SP80 aims for the world record in Namibia
by SP80 10 Sep 07:06 PDT
27 May 2025
SP80 breaks the mythical 50-knots barrier © Guillaume Fischer
After two years of fine-tuning in Leucate (France), the SP80 team is preparing to take a decisive new step in its quest for the world sailing speed record.
Despite a proven boat and a fully committed team, the weather conditions in spring 2025 did not allow the record to be broken during their first official record campaign. Today, a new objective has been set: SP80 will target the world sailing speed record in Walvis Bay, Namibia, starting in September 2026.
Two years of learning in Leucate
When the team arrived in Occitanie in autumn 2023, the boat had yet to sail. Two years later, SP80 leaves with a boat ranked among the world's five fastest sailing boats, with peak speeds of 108 km/h (58.2 knots).
"Leucate has been the perfect training ground." explains Mayeul van den Broek, CEO and pilot. "We were able to sail extensively and in a wide variety of conditions, which was invaluable because our boat explores a completely new way of sailing. We had to learn everything, from launching and landing our giant kites to piloting safely at extreme speeds. On the technical side, we had incredible support from the city of Leucate and the Grand Narbonne Agglomeration, the city of Port-La Nouvelle and our many local partners. Thanks to them, we were able to react quickly and upgrade the boat between sailing sessions, bringing it close to its full speed potential."
By spring 2025, the boat had proven both its reliability and speed, coming close to category world records. However, insufficient wind prevented SP80 from making the final leap to the outright record.
"We end this campaign without the record we hoped for, but with one certainty: our boat is far from having reached its limits." adds Mayeul. "It's a disappointment, but also proof that we're entering a new phase of the challenge. The priority is no longer sailing as often as possible to learn, but rather finding the perfect record-breaking conditions, and being ready the day they arrive. Over the past months, we've had many discussions with Paul Larsen, the current world record holder, who followed a very similar path with his team back in 2012. Those conversations always lead to the same conclusion: if you want the perfect weather conditions, Walvis Bay in Namibia is without a doubt the best place on earth."
Target 2026: Walvis Bay, Namibia
Walvis Bay is legendary in the world of sailing speed records. It was here that Paul Larsen set the current world record in 2012 with Vestas Sailrocket II: 65.45 knots (121 km/h). Renowned for its exceptional wind and water conditions, the spot offers an ideal weather window between September and December.
"Namibia has been a mecca for speed sailing ever since the first kite records were set there in 2008, so the idea was always in the back of our minds", explains Benoît Gaudiot, SP80 co-founder and kite pilot. "But going straight there at boat launch would have been far too premature. We first needed to learn how to master the boat and set up all the logistics surrounding each run. Today, we are ready to open this new chapter, even if we know that the logistical and financial challenges are immense.
Above all, this pursuit of the record is a lesson in resilience!"
A new logistical and financial challenge
This new phase requires additional funding, which the team aims to secure by the end of 2025.
"We are fortunate to rely on the continued support of our current partners, and we are proud to represent them." says Mayeul. "But this next chapter toward the world record also requires additional investment. We are actively looking for new partners ready to join our adventure. The timing is ideal: today we have a mature boat with demonstrated speed and reliability, and the Namibian campaign will likely mark the culmination of over seven years of work with a world record at stake. The last outright sailing speed record was set in 2012: these opportunities are rare, and they promise major global exposure."
Between now and summer 2026, the streamlined core team will focus exclusively on preparing every detail of the Namibian campaign, with the goal of being fully operational in Walvis Bay by September 2026.