New speed records

It looks like the world speed record for a sailboat has been broken, at 47.2 knots, by an amazing 60 ft hydrofoil sailboat, l'Hydroptere (dramatic video -- see the end when the crew get the news)

Meanwhile, the absolute record for any sailing vessel remains with Finian Maynard, on a windsurfer, at 48.7 kts (56 mph). Here's a video of his record-breaking run:



I think, ultimately, the sailing speed record will usually be held by a windsurfer, rather than a boat. For one, a windsurfer can fit in a man-made trench (such as "The Trench" in southern France, shown in the above video), which reduces wave height down to ripples; this means much less friction against -- and impact with -- the hull, which allows for greater speeds.

The other advantage of a windsurfer is that these events are often won on logistics; simply being able to get your boat and crew to the right location, at the right time (i.e. during optimal wind and water conditions), and to do as many runs as possible, is key to breaking a record. That's a lot easier to do with a few pounds of windsurfer than with several tons and tens of millions of dollars worth of boat.

So as is often (though definitely not always) the case, simplicity provides the best design solution.