L'Hydroptère as a technological platform

How is it possible for a 5-ton sailboat to fly between the air and the water at more than 80 km/h using only the force of the wind ? This spectacular and complex challenge brings into play several physical principles and just as many areas of study.  The current sailboat  serves as an experimentation platform. Its on-board measurement system gives feedback on the behavior of the boat, in particular the stresses it experiences, which in certain zones can be equivalent to a load of nearly 50 tons.

L'Hydroptère will not just set records, but also advance technology related to humans and their environment. Research done to push back limits for the L'Hydroptère project will advance knowledge and lead to developments in applications far beyond sailing, with an impact in numerous other domains. The scientific work done at EPFL involves top researchers, but students also participate in confronting this extraordinary challenge. With its combination of research, passion and adventure, L'Hydroptère will play a unique role in educating a new generation of scientists.