l’Hydroptère reached the record speed of 46.5 knots

Onad · Since 04 Mar 2005 1435 Posts Coast<<PDX>>Gorge XTreme Poster

You all seen this?? Very cool technology.

Wonder if kite speed boards will ever go this route?

l’Hydroptère reached the record speed of 46.5 knots and, according to our measurement system, she beat the 500 meter distance record in her category as well as the absolute record for the nautical mile.

http://www.hydroptere.com/index.php4?lang=EN

Kraemer · Since 24 Apr 2006 1736 Posts Sky Pilot Unicorn Captain

Here's the "personal" version.

http://www.hobiecat.com/sailing/models_trifoiler.html

Unfortunately out of production right now.
I saw one at Stevenson last summer. It was rippin it up!

pkh · Since 27 Feb 2005 6549 Posts Couve / Hood Honored Founder

damn... amazing to see something that big going that fast in big waves and so smooth.

now to take the same technology and make it kite powered. Twisted Evil

tinyE · Since 21 Jan 2006 2004 Posts not really an XTreme Poster

if we can borrow a laser speed meter from a cop, and maybe a support jet ski... i'd be down for a speed test on the foil...

pkh · Since 27 Feb 2005 6549 Posts Couve / Hood Honored Founder

gps work fine too if we can't get cooperation from the fuzz. Very Happy

I always read that traditional foils had drag issues associated with them which is why they weren't typically used for speed records. This must be some kind of new hottness, will have to read more.

tinyE · Since 21 Jan 2006 2004 Posts not really an XTreme Poster

I have a friend that claims "unofficially" that he was being pulled by a kite on a sit down and outrunning a boat who's speedo was reading 45mph.... i have to do it to believe it! Smile

tinyE · Since 21 Jan 2006 2004 Posts not really an XTreme Poster

here's a pic!