Richard Mille SP80, the sail F1 racing at 150 km/h on the water (video)

The watchmaking brand Richard Mille is developing a prototype that combines a sailing boat and a kite-surfing board capable of breaking the world speed record.

On the water as on the track, the race for absolute speed continues to fascinate engineers and enthusiasts of extreme technologies. While the automotive industry pushes its own limits with electrification and hybrid systems, a Swiss project aims to shatter an over-ten-year-old record: the maximum sailing speed. Code name: SP80. The announced goal: to cross the 80-knot threshold, or 150 km/h, propelled solely by wind power. An ambitious challenge led by a team of young engineers and supported by a prestigious partner, Richard Mille.

An idea born in EPFL laboratories

The SP80 project was born in 2018 within the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), where three students sharing a passion for speed decided to push the boundaries of sailboat navigation. Their ambition was not just to beat the existing record of 65.45 knots set in 2012 by the Vestas Sailrocket II, but to redefine what a sailboat can achieve by targeting 80 knots.

To reach this unprecedented speed, the team had to completely rethink the sailboat concept, moving away from traditional designs to adopt a revolutionary approach.

The bold choice of the kite

Rather than a conventional rigging, the SP80 is propelled by a kite, a traction wing that operates at altitude where the wind is more constant and stronger. This approach allows for greater driving force while avoiding the structural stresses associated with a mast.

The kite is connected to a carbon hull with a streamline design, resembling a torpedo, with a closed cockpit for the pilot and two large lateral stabilizers functioning as inverted foils. This setup ensures lift, directional stability, and control at very high speeds, maximizing aerodynamic and hydrodynamic efficiency, similar to a Formula 1 car.

Richard Mille actively involved

Richard Mille didn’t just put his logo on the boat. The Swiss watchmaking house, known for its commitment to innovation and high-tech materials, is an active partner in the project. This support reflects a natural convergence of values: extreme performance, radical design, and a scientific approach to optimization.

This isn’t Richard Mille’s first foray into mechanical performance — the brand is already present in Formula 1, aviation, and endurance racing — but SP80 represents a unique challenge: pushing the laws of physics using only wind energy.

Launched in 2023, aiming for the record in 2025

The SP80 prototype was launched in 2023 for an initial testing phase on Lake Geneva, Switzerland. These tests validated the structure’s robustness, the boat’s dynamic behavior, and the complexity of kite piloting, assisted by a dedicated system.

The next phase will take place in the Mediterranean Sea, where wind conditions are more favorable for record attempts. The team plans an official attempt in 2025. Until then, tests will continue, focusing on traction sails, onboard controls, and high-speed stability. At 150 km/h, even slight variations in wind or foil angle can cause lift-off or loss of control.

A record governed by strict rules

The SP80 attempt must adhere to a strict set of rules established by the World Sailing Speed Record Council (WSSRC), the authority responsible for validating sailing speed records. The fundamental rule: speed must be measured as an average over 500 meters, not as a peak. The boat must maintain its performance throughout the entire measured segment, making the feat even more demanding.

Furthermore, no external energy other than wind can be used. This excludes the use of electric motors, batteries, or automated propulsion aids.

The WSSRC also requires the course to be certified by official observers and measured with approved instruments to ensure record transparency. These strict regulations place SP80’s performance at the intersection of technology, piloting, and meteorological strategy.

A modern vision of performance racing

Beyond the record, SP80 embodies a modern and responsible vision of speed. Using only wind energy to reach speeds comparable to a racing car sends a powerful message in a world seeking sustainable energy solutions. The project also stands out for its human dimension: a young, multidisciplinary team working in a spirit of collaboration and innovation.

SP80 is more than just a sailboat. It is a carbon arrow aimed at a symbolic goal, an expression of love for cutting-edge engineering and wind as an eternal driving force.

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