Swiss Team SP80

The Swiss startup SP80 has developed its first sailboat with an ambitious goal: breaking speed records. However, instead of a traditional sail, the SP80 trimaran uses a kite. This provides powerful propulsion while reducing strain on the vessel's structure and virtually eliminating the risk of capsizing.

The enthusiasts drew inspiration from the trimaran Hydroptère, which reached a speed of 52.86 knots in 2009. In 2012, this record was surpassed by Paul Larsen's Vestas Sailrocket 2, which recorded a speed of 65.45 knots, with a peak of 68.33 knots during wind gusts of 25–29 knots.

SP80 pilots Mayeul van den Broek, who steers the boat, and Benoît Gaudiot have already achieved a speed of 108 km/h, or over 58 knots. The team is confident this is far from the vessel's full potential.