Barely two months after crossing the magical 50-knot threshold, the equivalent of breaking the sound barrier in aviation, l’Hydroptère confirmed its status as the planet’s fastest flying trimaran, beating the world record at an average speed of 50.17 knots* over one nautical mile (92.91 km/h). Alain Thébault and his ten-man crew achieved this exceptional feat at their speed base in Hyères on Sunday, November 8th, 2009 in a 28-knot northwesterly wind.
L’Hydroptère capped off a fantastic series of records posted in the Mediterranean and set a new benchmark in the world of sailing.
“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", commented Alain Thébault.
This performance is a wonderful welcome gift for watchmaker Audemars Piguet, which had decided to associate itself with this incredible adventure a few weeks ago, along with private bankers Lombard Odier Darier Hentsch & Cie.
The union of Audemars Piguet and Lombard Odier Darier Hentsch & Cie around this project is almost natural: as age-old family businesses, they share many values, such as tradition, excellence and expertise. As entrepreneurs, they have a history marked by a commitment to innovation, discovery and inspiring challenges.
"Our two firms share the same foundations and the same passions. So it was logical for us to come together on this unique, unconventional and avant-garde project that embodies incredibly powerful human and technological values", said Thierry Lombard, an avid sailor who is keen on challenges, sailing and technology.
The 60-ft Hydroptère (from the Greek hydros, water, and ptera, wing), is a hydrofoil trimaran (the foils are actually underwater wings).
The innovative design of the boat, which flies on submerged wings, cleverly constructed out of carbon and titanium, make it much faster, more durable and lightweight (only 6.5 tonnes).
Like Audemars Piguet, which can boast a number of horological performances including a many world firsts such as the creation in 1972 of the legendary Royal Oak, the first luxury steel watch; or the 2006 launch of the new high-performance, lubricant-free Audemars Piguet escapement, l’Hydroptère also has a long list of achievements to its credit.
On Friday September 4th 2009, in Hyères, France, Alain Thébault and his outstanding ten-man crew set two outright sailing speed world records: over 500 metres, at an average speed of 51.36 knots (95.118 km/h) and over one nautical mile (1,852 m) at an average of 48.74 knots (90.266 km/h). These records were ratified by the World Sailing Speed Record Council, the official keeper of all records pertaining to sailing.
On November 8th, 2009, l’Hydroptère once again made history by setting a new record: an average speed of 50.17 knots, equivalent to 92.91 km/h, over one nautical mile* with a peak at 55.5 knots (102.78 km/h). Even if all records are made to be broken, this one will be very hard to match over that distance.
"Thanks to this historic double record, l’Hydroptère is confirmed as the fastest sailcraft on the planet. This exceptional performance is a tribute to the work of a determined and experienced team, which developed and implemented revolutionary and innovative solutions. We can fully relate to this extraordinary challenge, which is perfectly consistent with the pioneering and adventurous spirit of our brand," said Philippe Merk, CEO of Audemars Piguet.
But the human and sporting adventure does not stop there. Audemars Piguet and Lombard Odier are also sponsoring l’Hydroptère.ch, which will take to the waters of Lake Geneva, Switzerland, in summer 2010. It will serve as a laboratory and a think tank for the ambitious Hydroptère Maxi project, the ultimate goal of which is to sail round the world in 40 days, thus pursuing the dream of Jules Verne.
"This great human and technological adventure is backed today by two prestigious firms that solidify our roots. The arrival of Audemars Piguet alongside private bankers Lombard Odier moves me deeply. This strong support is a great motivational force for me and the team. In an ongoing humble family spirit, our ambition is now to unfurl our wings on the open seas, collectively and around the world," concludes Alain Thébault.
Audemars Piguet has officially rolled out its dedicated website for the Hydroptère at //www.audemarspiguet.com/hydroptere/
