While SP80, the Swiss project backed by Richard Mille aiming for the world speed record under sail, is planning a new launch session in September in Walvis Bay, Namibia, after reaching 58.2 knots (108 km/h) in May 2025, here’s another contender for the title of “fastest under sail.” The new project is French, called Askell 66+, and its title indicates its goal: over 66 knots, or 122 km/h. For SP80, and now also for Askell 66+, the goal is to beat the record set in 2012 by Paul Larsen with Vestas Sailrocket II, which, also in Walvis Bay, reached 65.45 knots, or 121.2 km/h.
The Silver Horse on the Seine
The Askell 66+, already nominated for the 2026 Foiling Awards, is a prototype halfway between an airplane and a boat, born from the initiative of the French design firm MMProcess of Saint-Pierre-de-Quiberon, Brittany, and the production studio Plume Prod. MMProcess, with its managers, D.R. Morgane Suquart and Madeg Ciret-Le Cosquer, is a naval architecture and development firm with extensive experience in the world of foils and beyond. They, among other things, were also one of the elements that put on a spectacular show at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. MMProcess designed and built the “invisible” trimaran that sailed down the Seine on July 26, 2024, at the opening ceremony of the Games, carrying the mechanical silver horse with Sequana, goddess of the Seine. That evening, Sequana was played by Morgane Suquart, co-founder of MMProcess, who, in front of an audience of 4 billion people, steered the trimaran by operating the horse’s reins connected to the rudders.
The Invisible Trimaran
MMProcess’s “invisible” trimaran was born from a challenge posed by one of the studios involved in the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games: Atelier BLAM. The brief was for a vessel capable of carrying nearly a ton and that would sail without producing a wake or be visible on the surface. MMProcess took up the challenge by designing a trimaran with submerged arms that acted as foils, combining stability and speed while remaining completely invisible under the water. The 14-meter-long trimaran, made entirely of carbon fiber and equipped with a 123 kW battery-powered electric motor, took three months to build, employing around thirty people. The initial tests were carried out in Quiberon Bay, where MMProcess is based. Once the tests were successful, the vessel was moved to Paris.
Askell 66+, or joined wings
Also from that experience, the Askell 66+ is now born. In Breton, Askell means “bird’s wing,” and 66+ is the speed target in knots set by the designers. “The Askell 66+,” explain the managers at MMProcess, “will be a seaplane, or, as we like to call it, connected wings. For the Askell 66+ logo, we took inspiration from the albatross, capable of reaching speeds of 140 km/h in flight, making it the fastest seabird in the world. Its flight technique is so efficient that it consumes less energy in flight than in landing or takeoff. A champion of speed, the albatross is also the most romantic bird in the world, forming pairs for life. This is a tribute to us, to the designers and pilots of the Askell 66+, but also to the spirit of our team, united by a shared passion, an unwavering loyalty to the project, and the joy of competing together for the future world speed record.”
A project open to all
To build the Askell 66+, the MMProcess designers chose to use many parts of the Moth, such as the foil and rudder, as well as the boom system. The first tests will take place in Quiberon Bay, before moving to the south of France. “Optimal conditions,” MMProcess explains, “are also found in the Netherlands, on the island of Texel, and in Namibia, which remains a very promising option. Throughout these phases, from model construction to the record attempt, enthusiasts will be able to follow us on social media, in the press, and on TV.” Events will be organized for the public and project partners at each event. “Join us and be part of this adventure,” is the final invitation from the Askell 66+ managers.
Emilio Martinelli
