fastest sailing vessel ever to be built; kite powered

Sasquatch · Since 09 Mar 2005 2058 Posts PNW Bigfoot

Saw this article this morning.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/news/creators-unveil-boat-designed-to-break-world-sailing-speed-record/ar-AAW6vXA?ocid=msedgntp&cvid=eaedc093196d4049be5e323a8860d8fa

Nak · Mon Apr 11, 22 8:27 pm

Very cool!

Slappysan · Since 13 Jun 2012 308 Posts Obsessed

going 80 knots in that thing looks hella dangerous!

deminimis · Since 15 Jul 2014 326 Posts On the Rocks Obsessed

Oh hellya! Where do I sign?

deminimis · Since 15 Jul 2014 326 Posts On the Rocks Obsessed

If I may take things way off topic...

There are several efforts out there on the interwebs, where folks are/were trying to develop kites in lieu of sails on boats. Most seem to have to give up sails completely due to the nature of flying a kite (a kite-kite, not a spinnaker (which are often called kites)). Hard pass for me, but it will be interesting to see how things develop. Older viddy of an example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3AO3xrGAoZE&t=13s

I haven't looked into it much, but doesn't really seem to be gaining much steam. Frankly, what a hassle.

Some of the current movement seems to be towards adding a kite for downwinding a motor yacht. https://robbreport.com/motors/marine/project-ice-superyacht-kite-sail-2905438/

Doubt it will ever gain much steam. Then again, don't listen to me as I thought kiting would never become as popular as sailboarding.