The Hydroptère project

In 2009 l’Hydroptère became the fastest boat on the planet over one nautical mile, with an average speed of 50.17 knots (92.91 km/h) and a peak speed of 56.3 knots (104 km/h), setting a new benchmark in the world of sailing.

In June 2011, its little brother – l’Hydroptère.ch – set a very high standard by breaking two records on its first outings on Lake Geneva, covering 1 kilometer at a speed of 29.18 knots (54.04 km/h), peaking at 34.84 knots (64.5 km/h), and the one-hour record at 21.32 knots (40 km/h). During fall 2011, the vessel produced a second wave of top times, culminating in records of 31.46 knots over a kilometer and 22.66 knots over an hour. l’Hydroptère.ch’s exceptional first season was honored on November 9, 2011, at the Syz & Co Leman Sailing Records ceremony.

In contrast to l’Hydroptère, l’Hydroptère.ch is a catamaran. Designed as an out-and-out floating laboratory, the purpose of l’Hydroptère.ch is to confirm the new geometry chosen and test the effects of numerous parameters on the sailboat’s performance. l’Hydroptère.ch is thus a scientific project with the ambitious vision of revolutionizing the world of sailing and making the flying boat a more sustainable concept for the future.

Lombard Odier is delighted to have provided support to this technological adventure since 2005 as it reflects Lombard Odier’s continuing values and commitments: managing challenges and pursuing performance, adapting and innovating, and developing individual and collective talent.