Speed ​​yachts. The fastest ship. Factors that determine speed

Sail is one of the oldest ways of human movement on water. At the same time, today it is sailing yachts that are the main carriers of high technologies and engines of progress in the yachting industry. Five of the most amazing creations of yacht designers - in our hit parade.

The fastest

The brainchild of the Frenchman Alain Thibault is the fastest sailing yacht on the planet. Tebo invented and built it in order to fulfill his old dream - to go around the world in 40 days. This sailing hydrofoil trimaran is built from carbon fiber and titanium.

Thanks to the wings, at a certain speed, the hull of the yacht rises above the water. How less area contact with water, the higher the speed. Hydroptere will overtake not only a sailboat, but also most motor yachts and even speedboats. The trimaran's own record to date is 61 knots (112 km/h).


most luxurious

Venture capitalist, living legend of Silicon Valley Tom Perkins is used to risky projects. His 88-meter yacht Maltese Falcon has become a challenge to traditional technologies and canons of yacht building.

The vessel uses innovative sailing equipment DynaRig. Three rotating carbon fiber masts carry curved yards on which the sails stretch. By changing the angle of setting sails and their total area, Maltese Falcon adapts to any wind conditions. At the same time, all operations with sails and masts are carried out by a single person using the control panel in the wheelhouse. Today, this luxurious and high-tech yacht belongs to a different person, but still attracts everyone's attention wherever it goes.



The craziest

The masters of the powerful genie, whose name is oil, do not get tired of measuring the coolness of their toys. Omani princes Aziz, Daoud and Hashim, who hold key positions in Masqat Airways, want to move around their domains in an amazing hybrid sailing yacht and jet aircraft.

The project of such a flying ship was developed by their order by designer Yelken Okturi. The flying boat of princes will have a length of 46.2 m. The cigar-shaped hull will be crowned by four 40-meter masts carrying 1302 sq.m of sails. When entering flight mode, the masts lower and become wings.

So far, this project exists only in the form of a mock-up, and Yelken Okturi is not ready to say if his bold creation will one day be able to take to the skies. On the other hand, some five years ago no one thought that a ski slope would be opened in Dubai.



Most futuristic

Lila-Lou's Ankida stretches its sails like a giant butterfly. Its creators departed from the traditional canons of sailing yachts, replacing the usual masts with a complex arch-shaped structure, connected in one piece with the keel of the vessel. A 180-degree boom is suspended from each side of the arch. Thus, the two triangular sails can be set in any position relative to the wind and to each other, which allows the yacht to sail at any angle to the wind.

To move downwind, a large spinnaker sail is raised, and thanks to the arched shape of the mast, nothing shields it from the wind. The keel of the yacht is automatically adjusted for optimal weight distribution depending on the position of the sails and the heeling moment created by the wind. At the same time, electricity for all executive mechanisms is generated by a wind turbine at the top of the mast-arch.



The most environmentally friendly

Studio Berret Racoupeau does not accept compromises. Having decided to create an eco-friendly sailboat, her designers decided to make it 100% green. Sailing Catamaran Code [e] has 40 square meters solar panels and two retractable vertical wind turbines. All together they produce 1100 watts of electricity.

During sailing, electricity for on-board systems is generated by hydroelectric generators. All lighting on board is LED. For mooring and movement in calm, there is a hybrid engine that provides 15 minutes of autonomous travel on batteries. In order to use the distiller as little as possible, the catamaran is supposed to collect, filter and purify rainwater. At the moment, French enthusiasts are looking for a shipyard and a customer who are ready to build such a yacht.



water speed record

For true connoisseurs of their own time, the choice of a yacht will stop exclusively at the highest quality, best and quick option. Therefore, it can be assumed that the fast yacht put up for sale will someday find buyers, despite its cost of $ 25 million. After all, this yacht is the fastest yacht in the world! Today there is very big variety beautiful and ultra-fast ships, but this model, built by WALLY, was able to prove its glory by setting a world speed record.

Yacht equipment

The ultra-modern vessel captivates with its minimalist design and fast-moving look. Built in 2003, the Wally Power 118 reaches speeds of up to 60 knots (111 km/h), which are beyond the reach of most existing yachts. The yacht is equipped with three helicopter (gas) turbines, where their total power reaches 16,800 hp. The pointed stern of the yacht cuts through the waves at speeds of over 40 knots, even when sailing in the roughest waters.

Complete soundproofing

The hull of this vessel is designed so that even when moving at the highest speeds, vibrations and sounds cannot penetrate inside, and this makes it possible for vacationers to feel comfortable. The interior design of the vessel was designed by Carl Pickering, a well-known designer for Lazzarini & Pickering. Karl focused on functionality and modernity, so the design turned out to be a bit of a mixed style: hi-tech, minimalism and loft. Sharp corners, metal, wood, rectangular windows and light shades of upholstery - all this significantly helped to complement the technological and comfortable look of the yacht.

Amenities of the "yacht of the future"

The yacht is able to take on board from 6 to 12 passengers and 6 crew members, with a yacht length of 36 meters and a width of 9 meters at the base.

The Wally Power 118 has already earned the nickname "the yacht of the future" and has also won the top prize at the MYDA (Millenium Yacht Design Award). The star ship managed to light up in one of the most popular films of recent years.

Many people often ask this question before going to great swim. It's clear.
Motor yachts are characterized primarily by the type of engine, and then by the concept of the hull, which can be a displacement, a hybrid between a displacement and a glider and different gliders, which determines the speed, and often the convenience, safety and way of using the vessel. Small motor boats for recreation are equipped with one main engine and a small, usually external, auxiliary unit, while large ships have two motors as standard for the best seaworthiness and more security.
Sailing yachts are characterized by a displacement hull with a ballast keel, mast, sails and an auxiliary engine.
IN Lately double-hull yachts - catamarans - are becoming more and more popular - stable, relatively fast, exceptionally comfortable and safe vessels with up to eight beds, suitable for traveling large families or groups of friends.

Yacht speed

Motor yachts

The most significant difference between sailing yachts and motorized boats is in speed, maximum and operational. Modern motor yachts, and boats in terms of hull and engine power, are designed and built in order to achieve high speeds from 15 to 70 knots. Meanwhile, vessels with very high speeds are difficult to find in the offers of charter companies, since the average speed of the proposed vessels is about 20 knots. This is enough for a pleasant sailing and exhilarating planing.
It should be said that planing is not only a matter of pleasure, but also of economy, since the resistance of the hull of a planing vessel is significantly less than that of a conventional displacement vessel. The glider, with its high speed, allows you to leave Split in the morning, spend time swimming in some Croatian bay until noon, run to Vis for lunch and return to the island of Korcula for the night.
However, this advantage of motor yachts is associated with disadvantages: waves hitting the ship's hull at high speeds, vibration, engine noise, exhaust smell, etc.

Sailing yachts

The speeds that sailing yachts reach are determined by the conditions of their destination. Slow due to moderate sail area and a heavy hull designed for crew comfort rather than speed enjoyment, yachts sail at speeds of 5 to 10 knots. This means that in five hours of active swimming you can cover about 40 miles, which must be taken into account when planning a trip. Advantages of the water area Adriatic Sea, indented coasts with numerous islands and a short distance between stops during the planned voyage, allow one day to have enough time for swimming, enjoying sailing in favorable winds, for swimming in some bay and, accordingly, spending the night in a nearby place. This category of vessels is marked by a special philosophy of life at sea: speed is not important, but contact with the sea, wind and nature is important. Good to go with light wind at a speed of 2-3 knots. Such swimming is a recipe for relaxation to the sound of the sea, without the noise of the engine and the smell of exhaust gases. For the experienced and daring, who do not lower their sails and do not reduce their area in winds above 20 knots, sailing turns into an adventure with adrenaline.
The speed of sailing depends on weather conditions, wind as a mover, waves and currents. At the same time, the engine with a power of 30 to 100 kW is designed for maneuvers in the port, sailing in complete calm or to avoid stormy weather.

Yacht fuel consumption

Motor yachts

Speed ​​is paid for by fuel consumption. For example, two diesel engines with a capacity of 250 kW can consume more than 100 liters of fuel per hour, depending on the mode of operation. For example, the motor yacht Princess 52, equipped with two engines of 610 kw, sailing from Split to Dubrovnik via Hvar with average speed 20 knots, will use fuel for 7000 kunas (about 1000 euros). Therefore, when renting a motor yacht, be sure to pay attention to the declared fuel consumption of the yacht, as the cost of the fuel you will need can dangerously approach the cost of renting a boat.

Sailing yachts

When operating a sailing yacht, the cost of fuel is negligible. Usually the amount is about 700 kunas (about 100 euros) for a whole week. Of course, the final result depends on how many hours under the engine, how much you sailed and whether there were favorable winds. In the summer on the Adriatic, the afternoon mistral is almost constant, and if the yacht has at least a slightly trained crew, then you can easily go at the highest speed that you can develop design features yachts. However, if circumstances force you to use the engine more than previously planned, do not worry. Fuel consumption on yachts is modest.

autonomy

Motor yachts

Due to the high fuel consumption, autonomy (distance in miles traveled with a full tank of fuel when sailing) is much less than that of sailing yachts. In practice, this means that you will have to fill up at the gas station more often, which can be extremely difficult during the high season due to queues. Sometimes you have to wait over an hour. Since it can take about twenty minutes to receive fuel, since 1000 liters or more is often poured in, it is better to approach the gas station in the early morning, when it begins to work.

Sailing yachts

With one full tank (usually about 100-200 liters) you can travel for a whole week. In practice, this means that you hire a yacht, leave with a full supply of fuel, and then buy fuel at the end of a seven-day voyage if, under the contract, you must return the yacht with a full tank. If you sail for a week with favorable winds, the engine will be used only for maneuvers in marinas and, perhaps, for recharging the batteries.
It can be recalled that many yachtsmen have sailed around the world even on relatively small yachts, which is impossible on a large motor yacht without refueling.

Maneuvering Features

Motor yachts

The gliding bottom of a motor yacht is designed to achieve high speeds. On the high seas big waves, especially from the side or from the stern (if you sit on a wave), the yacht does not keep well on its course, causing roll. In this case, more powerful engines help, which can cope with the force of the waves. The more powerful the engines, the greater the stability of the vessel, and the faster you can avoid possible bad weather.
When leaving and entering marinas, motor yachts with two engines are very easy to control, since by working one engine forward and the other back, you can turn the vessel on the spot. Moreover, motor yachts bigger size have electric bow thrusters. Therefore, maneuvering even in cramped marinas is a real pleasure.
Problems arise in strong crosswinds, when due to low speed the ship drifts strongly, since the underwater part of the ship, which could resist drifting, is much smaller than its surface part, which is subject to the influence of wind force. In this case, the maneuver must be carried out quickly and decisively, and this requires experience.

Sailing yachts

Yachts are designed and built on the idea of ​​less underwater hull resistance and greater stability under the influence of wind and waves. Due to the low center of gravity, the heavy ballast keel provides the yacht with stability and reduced wind drift as it acts as a "submerged wing". In addition, by increasing and decreasing the area of ​​the sails, that is, by influencing the force of the wind, it is possible to adapt the speed of the yacht to the state of the sea, adhering to the rule that high speed adds stability in rough seas.
Maneuvering a sailing yacht in a marina is different from maneuvering a motor yacht. One engine compared to two on a motor yacht is a disadvantage. However, due to the keel, which is the center of rotation of the underwater part of the hull, and the propeller position, usually offset by one third of the length of the hull from the stern, sailing yachts in ports are very agile.
They are also little disturbed by the side wind due to the favorable ratio of the underwater part of the vessel and the freeboard. If the yacht has a bow thruster, then its maneuverability is improved.

Comfort

Motor yachts

Besides speed, characteristic features motor yachts are comfortable, luxurious interior finishes, large decks for sunbathing, separate quarters on the forecastle. On the stern of the vessel (cockpit) more space than on sailing yachts. There is usually a large table and chairs for relaxing and eating. Passengers descend into the sea from a stern platform that is more spacious than a sailing yacht, if it has one at all. Motor yachts usually have an overhead command bridge, which makes it possible to combine relaxation and control of the vessel with sightseeing of the wonderful surroundings. High quality interiors with high quality fabrics and leather. The decks are teak wood and often carpeted, the cabins are spacious and equipped with large bathrooms, the kitchen is larger and better equipped: microwave, additional refrigerator, ice maker…
Increasingly, motor yachts are equipped with air conditioning, entertainment electronics, everything that makes traveling enjoyable. For all these consumers of energy, a generator is located in the engine room, which provides the comfort of home at sea. Motor yachts, as large power consumers, often cause voltage drops in marinas, so it is recommended not to use all power consumers at the same time.

Sailing yachts

Modern sailing yachts are close to motor yachts in terms of comfort, but comfort on them is still subordinated to the purpose of sailing. The foredeck is narrow and not sunbathing to the extent that a motor yacht is, plus there are different ends to steer the sails. In the cockpit, due to the sheet guides and winches, there is relatively little space for a table, although the comfort inside the below-deck space approaches the comfort of motor yachts. Comfortable double cabins, lounge, kitchen with gas stove, oven, refrigerator, bathrooms with showers. Last time modern models equipped with televisions and heating or air conditioning, as well as diesel generators.
However, the main factor affecting the (in)comfort of a sailing yacht is its position under sail: the list can reach 45º and everything on the ship is on its side. Poorly secured things will scatter around, and moving around the deck is quite difficult, since you have to walk on oblique surfaces. To be able to cook food in such conditions, the stove is mounted on a cardan shaft, which allows it to be in a horizontal position when the yacht rolls. Side and deck portholes should be monitored: if they remain open, then while at sea there is a danger of flooding the interior.

Yacht rental price

Motor yachts

The cost of renting motor yachts is an order of magnitude higher compared to sailing yachts due to their higher cost. The rental deposit is also higher. Of course, the maintenance of motor yachts requires more labor and costs more expensive than expenses for the maintenance of sailing yachts, especially because of the powerful engines running at high speeds to achieve high speeds. The amount of additional equipment and supplies is also a reason for price gouging. The last thing to keep in mind is the cost of fuel, which also adds to the overall cost of the rental. This eventually reaches several tens of thousands of euros per week of rental.

Sailing yachts

The cost of renting a sailing yacht is significantly lower. Lower and fuel costs. Therefore, sailing yachts are hired much more often than motor yachts. Usually a family of 4 people can count on 3-4 thousand euros per week of rent with all additional costs.

When it comes to high speeds, for some reason everyone immediately thinks of airplanes or cars. But in fact, boats also demonstrate super speeds. In our review of the 10 fastest ships in the world in history.


The fastest submarine
Max speed: 83 km/h

This submarine was the only ship in its class. She boasted a titanium hull, two pressurized water reactors with a capacity of 2 × 177.4 MW and two steam turbines 80,000 horsepower. Due to the combination of low mass and high power, the substrate could carry a crew of 82 sailors, 10 P-70 Amethyst anti-ship missiles and 12 533-mm torpedoes at a maximum speed of 44.7 knots.

2. Warship HCMS Bras D'Or 400


The fastest warship
Maximum speed 116 km/h

This experimental Canadian hydrofoil is one of the fastest ships ever. The Bras D'Or was designed by Alexander Graham Bell and was powered by two Pratt & Whitney gas turbine engines. Unfortunately, the experiment was closed in 1971, and the only ship built was put on display in maritime museum Quebec.

3. Sailboat Vestas Sailrocket 2


The fastest sailboat
Maximum speed 120 km/h

120 km / h - it does not seem very much, but for a vessel that does not have an engine - it is impressive. Sailrocket 2 has broken all speed records in sailing.

4. Yacht World Is Not Enough


The fastest yacht
Maximum speed 129 km/h

A luxury yacht that can reach speeds of 70 knots - what else is there to add?

5. Cigarette AMG Electric Drive Concept


The fastest electric boat
Maximum speed 160 km/h

Mercedes-AMG has partnered with Cigarette Racing to release the world's fastest electric boat. It has 12 electric motors with a total capacity of 2220 hp.

6. Pontoon boat Brad Rowland's South Bay 925CR

The fastest pontoon boat
Maximum speed 184 km/h

The fact that someone has made a pontoon boat that can go up to 184 km/h is insane in itself.

7. Catamaran Spirit Of Qatar

The fastest catamaran
Maximum speed 393 km/h

The Spirit Of Qatar catamaran uses twin Lycoming turbines with a total capacity of 9000 hp.

8. Problem Child

The fastest floatplane in the Top Fuel class
Maximum speed 422 km/h

Seaplane class Top Fuel similar to the Top Fuel dragster, except they race on water. Eddie Knox's Problem Child is the fastest boat in its class and, like the dragster, it's powered by an 8,000hp Hemi V8 engine.

9. Hydroplane Bluebird K7


The fastest seaplane
Maximum speed 444 km/h

The K7 was the first of the crazy turbine floatplanes that set water speed records seven times from 1955-1964. During his last run, he reached a shocking speed of 444 km/h. Unfortunately, its pilot, Donald Campbell, died in 1967 while trying to reach a speed of 482 km/h.

10. Spirit Of Australia


The fastest boat
Maximum speed 511 km/h

511 km/h is an amazing figure that is even more impressive when you find out that the "Spirit of Australia" was built by an enthusiast in his own backyard. Ken Warby designed the superboat in 1978. Ken Warby's boat speed record has not yet been broken.

The nautical mile has long been the basic unit for measuring distances at sea. The length of an arc of one minute at the average latitude of the earth's meridian is taken equal to a nautical mile.

Vessel speed is measured in knots. One knot is equivalent to one nautical mile per hour (1.852 km/h). The term "knot" originated in the 16th century during the sailing fleet, when the speed of a ship began to be determined by a sector log. The lag consisted of a wooden sector bound with iron, a strong laglin and a winder for winding. The laglin was broken up into sections of 50.67 feet using knots. The interval between knots was chosen so that the knot corresponded to a speed equal to one nautical mile per hour. By counting the number of knots that went into the water from the stern of the vessel in half a minute, the speed was determined.

Factors that determine speed

The speed of a sailing ship depends on various factors: its design, wind strength, the way the sails and rigging are adjusted to different sailing conditions, the ability of the crew to steer the ship on different courses.

The movement of the yacht comes from the interaction of the wind with the sail. The air flow, which has kinetic energy, moves the sailing ship. The sail can only move the yacht if it is at some angle to the air flow and deflects it. The angle of the sails to the wind is an important condition for obtaining the maximum effect in their work. A properly selected angle creates the maximum pressure difference between the air flows on both sides of the sail. The tool for checking the correct setting of the sails are the "sorcerers". Fixed on both sides of the sail, they stretch along the air currents. When a vortex is formed, the “witches” on this side of the sail deviate from the smooth flow path.

The boat cannot sail against a headwind. Majority sailing ships unable to maintain a course less than 45° to the wind. Angles of 45° on both sides of the wind direction form a "dead zone". When approaching it, the “sorcerers” on the sails begin to shake, indicating a loss of speed by the yacht. With a headwind, yachts sail in tacks - zigzag maneuvers.

The theoretical speed to which a displacement yacht can be accelerated is determined by the formula: the square root of the length of the waterline in feet, multiplied by 1.34.

Distinguish between true wind and pennant wind. The apparent wind is the geometric sum of the speeds of the true wind and the wind caused by the boat's movement.

A gybe (with a fair wind) is not the fastest course. On a jibe, the force with which the wind pushes against the sail depends on the speed of the yacht. The maximum speed on this course is always less than the wind speed. With the greatest force, the wind presses on the sail of a stationary yacht. As the speed increases, the pressure on the sail decreases and becomes minimal when the speed of the yacht reaches maximum value. The force with which the wind presses on the sail is proportional to the square of the apparent wind speed, and the apparent wind speed on the gybe course is the difference between the speed of the true wind and the speed of the yacht.

On a Gulfwind course (at 90º to the wind), sailing yachts are able to move faster than the wind. On this course, the force with which the wind pushes the sails is less dependent on the speed of the yacht.

Without exception, all yachts increase their speed in planing mode. When entering the gliding, the resistance to movement decreases sharply. The lighter the yacht, the earlier it goes on planing. For fast navigation, the stability of the yacht on the chosen course is very important.

The contours of the hull at the level of the waterline and below it are important. The hull of the yacht should offer as little resistance as possible to the flow of water so as not to reduce the speed of the vessel. The greatest resistance to movement is manifested in the waterline area. The decrease in shape resistance largely depends on the care of the vessel, the smoothness of its surface, the ratio of the length, width and streamlining of the sides and underwater parts - the keel and rudder. Once a year, the yacht must be lifted out of the water for.

The speed of the yacht is largely dependent on the ability of the crew to navigate the vessel in various conditions swimming. Improper distribution of the weight of the crew reduces the speed and impairs the handling of the yacht.

Only practical sailing experience, knowledge of the basics of the theory of aerodynamics and elementary meteorology help to improve the skills and means of controlling the sailing performance of the yacht on different courses.

Sailing speed records

The famous and authoritative competition for the speed of sailing yachts is the America's Cup, first held in 1851. The competition got its name from the name of the ship that won the first English regatta among a dozen and a half sailing ships. The schooner developed a maximum speed of up to 17 knots.

The title of the fastest sailing ship on the planet is held by the trimaran Hydroptere. Created by a group of French engineers, the ship shows the promise of sailing vehicles on the water. At a speed of 12 knots, the Hydroptere lifts itself out of the water and onto the hydrofoils. How more sailboat picks up speed, the higher it rises above the surface of the water. The maximum speed that Hydroptere develops, while remaining stable, is 50 knots. The maximum speed reached by the ship was 61 knots.