<strong>Syroco:</strong> Named after the Mediterranean sirocco wind, French startup Syroco is working on a wind-powered boat designed to break the 80 knots speed barrier (around 150 kph).
Syroco: Named after the Mediterranean sirocco wind, French startup Syroco is working on a wind-powered boat designed to break the 80 knots speed barrier (around 150 kph).
Courtesy Syroco
<strong>Former world champion: </strong>The project is helmed by French sailor Alex Caizergues, who broke the world speed sailing record in 2010 by reaching 100 kilometers per hour.
Former world champion: The project is helmed by French sailor Alex Caizergues, who broke the world speed sailing record in 2010 by reaching 100 kilometers per hour.
Courtesy Syroco
<strong>SP80:</strong> Meanwhile, the SP80 team in Switzerland are working towards a similar goal.
SP80: Meanwhile, the SP80 team in Switzerland are working towards a similar goal.
Courtesy SP80
<strong>SP80 rendering: </strong>While similar in appearance to Syroco's concept, in this case the central capsule isn't lifted above the water but skims the surface.
SP80 rendering: While similar in appearance to Syroco's concept, in this case the central capsule isn't lifted above the water but skims the surface.
Courtesy SP80
<strong>What lies beneath:</strong> It moves along with help from two lateral foils protruding from each side.
What lies beneath: It moves along with help from two lateral foils protruding from each side.
Guillaume Fischer/SP80
Prototype: The SP80 prototype was tested in summer 2020.
Prototype: The SP80 prototype was tested in summer 2020.
Guillaume Fischer/SP80
<strong>Groundbreaking design:</strong> "It is difficult for conventional ships to sail faster than 40 or 50 knots," says SP80 co-founder Mayeul van den Broek. "It is a bit akin to trying to break the sound barrier in a plane."
Groundbreaking design: "It is difficult for conventional ships to sail faster than 40 or 50 knots," says SP80 co-founder Mayeul van den Broek. "It is a bit akin to trying to break the sound barrier in a plane."
Guillaume Fischer/SP80