What Is the SP80 Project?
The SP80 project is all about shattering the world sailing speed record. Starting with a dream, a boat was built that can sail at an astonishing 80 knots (150 km/h) powered solely by the wind. This isn’t your typical sailboat — it’s an unconventional craft pushing the limits to invent the sailing of tomorrow. The first attempts to break the record are planned for 2025. Curious? Discover more about this incredible boat here.
Main Benefits and Key Facts
SP80 showcases the outstanding potential of renewable energies by proving that mankind can achieve technological feats beyond the limits of fossil fuels. Here are some key figures and facts that highlight the project’s impact:
- Top speed reached: over 58 knots (108 km/h), making SP80 the second fastest sailboat ever recorded.
- Current world record: 65.45 knots (121.21 km/h) held by Vestas Sailrocket II since 2012.
- SP80’s target: 80 knots (150 km/h), inspired by kite speed potential and early results.
- Record rules: highest average speed over 500m, at least one person onboard, and powered only by wind.
- First official record campaign faced weather challenges in spring 2025; new attempt set for Walvis Bay, Namibia, starting September 2026.
Designing the Boat for Speed
The SP80 boat is a masterpiece of engineering designed specifically to break speed records. It features a cockpit that holds the pilots and centralizes all commands for steering and kite control. When pushing 80 knots, safety measures become as intense as those in a fighter jet. The kite acts as the boat’s motor, capturing wind power and working with the main hydrofoil to propel the boat forward. The power module efficiently manages the forces between the kite, hydrofoils, and hulls, keeping the boat stable even at high speeds. The trimaran hulls provide stability across all conditions, whether cruising slowly or racing at full throttle.
Contributing to Research and Training
SP80 isn’t just about speed; it’s also a platform for research and education. Thanks to a partnership with EPFL, the project collaborates with research laboratories and helps train a new generation of engineers. This collaboration has created an ambitious team with a unique balance of youth and experience, driving innovation forward while nurturing talent. Meet the team behind the scenes here.
Breaking Barriers and Setting New Goals
SP80 has already smashed the mythical 100 km/h barrier, reaching speeds over 58 knots. This achievement places it ahead of many advanced sailboats, including the America’s Cup AC75s and the SailGP F50s. While peak speeds don’t count for official records, this performance proves the boat’s incredible potential. After fine-tuning in Leucate, France, the team is now gearing up for a new challenge: targeting the world sailing speed record in Namibia’s Walvis Bay starting September 2026. The journey continues, and the dream is alive.
Project Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy – Demonstrating the power of wind as a clean energy source.
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – Pushing technological boundaries in maritime transport and sailing.
- SDG 13: Climate Action – Promoting renewable energy to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
- SDG 14: Life Below Water – Innovating sustainable maritime transport methods.
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – Collaborating with research institutions and industry partners.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Sailing and Renewable Energy
SP80 is more than a record-breaking boat; it’s a glimpse into the future of sailing and renewable energy. By pushing the limits of what wind power can achieve, the project aims to bring innovations to maritime transport, competitive sailing, and even hydroelectric power generation. The journey is ongoing, with new milestones on the horizon. Stay tuned as SP80 continues to redefine speed, sustainability, and technology on the water.
