The current record is 121 km/h (65 Kn) and supposed to be broken in 2022. By a race boat without engine power and emissions. Only a huge kite with a 20-meter (65-foot) span provides propulsion. The sailboat hanging on the other end of the ropes is seven meters (23 feet) in length, six meters (20 feet) in width and blends design elements of a catamaran, an ­airplane and a race car.

The hull is an all-carbon construction pushing itself out of the water by means of foils and so escapes the water’s resistance forces. The French Syroco team is reaching for the record with a similar kite sailboat as well. Let’s see who’s going to do a better job of ­controlling their kite …