The team behind the SP80 kiteboat has ended its 2025 campaign to become the fastest boat in the world, but has pledged to return as soon as possible.
The team says the Tramontane wind hasn’t delivered, and there is no real weather window for a record attempt.
In addition, the team’s preferred sailing spot is off-limits due to heavy tourist activity.
“We’ve now reached the deadline we had set for this year’s record campaign in Leucate,” said the team in a statement.
“Despite the boat’s incredible performance at the end of May, we’ve made the difficult decision to bring our 2025 sailing campaign to a close.”
The statement added: “This wasn’t an easy call — especially after all the progress we’ve made over the past few months — but continuing without the right wind or ideal conditions would put the future of the project at risk.
Despite the boat’s incredible performance at the end of May, we’ve made the difficult decision to bring our 2025 sailing campaign to a close.
SP80 team
“And this dream, this boat, deserves better than that.”
The SP80 team, headed by engineer Xavier Lepercq, kitesurfer Benoit Gaudiot and sailor Mayeul van den Broek, began their challenge to build the fastest sailing boat in the world after meeting in 2016.
The first scaled model was initially tested on the Geneva lake followed by construction of the first craft by Persico Marine, known for its Vendée Globe, America’s Cup and Volvo Ocean Race craft.
The boat was launched in August 2023 with testing taking place later that year.
The team’s initial goal was to beat the world record before the end of 2025, and then keep working to reach 80 knots (150km/h) on wind power alone.
In May 2025, the team reached a top speed of over 58 knots, or 108 km/h, with the craft becoming the second fastest sailboat ever recorded.
This isn’t the end — but it is the close of an incredible chapter.
SP80 team
SP80 says it its deeply disappointed with the conditions and will now take a step back to rebuild, reflect, and refocus before returning.
“We’re exploring every possible path forward and actively seeking the support needed to secure a new record campaign,” said the statement.
“This isn’t the end — but it is the close of an incredible chapter. After two years of trials, breakthroughs, and unforgettable moments in Leucate, it’s time to say thank you.”
We’re not giving up — far from it. The dream is very much alive.
We’re just taking the time to get ready for the next chapter, and we’ll keep you updated every step of the way.
