The world's largest regatta event is the perfect backdrop for the German premiere of the 18-metre-long "Hydroptère". The world's fastest yacht will be calling at a German harbour for the first time. "Kiel is the best address for this," says French skipper Alain Thébault, the brainchild of this racing machine.
On 4 September 2009, Thébault and his top-class crew achieved an incredible speed in the Mediterranean: at 500 metres, they set a record of 51.36 knots. This distance is the minimum requirement to be recognised as a world record according to the World Sailing Speed Record Council.
And in November 2009, a record was also set over a distance of one nautical mile, at 50.17 knots. This futuristic trimaran, which takes off from the water after an initial speed of around 15 knots and then only maintains contact with the element using foils (a type of skid), is making sailing history.
The "Hydroptère" is set to be a real eye-catcher in Kiel, like a visit from the future. Anyone wishing to see this extraordinary ship should come to the port of Düsternbrook (outer pier basin 4) between 17 and 20 June. After that, the "Hydroptère" will be moored in Laboe until 27 June and will set off on short trips from there.
