Eco Factor: Hybrid catamaran prototype combines state-of-the art techniques from the aeronautical and marine industries.
French yachtsman Alain Thébault, who proudly presents a sailboat that is claimed to be the world’s fastest sailboat till date, is back again with yet another pioneering invention. Christened the “L’Hydroptère.ch,” the recently unveiled boat gets its name from the Greek words hydros, which means water, and ptère, which means wing. This hybrid catamaran that serves as the prototype for a sailboat can go around the world in 40 days.
Combining state-of-the art techniques from both the aeronautical and marine industries, the sleek vessel makes use of its wings to extract the boat’s hull from the water once it reaches a certain speed, thereby reducing drag. L’Hydroptère, the super fast boat that gushes through the water using its beautiful wings, reaching to reach 50.17 knots over one nautical mile as well as 50.17 knots over 500 meters was backed by private bank Lombard Odier and Swiss watch label Audemars Piguet.
Now the Swiss sponsor and watch label wishes to create a limited edition timepiece to commemorate the stunning new L’Hydroptère.ch’. This beautiful vessel will take on the United States’ Transpacific record, sailing from L.A. to Honolulu, Hawaii in March 2011. Let’s hope its succeeds in achieving its goal.
Via: CoolHunting
