SwitzerlandSP80 boat is known as “sea rocket” with the ability to glide quickly on the waves thanks to a large kite.
A team of engineers and students at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL) unveiled the final design of the SP80, a vehicle built with the goal of setting the record for the world’s fastest wind-powered boat, Mail reported on April 5. SP80 is aiming for a top speed of about 150 km/h thanks to the wind alone.
SP80 is described as a “sea missile” and is expected to officially launch later this year. The first record-setting attempts are scheduled to take place in the south of France in the summer of 2023.
The boat is 10 m long and 7 m wide, larger than the original design. However, it will still be towed on the waves by a giant kite. The cockpit has room for two people, one controls the kite while the other steers the boat.
The team of experts started building the SP80 last summer. They combined principles of engineering, sailing and kitesurfing to create the final design for the boat.
“During development, we realized early on that solo driving was not a safe option to accelerate to 150 km/h. At 150 km/h, it was essential to focus on one task at a time. Therefore, we will have one person to control the kite and one person to ensure the path of the boat,” said Benoit Gaudiot, the pilot and co-founder of the project.
“At low speeds, around 55 km/h, the boat only needs one driver. This allows us to take more passengers on board for a breathtaking experience,” added Gaudiot.
SP80 is being assembled at the famous shipyard Persico Marine (Italy). The main body is expected to be delivered to SP80’s headquarters in Renens, Switzerland, in April. The boat bears the name of Swiss watchmaker Richard Mille under a sponsorship agreement.
Thu Thao (According to Mail)
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