60  fleet will know that two names have dominated the class over the past two generations when it comes to design: VPLP and Verdier. So, it’s no surprise that all five of the IMOCAs competing in The Ocean Race come from those same drawing boards (and in the case of the oldest boat in the fleet, the 2015-launched Guyot Environnement, a VPLP/Verdier partnership).

Of the four designs, three are by Verdier – 11th Hour Racing Team , Holcim-PRB , and Biotherm. This leaves Boris Herrmann ’s Malizia-Seaexplorer as the sole latest generation VPLP IMOCA in the race, but the differences in its design concept run much deeper. Malizia-Seaexplorer was, uniquely among the fleet, designed from the outset for both the 2023 Ocean Race and the 2024 Vendée Globe . The result is a distinctively different looking IMOCA.

VPLP explains that the design differs markedly from previous iterations of IMOCA, particularly in the shape of the hull. Much of this was the result of lessons learned during the 2020 Vendée Globe . The main aim of the hull studies VPLP undertook was to optimise Malizia-Seaexplorer’s performance in the heavy seas of the Southern Ocean without compromising its ability to perform in the more moderate conditions expected on the Atlantic stages of both The Ocean Race and Vendée Globe.

Damage to the original L-shaped foils proved fortuitous – the replacement C-shaped ones actually performed better. Photo: Ricardo Pinto/Team Malizia

German skipper Herrmann had made three laps of the planet before the Ocean Race start and had specific ideas he wanted to incorporate into the design. Malizia-Seaexplorer has noticeably full bow sections, a higher freeboard and more curved sheerline. Co-skipper Will Harris explained that the boat’s bow shape and volume are two of its key design features.

“The first 3.5m of the bow were cut off, in effect giving us a scow bow,” Harris said while showing me around the boat in the Newport stopover. “It means we’re less likely to catch the bow as we plough into the wave in front of us. And the added volume up front helps lift the boat back out of the water. You look at a boat like Biotherm, it has a bullet nose. Once it digs in a wave it’s hard to get it back out.

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“We really thought about this design for the Southern Ocean, and it really pays off in the heavy conditions. It might not be so good in other conditions, in lighter winds the extra volume means it’s heavier, but in the rough conditions it pays off for us.”

Among the Verdier designs, overall race leader Holcim-PRB seems the most similar in terms of bow shape, though it lacks the volume of Malizia. Not surprisingly, the two designs were clearly superior in the arduous 12,000-mile Southern Ocean Leg 3 of The Ocean Race. Holcim-PRB and Malizia-Seaexplorer were 1st and 2nd through the mid-leg scoring gate. Approaching the gate at longitude 143 East, Malizia-Seaexplorer overtook 11th Hour Racing Team in strong north-westerly winds of 20-25 knots to earn 2nd place.

Malizia-Seaexplorer’s notably high freeboard translates to greater headroom inside the cockpit. Photo: Antoine Auriol/Team Malizia

11th Hour’s onboard reporter Amory Ross ruefully described Malizia’s superiority in the sea state as they went past: “After working our way through Biotherm it was Malizia’s turn to do the same to us this afternoon. They seem to be able to carry more sail and keep their bow up, presumably with the shape of their hull, and while we struggled in the waves to keep from nose diving, they were able to sail at the same speed but lower.

“We watched as they sailed down to us, around our bow, and then continued on in a more southerly direction.”

Malizia kept that pace up in heavy conditions on the approach to Cape Horn and rounded the iconic landmark ahead of Holcim-PRB.

Racing at full bore in the Southern Ocean during Leg 3 of The Ocean Race. Photo: Antoine Auriol/Team Malizia

Banana boat

Another design feature Harris credited to their success is the boat’s rocker, the curvature of the hull from bow to stern. Harris said that because the rocker rises up in the stern, it also aids the bow in staying out of the water.

“The rocker continues well into the back of the boat, so the whole boat is like a banana,” Harris said. “The idea behind the rocker rising in the stern is to help lift the bow up even more. By having the stern high we can stack more gear, people and equipment in the back of the boat so the bow comes out even more, so it’s less likely to dig into the waves. The tradeoff is it’s less efficient in marginal planing conditions, it’s a little harder to get on a plane just before foiling, but we feel it’s a very small difference.”

The added freeboard also has multiple benefits, including the boat’s ability to self-right. All IMOCAs must be able to self-right after passing 110° of heel angle. “The higher freeboard means more volume at the front. So, when the bow digs in a wave, there’s a lot of buoyancy to help lift it out of the water. Higher freeboard also means more volume for life onboard. And in the IMOCA rules, a high freeboard means more form stability so we can have a lighter ballast bulb for the 110° test,” Harris adds.

The new borrowed c-shape foils were something of a blessing. Photo: Antoine Auriol / Team Malizia

Foil changes

However, it’s Malizia’s foils that have proven to be an unexpected benefit – especially since they’re not the intended foils, but rather a spare set the team had to switch to after Malizia-Seaexplorer’s version one foils were damaged beyond repair before the race start.

The team’s original set suffered damage on the delivery from Guadeloupe at the end of the Route du Rhum to Alicante for the start of The Ocean Race. Harris said that they experienced some rough conditions on the passage and that when the boat nosedived the loads on the foils were counter to the designed loads. There’s a shaft inside the foils around which the carbon fibre is laid, but the carbon wasn’t strong enough to support the huge loads the foils undergo.

An ultrasound check revealed internal damage, and was followed by a frantic search for a replacement set – the team was fortunate to be able to use a set from designer Sam Manuard, similar to those built for Sam Davies’ new Initiatives Coeur.

“To be honest, it’s been a bit of a blessing,” Harris said. The original foils were L-shaped in profile, whereas the replacements are C-shaped. Harris says the biggest benefit is the way the foils regulate the boat’s motion through waves.

There are 54 separate control lines running into the enclosed cockpit. Photo: Antoine Auriol/Team Malizia

“The C-shaped foils are more polyvalent, they’re good in all conditions,” said Harris. “They’re more vertical in profile, which means there’s more righting moment, more of a daggerboard effect. And when the boat starts to lift out of the water the foil comes out in a natural way and helps stabilise the flight of the boat. It doesn’t leap as much. The L-foils are not as good at managing those leaps, you must play more with their extension. With the C-foils, if they’re extended a bit too much in a gust it’s OK. They allow the boat to lift over the wave and not jump so much that it ventilates.”

The C-shape foil versus L-shape played out dramatically on Leg 5 of The Ocean Race, when 11th Hour Racing Team, Holcim-PRB and Malizia-Seaexplorer all took turns blowing through the race and outright monohull 24-hour records (previously standing at 602 and 618 miles respectively, the latter set by the 100ft Comanche back in 2015). During what’s been dubbed the ‘North Atlantic Speed Sailing Seminar’ Malizia-Seaexplorer ended up with the top number, setting a new record of 641.13 miles in 24 hours on 26 May, having maintained a breathtaking average speed of 26.71 knots.

By IMOCA standards, Malizia’s living quarters are comfortable, with curtained bunks. Despite how snugly the crew are wedged in, Rosalind Kuiper was thrown from her bunk and suffered a head injury in Leg 3, due to the foiling IMOCA’s extreme motion in rough seas. Photo: Antoine Auriol/Team Malizia

“We had exceptional conditions with a flat sea, the wind steady from the right direction, the right angle for such a long time,” said Herrmann.

“No sail changes – actually, we took a reef in and out, so we slowed down for these two moments, but apart from that nothing slowed us down for a longer time. Sometimes, the waves got a little bit shorter and we’d slow down to 18 knots and get a bit stuck in the sea. But most of the time the boat would pass the sea perfectly and fly at 27-34 knots, it felt really relaxed.”

Bulletproof IMOCA 60

Regardless of the foil shape, Malizia-Seaexplorer is a beast of a boat. Harris noted that the boat has 30% more structure than the other IMOCAs. The hull is solid carbon fibre, no foam core, up to 16 layers thick in some places. The trend among the IMOCA class is to eliminate the foam cores and use a monolithic construction process that eliminates the possibility of core failure. Given the 30-knot speeds these boats are capable of, their skippers must have confidence that the machine will not break.

“This is a very good boat for the Vendée Globe, it is very good for the overall campaign,” said Herrmann. “I don’t foresee broken stringers or a delamination after a cold front. We have a monolithic very strong hull, a little heavier but when we are up on the foils we perform very much like the pack.

“We are seeing sensational performances downwind and upwind, a few knots quicker than the old boat, the ergonomics are so much better than the old boat. There are so many good things about this boat.”

Extensive solar panels from Solbian on the side decks and coachroof produce 60% of required power, the rest being generated from two hydro-generators. Photo: Antoine Auriol/Team Malizia

Malizia-Seaexplorer specifications

LOA: 18.28m / 59ft 11in LOA inc bowsprit: 20.12m / 65ft 5in Beam: 5.70m / 18ft 3in Draught: 4.50m / 14ft 8in Displacement: N/A Mast height: 27.24m / 88ft 9in Sail area upwind: 270m2 / 2,906ft2 Sail area offwind: 550m2 / 5,920ft2 Design: VPLP Builder: Multiplast

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SP80: the Swiss challenge to smash the current world sailing speed record in 2022

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WSSRC Ratified World Passage Records

Current outright ratified world records (speed order).

Yacht types: S - Single-hulled yacht (monohull) C- Catamaran T - Trimaran [1] - Voyage was single-handed; otherwise the vessel had two or more persons

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Meet the SP80, a Sleek New Boat Designed to Break the World Sailing Speed Record

The vessel is vying to set a new world sailing speed record in 2022., rachel cormack.

Digital Editor

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SP80 has the world sailing speed record in its sights. The fledgling Swiss outfit has started building a new sailing boat designed to reach a blistering top speed of 80 knots and make history in the process.

The futuristic 23-footer, which is practically a Formula 1 car of the high seas, has been dubbed eponymously the SP80. It was first unveiled as a concept in early 2019 and is now picking up some serious, well, speed. Renowned Swiss watchmaker Richard Mille has jumped aboard as a major partner and the team just laid keel at noted Italian shipyard Persico Marine . This means the SP80 is getting closer to its goal of setting a new record in 2022.

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The sleek speed machine has been specially engineered to reach 80 knots (roughly 92 mph) at full tilt using the wind as its sole source of power. With a beam of just over 19 feet, the 330-pound vessel sports a hull forged from Carbon TPT. This lighter yet stronger type of carbon, which comes courtesy of North Thin Ply Technology , also graces the cases of Richard Mille’s high-end timepieces.

The SP80 is designed to reach 80 knots using just the wind.  SP80

As for propulsion, the SP80 is equipped with a giant kite that spans roughly 65 feet and helps it fly across the waves like an oceanic fighter jet. It’s also fitted with a special “super-ventilated” foil that works to position the boat at the surface of the water to ensure stability even at breakneck speeds. Furthermore, the engineers are working on an innovative new power module that transmits energy from the kite to the foil while the vessel is soaring.

The SP80 is due to hit the water in summer next year, with the record attempt slated for the end of 2022. With one captain at the helm, the kite boat will need to better the current record of 65.45 knots that was set by Paul Larsen in the Vestas Sailrocket 2 back in 2012.

“We are confident that the boat will meet our expectations and that its structure will be able to withstand the loads we have designed it for. After three intense years of working on optimizing our concept, the whole team is very proud to see the final boat taking shape at Persico Marine,” Mayeul van den Broek, co-founder of SP80, said in a statement. “The launch will come soon and we are already looking forward to the first sail.”

Godspeed, SP80.

Check out more photos below:

Rachel Cormack is a digital editor at Robb Report. She cut her teeth writing for HuffPost, Concrete Playground, and several other online publications in Australia, before moving to New York at the…

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SP80 aims to have the fastest sailboat in the world next year. See photos of the futuristic craft poised to break records.

• Company SP80 is trying to break the world record for the fastest sailboat.
• The fastest sailboat speed is currently 65.45 knots — SP80 is gunning for 80 knots, or 92 mph.
• The SP80 boat was displayed at this year's Monaco Yacht Show.

With its slender frame, white exterior, and extraterrestrial vibe, SP80 is looking to break the record for the world's fastest sailboat.

Although the SP80 boat, displayed "ready-to-sail" for the first time this year's Monaco Yacht Show , looks like it would be powered by rocket fuel, a giant kite pulls the vessel along with the wind, Laura Manon, a spokesperson for SP80, told Insider.

"We talked to hundreds of people over the week, and they were all amazed that it was a sailboat with no engine on board," Manon said of the yacht show.

Manon continued: "People in Monaco said it looked more like a submarine or an airplane, and someone even thought it was a drone!"

The French company, started by pals Mayeul van den Broek, Xavier Lepercq, and Benoit Gaudiot in 2018, hopes to use its analog tech to reach 80 knots, or 92 mph, and shatter the 65.45-knot record held by Paul Larsen and his Vestas Sailrocket 2.

Luxury watchmaker Richard Millie, known for its collaborations with Formula 1 , became SP80's title partner to support the venture.

However, despite the team's four-year investment in the project, the boat itself is still in early testing phases. The boat touched water for the first time in early August at Lake Geneva and could withstand being pulled by a speedboat at 30 knots, per a press release on the site — still a far cry from the 80 knots the team is looking to hit.

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The SP80 boat is 34 feet long, 25 feet wide, and weighs about 330 pounds, per the company's site . In the front is a cockpit for two: One pilot controls the kite, while the other steers the boat. The carbon fiber build is reinforced with Kevlar for added protection in case of a collision, and pilots are strapped down and given helmets and emergency oxygen masks.

The SP80 appears ready to blast off; however, every detail of the boat is designed to ensure it doesn't actually fly.

"At the very high speeds we are targeting, we don't want to fly but to stay really flat on water, kind of like Formula 1," Manon told Insider.

Underneath the boat is a uniquely slanted hydrofoil , built to keep the vessel in the water as the attached kite pulls it to top speeds.

"The boat has three contact points with the water: the main hull and two side floats. At the rear the power module constantly aligns the kite's ascending force, which pulls the boat up, with the foil force that pulls it down," Mayeul van den Broek, CEO of SP80, explains in the video.

As for what's next for the team, the company says the boat is headed to the south of France for further testing as they race for the world record — which they hope to attempt in 2024.

Manon said the team will attach a smaller kite, allow the pilots to start feeling comfortable with the vessel, and gradually increase the speed using larger kites. The goal, Manon said, is to first break the 65 knot record and "then to continuously accelerate until 80 knots."

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The Race to Break the Speed Record

• By Kimball Livingston
• Updated: October 26, 2021

If Alex Caizergues succeeds at breaking the speed sailing world record in 2022, it will be his third time around using a kite, but otherwise completely different from his first two records. Those marks—50.57 knots in 2008 and 54.10 in 2010—were set when foiling boards were continually upping the 500-meter mark, sometimes more than once a year. Caizergues’ 2010 run added 3 knots to what the famed trimaran L’Hydroptere had shown us only a year before. But all those efforts ran into cavitation trouble at about 52 knots, that point when flow over the foils boils into vapor—the point at which control vanishes. For his early records, Caizergues used a hydrofoil to lift him above the water. Now, with his Syroco team based in Marseille, France, he intends to use a hydrofoil to hold him down.

We’ll come back to that.

Nine years after Paul Larsen’s record run at 65.45 knots in Sailrocket , the French Syroco team has rivals in Switzerland following what they believe is a more conservative path. The École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne is a public research facility where the speed quest caught fire with student engineers and professors, including some who helped develop L’Hydroptere back in the day. SP80 is the team name, taken from the goal of achieving 80 knots, a goal shared with Syroco. They have a kissing-cousin relationship, competition aside.

SP80 envisions hitting 80 knots with a kite pulling a surface-skimming trimaran. A subsurface superventilating foil counters the lift of the kite, and a mechanical interface aligns the forces. Syroco’s purified vision aims to put a kite in the air connected by wires to a pod also in the air carrying two “pilots.” That pod will have a single, tiny-as-possible connection to a supercavitating subsurface foil holding it down. The concept strips the speed problem to its barest fundamentals, exponentially raising the complexity of execution.

Neither concept would pass as a boat in Blue Blazerville. Both owe their origins to Bernard Smith’s book, The 40-Knot Sailboat , published in 1963 . Smith proposed a balance of opposing forces to avoid the ultimate instability that eventually and inevitably develops as power is added, and any ordinary craft will capsize. Sailrocket showed the way and validated the theory—using a canted wing, countered by a superventilating foil in the water. On November 24, 2012, with sponsorship money down to nickels and the weather window closing, Larsen clocked his 65.45-knot run at Walvis Bay, Namibia. These days, Larsen says he appreciates the respect shown by the principals of SP80 and Syroco when they call themselves “children of Sailrocket .” But when we keep this Australian-born Briton talking, we get to the part where he’s saying how the machine was packed away in a container in Namibia after just a few days of finally showing its potential, and there’s still gas in the tank and…

There’s nothing shaking right now, but don’t dismiss the current record holder, 49 years after the catamaran Crossbow set the first official 500-meter record at 26.30 knots. For bonus points, do you know how 500 meters became a standard record distance?

The simple answer: In 1972, when Crossbow was first contending at Weymouth, UK, that length fit the venue. If someone manages 80 knots in 2022, they will cover 500 meters in 12.15 seconds, a football field every 2.5 seconds.

Later, while we’re ­talking records, we’ll update the renovation of L’Hydroptere . First, let’s get up to speed on the essential terms. Supercavitation refers to a regime in which a small, highly loaded, wedge-shaped (­triangular profile) foil builds a stable vapor pocket that bypasses the limits of ­cavitation. Superventilation refers to the principle employed by Sailrocket , with a foil that encouraged ambient air pressure to travel down the entire length and span of the foil.

The SP80 team puts it this way: “A triangular profile allows air from the atmosphere to dive into the extrados side caught by the depression, forming a stable air bubble that will prevent ­cavitation inception.”

Got it? Hey, they’re engineers.

Caizergues is aiming for more than a speed record with his Syroco concept. He knows from experience that when you succeed, you’re done and, “It’s an empty feeling.” This time, he’s ambitiously building a scientific and technical company around Syroco with the aim of reducing carbon emissions in the transportation and energy sectors. Co-founder Olivier Taillard, a Mini-Transat veteran, relates: “We founded the company in 2019 and built a team of 20. That includes three Ph.D.s in physics. To date, we have created 12 innovations, with three in the market. One is a software tool now in use to maximize ­efficiency in shipping routes.”

Other developments are aimed at keeping that critical hydrofoil just barely under the surface of the water, doing its supercavitating thing. Under the rules of the World Sailing Speed Record Council, only ­mechanical systems are allowed. It can’t be computerized or fly-by-wire. To a pointed question about systems, Caizergues responds with a laugh and a cagey hint: “Because of the wire, we’ll have air coming down from the surface, so it’s going to be about managing ventilation along with employing the principles of supercavitation. Not a lot of work has been done in this area, so we’re leading the way.” Prototype testing began in summer 2021, with plans to go for the record in 2022. Alongside more sober developments aimed directly at the marketplace, the team calls this one “the moonshot.”

When these people talk to each other, they toss around stuff like “turbulent viscosity formula in the Standard K-Epsilon model.” It’s not “let it out till it luffs, then pull it in.” SP80 co-founder Mayeul van den Broek observes: “Like Sailrocket , both of the current record efforts are based on the concept of aligning opposed forces, but then you prioritize either efficiency, power or stability. Syroco chose ­efficiency as a top priority. We chose stability, which is why we are producing such a different realization of the same concept.”

The SP80 principals witnessed L’Hydroptere ’s stunning record run in 2009 and never quite got over it. Then, during a university competition to design the most efficient radio-controlled boat, they developed a hankering to try a superventilating foil on a kiteboard. When Benoit Gaudiot easily hit 41 knots, van den Broek says: “We saw that the rider was the weak link, and if we wanted to go faster, we would need a rigid link between the kite and the foil. Then, well, we might as well go for the record. We will use inflatable kites, even though a wing might be more efficient, because new-­generation kites will serve at 80 knots. We can be versatile, launching kites from 20 to 50 square meters for different conditions.”

Their superventilating foils, Gaudiot says, “will have water flowing on one side and air on the other. Sailrocket used similar superventilating foils. That is less efficient than a supercavitating foil generating vapor, but it’s a lot more stable. A superventilating foil at low speed will develop more drag than a conventional foil. At high speed, it has no limits.”

SP80′s link between airfoil and hydrofoil depends upon a module that is, “mechanical but automatic,” according to van den Broek. “It will be close to the controls of a conventional kite.” Gaudiot adds, “Having one line carry all the power allows you to know exactly where that power will be coming from, and you can advance it into the window ahead for best ­performance, like any kite.”

In theory, there is no ­heeling and no capsizing because the power of the kite is countered by the force of the foil. As with Syroco, 2022 is the target record date.

Last year, we wrote in these pages about an ambitious plan to rehab the 60-foot ­foiling trimaran L’Hydroptere and put the old girl to work as a point-to-point record hunter. Gabriel Terrasse and Chris Welsh partnered to buy the legendary campaigner, once left derelict in Hawaii. They patched it up and had it sailed to San Francisco, where it was taken apart with an intent to rebuild it better than ever. Work was well along when Welsh—who would have carried on with or without sponsorship—died suddenly, and all bets were off, save for Terrasse’s persistence.

“We’re looking for ­sponsors,” Terrasse says, “and we have engineers studying how to add ground effect to L’Hydroptere 2.0 along with new foils, a longer and lighter main hull, a wingsail, global aerodynamic optimization and much more. It was hard to lose Chris. We shared the dream. But L’Hydroptere has great potential to serve science and catalyze innovation.”

L’Hydroptere ’s 51.36-knot run in 2009 represented a last shot at setting speed records on water through pure muscle. Paul Larsen’s nine-year quest to solve the problem at a technical level culminated in that 65.45-knot run in 2012. Today the beast is still in a dark container in Namibia where Larsen packed it away. And yes, considering that Sailrocket had only a handful of runs in what turned out to be record-setting mode—fat foils, not thin foils, and according to the team’s VPP, 65 knots was a worst-case outcome; everything was structured to go 80 knots—it’s tempting to imagine putting Sailrocket 2 back on the track. What would change is the safety regime. It’s not hard to find videos online of early-­version Sailrocket 1 going aerial.

“In any future scenario, I’d want a roll cage and oxygen,” Larsen says, “and maybe I’m at a point where I’d be happy to see someone else sitting there.”

“Tell Paul he’s getting soft,” was the joking comeback from Richard Jenkins when I mentioned that to him. Jenkins holds the land-speed sailing record at 126.2 knots, which took him “only” 10 years of trying as his various iterations developed. As far as we know, no one is challenging that record today. Jenkins’ story speaks to the difficulty of these endeavors in any medium. He says: “I’m often asked if I would try to break the record again. If I had unlimited funding and built a new vehicle, based on my ­cumulative ­knowledge, it might take me five years or more, and then we’d probably see an increment of 1 or 2 percent. It takes being in the right place at the right time, with certified observers, which is hard to put together. You then have to be technically perfect, at the right moment, with virtually no testing because wind might come suddenly. It takes a great deal of time and experience—and then you shoot from the hip. I have better things to do.”

Running his company, Saildrone, for example, with which Jenkins does his own part to care for the planet by fielding autonomous surface vehicles for ocean research. Having built a kite-powered ­trimaran 20 years ago, Jenkins worries the Swiss are “barking up the wrong tree.” But technologies evolve, and 2022 bids to be a fascinating time. Of Syroco’s moonshot, Taillard says: “Half of our brain power is spent making it safe. If a foil breaks, or if it comes out of the water—which isn’t going to ­happen—all safety systems have to work perfectly.”

Caizergues, who will be in Syroco’s control pod with a co-pilot, adds: “One of the goals is to produce a craft that will be safe for me to drive. And to crash. Helmets, oxygen, padding, quick-release mechanisms for sure, and we’re not committed to air bags, but maybe.”

Syroco and SP80 intend to run in the south of France, where the Mistral roars down to the Med. It worked for L’Hydroptere , but these new efforts place ever more extreme demands upon managing the interface between air and water, which at sea level is 784 times the density of air. The world will be watching, and perhaps I speak for many when I say, “Gentlemen: May the alignments of force be with you.”

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What Is the Average Speed of a Sailboat (Plus Its Top Speed)?

Sailing is a popular hobby and sport enjoyed by many enthusiasts around the world. The beauty of sailing lies in the challenge of mastering the wind and currents to move a boat forward. One of the fascinating aspects of sailing is its speed. Sailboats can move at varying speeds, depending on several factors. In this article, we will dive into the average and top speeds of sailboats and explore the techniques and strategies to increase sailboat speed.

Quick Facts

Understanding Sailboat Speeds

Before delving into the average and top speeds of sailboats, you need to understand the dynamics of sailboat speeds. Sailboat speeds can be determined by the points of sail, wind direction, and boat design. Points of sail refer to the various angles at which a boat can sail in relation to the wind. These angles include upwind, close-hauled, beam reach, broad reach, and downwind (also called a run). Wind direction plays a crucial role in determining sailboat speed. A tailwind is usually faster than a headwind. The boat design also determines the speed potential of a sailboat.

When sailing upwind, sailboats move slower because they are fighting against the wind. Close-hauled sailing is the point of sail where the boat is sailing as close to the wind as possible. It is the slowest point of sail, as the boat is sailing against the wind. Beam reach sailing is when the boat is sailing perpendicular to the wind. It is faster than close-hauled sailing but slower than broad reach sailing. Broad reach sailing is when the boat is sailing with the wind behind it. It is faster than beam reach sailing but slower than downwind sailing. Downwind sailing is when the boat is sailing with the wind directly behind it. It is the fastest point of sail, as the boat is moving with the wind.

Factors Affecting Sailboat Speed

Several factors influence the speed of sailboats. Wind speed is the most significant factor affecting sailboat speed. The bigger the sails, the more power a sailboat has to move faster. Sail area also plays a crucial role in determining sailboat speed. A larger sail area means more power to move the boat. Boat size and weight also come into play, as larger boats require more power to move at faster speeds. Water friction is another critical factor that affects speed. Friction between the hull and the water can slow down a sailboat, but optimized boat design can minimize this effect.

Boat design is essential in determining sailboat speed. The boat’s hull shape, keel design, and rigging all play a role in how fast the boat can sail. The hull shape affects how the boat moves through the water, and a streamlined shape can reduce water resistance and increase speed. The keel design affects the boat’s stability and maneuverability, which can affect speed. Rigging, including the mast and sails, also plays a crucial role in sailboat speed. A well-designed rig can help the boat capture more wind and move faster.

Measuring Sailboat Speed

There are various ways to measure sailboat speed. The most common method is the use of a GPS or handheld speedometer. GPS offers accurate speed readings, while handheld speedometers are affordable and provide basic speed readings. In sailboat racing, measurements are done using speed logs attached to the boat’s hull or through timed performance over a specific distance. Sailboat speed can also be measured using wind instruments, which measure the wind speed and direction and calculate the boat’s speed based on that information.

Sailboat speed is affected by various factors, including wind speed, sail area, boat size and weight, water friction, and boat design. Understanding the points of sail and how wind direction affects sailboat speed is essential in determining how fast a sailboat can go. Measuring sailboat speed can be done using various methods, including GPS, handheld speedometers, speed logs, timed performance, and wind instruments.

Types of Sailboats and Their Average Speeds

Sailboats come in different designs, shapes, and sizes, each with its unique features and capabilities. Whether you are a seasoned sailor or a beginner, choosing the right sailboat type can make all the difference in your sailing experience. Here are some popular sailboat types and their average speeds.

Dinghies are small sailboats primarily used for recreational sailing. These boats are easy to handle and maneuver, making them a popular choice for beginners. Dinghies usually have a single sail, which limits their speed potential. However, their lightweight design allows them to move swiftly through the water. On average, dinghies can move at speeds of 8-15 knots (9-17 mph).

One of the most popular dinghy sailboats is the Laser, which has been an Olympic class boat since 1996. The Laser is a one-design boat, meaning that all boats are built to the same specifications, ensuring fair competition. The Laser is known for its speed and agility, making it a favorite among sailors around the world.

Catamarans are two-hulled sailboats that have a wide beam, making them stable and fast. These sailboats can achieve high speeds and are popular for racing and cruising. Catamarans have a unique design that allows them to sail close to the wind, making them efficient and fast. On average, catamarans can move at speeds of 15-25 knots (17-29 mph).

The Hobie Cat is one of the most popular catamarans in the world. The Hobie Cat is a small, beach-launched catamaran that is perfect for recreational sailing. The boat’s lightweight design allows it to move quickly through the water, and its unique trampoline design makes it comfortable to sail.

Monohulls are the most common sailboat type. These boats have a single hull and can range from small recreational boats to large racing sailboats. Monohulls are versatile boats that can be used for cruising, racing, and day sailing. The average speed range of monohulls is 5-20 knots (6-23 mph).

The J/Boat is a popular monohull sailboat that is known for its speed and performance. The J/Boat is a racing sailboat that has won numerous regattas and championships around the world. The boat’s lightweight design and high-tech features make it a favorite among competitive sailors.

Cruising Sailboats

Cruising boats are designed for comfort and leisurely sailing. They are usually larger and heavier than other sailboat types and can accommodate large crews. Cruising sailboats are perfect for long-distance sailing and exploring new destinations. The average speed range of cruising sailboats is 5-15 knots (6-17 mph).

The Beneteau Oceanis is a popular cruising sailboat that is known for its comfort and luxury. The Oceanis has a spacious interior and can accommodate large crews, making it perfect for extended sailing trips. The boat’s sturdy design and reliable performance make it a favorite among cruising sailors.

Racing Sailboats

Racing sailboats are designed with performance in mind. These boats are usually lightweight and have a larger sail area than recreational sailboats, allowing them to reach high speeds. Racing sailboats are perfect for competitive sailors who want to push their limits and test their skills. The average speed range of racing sailboats is 20-30 knots (23-35 mph).

The Melges 24 is a popular racing sailboat that is known for its speed and agility. The Melges 24 is a one-design boat that is used in numerous regattas and championships around the world. The boat’s lightweight design and high-tech features make it a favorite among competitive sailors.

How to Increase Your Sailboat’s Speed

There is nothing quite like the feeling of sailing at high speeds, with the wind in your hair and the sun on your face. However, achieving maximum speed on a sailboat requires more than just a favorable wind. In this article, we will explore some tips and techniques to help you increase your sailboat’s speed and performance.

Optimizing Sail Trim

Sail trim refers to the setting of the sails in the most efficient way possible to harness the wind’s power and produce maximum speed. Proper sail trim can also improve the boat’s stability and balance. Optimizing sail trim involves adjusting the sails to the correct shape, angle, and tension.

One way to achieve the correct sail trim is to use telltales, which are small pieces of yarn or ribbon attached to the sail. By observing the telltales, you can adjust the sail’s position to achieve the optimal angle and tension. It is also essential to adjust the sails according to the wind conditions. For example, in light winds, the sails should be fuller, while in strong winds, the sails should be flatter.

Balancing the Boat

A balanced boat helps the sailboat move smoothly and efficiently through the water. Balancing the boat involves shifting the crew to counterbalance the forces applied on the sailboat, such as wind gusts and waves. Proper weight positioning can reduce drag and maximize boat performance.

When sailing upwind, it is essential to keep the weight forward to prevent the boat from heeling too much. Conversely, when sailing downwind, it is best to keep the weight aft to prevent the bow from digging into the water. Additionally, it is crucial to keep the weight evenly distributed from side to side to maintain the boat’s balance.

Reducing Drag

Drag is the resistance a sailboat encounters as it moves through the water. Reducing drag can increase speed potential. Techniques to reduce drag include using smooth hull coatings, eliminating unnecessary weight, and keeping the boat clean and free of barnacles and other marine growth.

Another way to reduce drag is to minimize the amount of exposed surface area on the boat. This can be achieved by using a smaller headsail or reefing the mainsail in heavy winds. It is also important to keep the sails properly trimmed, as a poorly trimmed sail can create unnecessary drag.

Proper Maintenance

A well-maintained sailboat operates at its full potential and can achieve higher speeds. Proper maintenance involves regular cleaning, lubrication, and replacement of worn-out parts. It is also essential to keep the sails and rigging in good condition.

Inspect the sails regularly for any signs of wear and tear, such as frayed edges or holes. Replace any damaged sails promptly. Similarly, inspect the rigging for any signs of corrosion or damage. Lubricate the moving parts regularly to ensure smooth operation. Finally, keep the boat clean and free of debris to reduce drag and improve performance.

By following these tips and techniques, you can increase your sailboat’s speed and performance, and enjoy the thrill of sailing to the fullest.

Sailboat Top Speeds

Speed records for different sailboat types.

Sailboats have achieved incredible speeds over the years, with some breaking speed records. The Sailrocket 2 holds the world speed record for sailing at 68 mph. The Vestas Sailrocket 2 is a hydrofoil sailboat that uses advanced technologies to slice through the water at high speeds.

Another sailboat that has broken speed records is the Macquarie Innovation. This sailboat was designed to reach high speeds and broke the world sailing speed record in 2009 by reaching a speed of 50.7 knots (about 58 mph). The boat was built with high-tech materials and was designed to reduce drag and increase speed.

Factors Affecting Top Speed

Top speed is the fastest that a sailboat can travel and is influenced by several factors. These factors include wind speed, boat size and weight, sail area, and water conditions. In most cases, the larger the sail area, the faster the boat can go, and wind direction plays an essential role in achieving top speeds.

The weight of the boat can also affect its top speed. A lighter boat can move faster through the water and is easier to maneuver. Sailboats with hydrofoils, like the Sailrocket 2, can lift out of the water, reducing drag and allowing for faster speeds.

Pushing Your Sailboat to Its Limits

Pushing your sailboat to its limits requires experience, knowledge, and skill. It involves maximizing boat speed in various wind and water conditions while staying safe and in control. Before attempting to push your boat to its highest speeds, ensure that your boat is in top shape, and you have all the necessary safety equipment.

It’s also important to understand the wind and water conditions you’ll be sailing in. Wind direction and strength can greatly affect your boat’s speed, and understanding how to use the wind to your advantage is essential for achieving top speeds. Additionally, water conditions can affect your boat’s speed, with choppy water slowing you down and calm water allowing for faster speeds.

Finally, it’s important to practice and build up your skills before attempting to push your sailboat to its limits. Start by sailing in calmer waters and gradually work your way up to more challenging conditions. With practice and experience, you’ll be able to maximize your boat’s speed and push it to its highest limits.

Sailboat speed is influenced by several factors, including wind speed, sail area, boat size and weight, and water friction. The average speed range for different sailboat types varies and depends on boat design. You can increase your sailboat speed by optimizing sail trim, balancing the boat, reducing drag, and proper maintenance. Top speeds are influenced by wind conditions, sail area, boat size and weight, and water conditions. Pushing your sailboat to its limit requires experience, knowledge, and skill, and always remember to prioritize safety.

Sailboat FAQS

How fast can a 40 ft sailboat go.

A 40-foot sailboat can typically go around 8-12 knots (9-14 mph), depending on wind conditions and the specific design and condition of the sailboat. Speed can be influenced by factors such as hull design, sail area, and weight.

How fast can a 100 foot sailboat go?

A 100-foot sailboat can reach speeds of around 12-16 knots (14-18 mph), depending on factors like the sail area, hull design, and the wind conditions. However, larger sailboats often prioritize comfort and stability over speed, so they might not be as fast as some smaller, performance-oriented sailboats.

How far can a sailboat travel in a day?

This largely depends on the speed of the sailboat and the conditions in which it is sailing. However, if a sailboat maintains an average speed of 6 knots (around 7 mph), it can travel approximately 144 nautical miles in a day of 24 hours. Please note this is a rough estimation and actual mileage can vary significantly based on numerous factors.

What is a comfortable sailing speed?

A comfortable sailing speed is subjective and can vary depending on the type of sailboat and the conditions. However, for many cruising sailboats, a speed of 5-8 knots (6-9 mph) can be comfortable. This speed allows for a good balance of progress and safety, while keeping the ride relatively smooth and the boat easy to control.

Can one person sail a 35-foot sailboat?

Yes, a 35-foot sailboat can be handled by a single person, given that they have sufficient sailing experience and the boat is rigged for single-handed sailing. However, it’s crucial to note that single-handed sailing involves a higher level of risk and requires extensive experience and skills. It’s also important to have an autopilot system or self-steering gear on board to aid in maneuvering and navigation.

Can one person sail a 50-foot sailboat?

Sailing a 50-foot sailboat single-handed is possible, but it is considerably more challenging and requires a high level of experience and expertise. The size and weight of the boat can make maneuvers like docking and anchoring quite difficult for a single person. Additionally, the boat should be well-equipped with an autopilot system and other equipment designed for single-handed sailing. It’s always recommended to have additional crew members on larger boats for safety and assistance.

John is an experienced journalist and veteran boater. He heads up the content team at BoatingBeast and aims to share his many years experience of the marine world with our readers.

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VIDEO: Meet the Moth, the fastest solo sailing dinghy in the world

The International Moth sailing class reaches speeds of over 30 knots and spectacular drone footage of sailor Paul Farien ‘mothing’ on Lake Garda has set the internet alight this week.

From Superinnovators 19/06/24.

According to the International Moth Class Association, the Moth is the fastest single-handed sailing dingy in the world, with a top speed record of 31.1 knots, achieved in 2011.

And incredible drone footage of Germany’s Youth America’s Cup team lead, Paul Farien, skipping across Lake Garda in the eXploder mD3 Ovington Moth, has clocked up millions of views online this week.

One TikTok user commented: “Bro is sailing on a pringle,” in reference to the eponymous curved wing deck used to lean on when tacking.

The class first emerged in the 1920s, but it wasn’t until enthusiasts started adding hydrofoils to their home-built moths in the 2000s that things began to take off.

The hydrofoil consists of a set of small underwater wings, front and back, that lift the entire hull out of the water, reducing drag, and boosting speed and agility.

Although some still build their own moths, several commercially manufactured boats are also available.

They’re serious bits of kit, with the eXploder mD3 Ovington Moth, retailing at £26,095 (approx. $33,218).

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Paul Farien (@paul_farien)

The next Internation Moth event sure to feature more eXploder mD3s among other models is Foiling Week, hosted by FV Malcesine sailing club on Lake Garda, Italy, 24-30th June.

Thanks to Paul Farien and Patrick Lombardi (drone) for highlighting the Moth to us and we wish Paul all the best in the Youth & Puig Women’s America’s Cup, Barcelona, 17th Sept – 13th Oct.

https://ovingtonboats.com/int-moth

http://www.internationalmoth.co.uk/

http://www.moth-sailing.org/

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