Audemars Piguet: Life in the Fast Lane

Not so long ago [August 25th] we put out a story announcing the new partnership between the Alinghi sailing team, and Hublot watches. One of the aspects covered in that post was that Alinghi previously had sponsorship from Audemars Piguet [AP].


Now, I know you were all worried about AP and how they were going to survive without the partnership with Alinghi...Fear not; it was announced yesterday that they have hitched their trailer to another professional sailing team. Typically known for joining forces with sailing teams that race in The America's Cup, AP's newest wave riding friend is the good ship "l’Hydroptère" skippered by Alain Thébault and a ten-man crew.

I can already hear you asking; 'So if not racing in The America's Cup what is the purpose of the l’Hydroptère?' The answer is a simple one, Speed. On November 8th the l’Hydroptère was confirmed as the world's fastest flying trimaran holding an average speed of 50.17 knots over one nautical mile. During the same series of runs the l’Hydroptère also broke the speed record over a distance of 500 meters with an average speed of 51.36 knots. Ultimately the team wants to continue their record breaking runs their next venture where l’Hydroptère is to sale around the world in 40 days, leaving from Lake Geneva in Switzerland in the summer of 2010.

There has been no announcement as of yet whether or not AP will create a special edition piece honoring the l’Hydroptère team, and their record breaking runs.