The F50 catamaran is a feat of sailing innovation, utilizing foils and other tech to make it the fastest sailboat in the world, hitting speeds of 50 knots (60 mph).
And during a recent test drive of the groundbreaking, record-shattering boat in San Francisco, pro surfers Kai Lenny and Jamie O’Brien flipped the thing.
Check, please.
“We did a really fast tack,” Kai explained, “and right as I was about to run to the other side, the boat started tipping. I was like, ‘it’s probably going to come back down.’ But it just kept going. I was totally sideways. I really didn’t want to break that boat. It’s like a freaking racecar out there.”
Captioning the vid, Kai wrote:
“What an exhilarating experience training to sail on one of the fastest sail boats in the world! Thanks @SailGPUSA , If were never invited back we totally understand. One thing that stuck out the most was the sound the F50 makes when soaring at 46 knots. You can hear the boat creaking, carbon flexing and foils screaming. What a fun trip with the legend. @JamieOBrienJOB”
So, why is this boat so fast? So technologically advanced? So expensive with a $10 million pricetag?
According to SailGP:
“The F50 is a technological marvel, boasting cutting-edge technology to make it a remarkably fast boat in the annals of sailing history. The standard wing is 24m, though it can be altered to suit wind conditions, while the foils are constructed with high modulus carbon fiber and the lower section of the rudders are manufactured using high-strength stainless steel to reduce drag.
“Not only is SailGP the most cutting-edge sail racing league in the world, we also strive to accelerate change to a cleaner and more inclusive future through our Race for the Future initiative. The F50s are front and center of this vision, as they produce thrilling racing at each SailGP event while being Powered by Nature.”
Gnarly. Gnarlier than flips at Jaws and charging gigantic Pipeline?
Jury’s out. Pick your poison. Either is wild.
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