On the 4 September the Hydroptere became the fastest wind powered craft on the planet, breaking both the 500m and nautical mile records (subject to ratification from the WSSRC). The 500m record was previously held by a kitesurfer, and before that, long held by windsurfers, including most recently, Antoine Albeau (JP, NeilPryde) with his record of 49.09 kts.

Mistral boss and former PWA racer, Anders Bringdal, was part of the record breaking crew onboard Hydroptere last week when they smashed the record. Anders sets the foresail on the multi-hulled vessel during record attempts and also helps out with mainsail and foil trim. A total change from his old days of charging Jaws!

Alain Thebault is the skipper of Hydroptere and had this to say: "The crew was just majestic for this fantastic record, the true representation of a collective work, from an "hydropterian" team very close and determined. The accelerations at over 100 km/h (top speed at 55.7 knots) creates intense sensations onboard that we have never experienced before." Th?bault concludes the first day of trials with the famous sentence from Yoda in Star Wars: "There is no try. It's do or do not!" Today we did it!"

For more info on Mistral products and the Hydroptere click HERE

Lets hope the windsurfers can reclaim this record ASAP!