Audemars Piguet, sponsor of the l’Hydroptère trimaran project, announced that the team had set a new world record speed of 50.17 knots over one nautical mile. This officially makes the l’Hydroptère the world’s fastest flying trimaran, with its speed equivalent to 92.91 km/h. Alain Thébault and his 10-man crew achieved this watershed feat at their home base of Hyères, France 8 November.
“For 30 years, passion and daring have carried me forward, but this victory really belongs to our indomitable, tight-knit team. The historic record of more than 50 knots over one nautical mile is powerful because it lies at the frontier between the twin capacities of this extraordinary flying trimaran that is both a high-speed craft and an ocean-going sailboat. Our team now holds the top two speed records in the world, 51.36 knots over 500 metres and 50.17 knots over one nautical mile*, and we can now concentrate on ocean sailing in 2010", commented Alain Thébault.
Swiss luxury watchmaker Audemars Piguet has a knack for picking winners in the world of sailing, with the brand being one of the sponsors behind Team Alinghi for their successful America’s Cup campaigns. Though Audemars Piguet is no longer with Team Alinghi (Hublot has since taken over), their passion for the world of sailing continues unabated.
