L'hydroptere 2.0
L'Hydroptere 2.0 operates two record-breaking hydrofoil sailing vessels as zero-emission R&D test platforms and high-visibility sponsorship assets, serving enterprise sponsors, R&D laboratories, and luxury brand partners seeking association with French maritime heritage and high-speed maritime innovation.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2021
- HeadquartersBouguenais, France
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What L'hydroptere 2.0 does
L'Hydroptere 2.0 SAS is a France-based private company founded in April 2021 that operates two record-breaking hydrofoil sailing vessels — L'Hydroptère (an 18.28m foiling trimaran originally designed by Éric Tabarly, which holds the world sailing speed record at 55.5 knots / 102.8 km/h) and L'Hydroptère.ch (a 12.5m experimental hydrofoil catamaran co-developed with EPFL and built by Swiss shipyard Décision SA) — as zero-emission R&D test platforms and high-visibility sponsorship assets. The company was established to rescue L'Hydroptère from auction in Hawaii in 2019, repatriate it to France (completed 2023 with Airbus logistical support), and renovate it for a planned return to sea in 2026.
The core technology centers on hydrofoil systems using aeronautical-grade materials (carbon fiber composites, Kevlar, titanium, aeronautical aluminum) with force limiters derived from Rafale Marine landing gear capable of withstanding 60 tons, plus ball-and-socket foil joints enabling the vessels to fly 3 meters above water at over 40 knots. R&D activities launched in 2023 focus on next-generation foils, scooping system optimization, and foils for ground effect machines and seaplanes.
The business model combines project-based corporate sponsorship (logo placement on vessels in exchange for flight invitations and PR visibility), R&D project hosting for companies and research laboratories testing innovations at TRL 4+, PR seminars and corporate hospitality experiences aboard the vessels, and crowdfunding/association donations (Leetchi platform and the Des Voiles et des Ailes association) to finance the renovation. Customers span luxury brands (Audemars Piguet), banking (Lombard Odier), aerospace (Airbus), defense/maritime (Naval Group), telecommunications (Turkcell), and champagne houses (G.H. Mumm, Champagne Lanson), with R&D partners including Airbus, EPFL, CNES, and Décision SA.
L'hydroptere 2.0 firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- L'hydroptere 2.0
- Legal name
- L'HYDROPTERE 2.0
- Website
- https://lhydroptere.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2021
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- L'Hydroptere 2.0 operates two record-breaking hydrofoil sailing vessels as zero-emission R&D test platforms and high-visibility sponsorship assets, serving enterprise sponsors, R&D laboratories, and luxury brand partners seeking association with French maritime heritage and high-speed maritime innovation.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
L'hydroptere 2.0 industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Maritime R&D Services
- NAICS
- Ship Building and Repairing (336611)
- SIC
- Ship & Boat Building & Repairing (3730)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Hydrodynamics & Performance Engineering (Resistance, Propulsion, Seakeeping, Maneuvering) (IMAJAGAB)
Keywords
Where L'hydroptere 2.0 is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Bouguenais
- HQ country
- France
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
L'hydroptere 2.0 business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain
Revenue model
- Sponsorship and Corporate Partnerships: Companies can support the adventure with corporate donations or sponsorship, featuring their logo on L'Hydroptère. In return, sponsors receive invitations for unforgettable flights and visibility benefits.
- Individual Contributions via Crowdfunding: Crowdfunding campaign through Leetchi platform for renovation of L'Hydroptère. Individual contributors can have their name inscribed on the boat or experience flying on board.
- Donations via Association: Donations and volunteering through the association Des Voiles et des Ailes for supporting the project's mission.
- Public Relations and Seminars: Companies can conduct PR boarding experiences and seminars aboard L'Hydroptère for employees, customers, prospects, VIPs for flights at speeds over 40 knots.
- R&D Project Hosting: Hosting innovative R&D projects aboard the two hydrofoil platforms, allowing companies and consortiums to test and mature technologies under real conditions.
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels5 records
L'hydroptere 2.0 product offering
Product offeringCore offering
L'HYDROPTERE 2.0 operates two world-record hydrofoil sailing vessels — L'Hydroptère (an 18.28m flying trimaran, 55.5 knots) and L'Hydroptère.ch (a 12.5m hydrofoil catamaran) — as zero-emission R&D test platforms, offering hosting of innovative maritime, aeronautical, and industrial R&D projects aboard the vessels under real high-speed conditions. The company also offers corporate communication, PR boarding and seminar experiences for enterprises, and accepts individual contributions through crowdfunding and association donations to finance vessel renovation.
Product overview
L'HYDROPTERE 2.0 operates two exceptional hydrofoil sailing vessels as zero-emission R&D test platforms. L'Hydroptère (the flagship foiling trimaran, 18.28m) and L'Hydroptère.ch (a 12.5m hydrofoil catamaran) serve as experimental platforms for testing and maturing innovations from different sectors (maritime, aeronautics, industry) under real conditions at high speeds. The company enables companies, laboratories, and consortiums to bring their research projects aboard these record-breaking vessels to accelerate development and reduce time-to-market.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- L'Hydroptère: The legendary flying trimaran, world's fastest open sea sailboat (55.5 knots), used as an R&D test platform for innovations in maritime, aeronautics, and industry sectors.
- L'Hydroptère.ch
Products and services
- L'Hydroptère (R&D Platform) The legendary 18.28m foiling trimaran, first sailboat to break the 50-knot barrier, top speed 55.5 knots, built in carbon, Kevlar, titanium and aeronautical aluminum. Operated by L'HYDROPTERE 2.0 as a zero-emission R&D test platform for external companies, laboratories and consortiums to validate maritime, aeronautical, and industrial innovations under real high-speed conditions.
- L'Hydroptère.ch (R&D Platform) A 12.5m experimental hydrofoil catamaran developed jointly with EPFL and built by Décision SA (builder of the Solar Impulse). Capable of sailing at 2.7 times wind speed using foils on ball-and-socket joints, with variable-ratio stepped floats and an air-injection bow system. Operated by L'HYDROPTERE 2.0 as the second zero-emission R&D test platform.
- R&D Project Hosting Services Contracted service offering companies, laboratories, schools, universities and consortiums the ability to bring their research projects aboard the L'Hydroptère and L'Hydroptère.ch hydrofoil platforms to test and mature technologies (TRL 4+) under real high-speed sea conditions, accelerating development and reducing time-to-market.
- Corporate Sponsorship, PR Boarding & Seminars Service package for enterprise clients combining corporate sponsorship/donations with logo placement on the vessels and base camp, and exclusive PR boarding and seminar experiences aboard L'Hydroptère for employees, customers, prospects and VIPs with flight invitations at over 40 knots.
Quantifiable outcome
- 55.5 knots (102.8 km/h) top speed - world sailing speed record in category D
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use L'hydroptere 2.0
Customer profileNamed customers6 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
L'hydroptere 2.0 technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
L'hydroptere 2.0 partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
18 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.
- AirbuscoreAirbus provided logistical support for repatriating L'Hydroptère from the USA to France, mobilizing ships between Alabama and Saint-Nazaire. The company continues to support the project and provides access to Airbus Technocampus Composites in Nantes for renovation work. Airbus employees have also participated in renovation efforts.
- EPFL (École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne)coreEPFL collaborated with the original L'Hydroptère team from 2005-2012 on hydrodynamic optimization of foils, contributing to the boat's record-breaking performance. EPFL is also a partner in the R&D platform consortium, contributing to research projects focused on energy transition and decarbonization.
- CNEScoreCNES (Centre National d'Études Spatiales - French Space Agency) is part of the industrial consortium that built L'Hydroptère and continues as a research partner for R&D projects in the innovation platform.
- INMcoreINM (Institut de la Francophonie pour l'Ingénierie et la Recherche? or another research institute) is listed as a research laboratory partner for R&D projects and innovation development.
- Naval GroupcoreNaval Group partnered with L'HYDROPTERE 2.0 in 2024 to conduct fiber optic structural monitoring system test campaigns aboard L'Hydroptère.ch. The tests were successful and the company was satisfied, also taking VIPs on board during outings.
- Lombard OdiermajorLombard Odier actively supported the L'Hydroptère.ch construction project through director Thierry Lombard and his son Adrien. The bank continues as a sponsor appearing on communication materials.
- Audemars PiguetmajorPrestigious watchmaking house that actively supported the L'Hydroptère.ch construction project. Appears on communication materials as a supporter.
- Champagne Lanson / G.H. MummminorChampagne houses appearing on communication materials as partners supporting the L'Hydroptère project.
- TurkcellminorTelecommunications company that sponsored L'Hydroptère for speed record attempts. Appeared on communication materials.
- IDEA GroupcoreIDEA Group conducted exceptional transport operations for repatriating L'Hydroptère parts from the USA to France, handling the logistics of multiple shipments between 2021-2023.
- ADEKMA LevagecoreADEKMA Levage performed lifting operations for L'Hydroptère repatriation, including unloading containers at Airbus Nantes and placing L'Hydroptère.ch in the water at Le Croisic in 2024.
- SECO MARINE / FETIS GroupcoreSECO MARINE, a company in the FETIS group, provided building space at Nantes for housing L'Hydroptère during renovation, making the return to France possible.
- Décision SAmajorSwiss shipyard that built L'Hydroptère.ch. Décision SA is also known as the builder of the Solar Impulse solar aircraft, bringing aerospace expertise to boat construction.
- Chris Welsh / WELSH GroupcoreCalifornia businessman and sailor with a shipyard who co-purchased L'Hydroptère at auction in Hawaii in 2019. Provided shipyard facilities at Sugar Dock in San Francisco for initial work and continues as partner.
- Chabas & BessonminorCompany conducting overhaul of shock absorbers (force limiters) for L'Hydroptère as part of structural renovation work in 2024.
- Centrale NantesminorÉcole Centrale de Nantes engineering school is listed as a supporter and partner of the L'HYDROPTERE 2.0 project.
- Nantes UniversitéminorNantes Université is listed as a supporter and partner, contributing to the academic and research ecosystem around the project.
- EMC2minorEMC2 (可能的法国研究/工业联盟) is listed as a supporter and partner of the L'HYDROPTERE 2.0 project.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
L'hydroptere 2.0 competitors and assessment
Company assessmentEmerging players
- Artemis Technologies: Northern Ireland-based foiling technology company spun out of the Artemis Racing America's Cup team. Closest technological peer in applying America's Cup-grade hydrofoil/control systems to commercial vessels.
- MobyFly: Swiss company developing electric hydrofoil ferries. Comparable on Swiss/French industrial ecosystem overlap and on commercializing hydrofoil performance for passenger maritime transport.
- Sea Bubble: French hydrofoil water taxi developer. Shares the hydrofoil performance engineering focus and French industrial ecosystem; competes for the same maritime decarbonization narrative.
- Boundary Layer Technologies: Hydrofoil container ship startup. Overlaps on hydrodynamics engineering for foiling commercial vessels and the energy transition narrative in maritime transport.
- Candela Technology: Swedish maker of electric hydrofoil boats (leisure and commercial passenger). Comparable on core hydrofoil technology and zero-emission positioning, though Candela is a product manufacturer rather than an R&D platform operator.
Direct peers
- Energy Observer: French zero-emission maritime R&D vessel and communications platform. Most directly comparable in business model: operates an innovative vessel as a traveling R&D lab while monetizing PR, sponsorships and partnerships with industrial players.
Broad incumbents
- Persico Marine: Italian builder of America's Cup and high-performance racing boats in advanced composites. Comparable on aeronautical-grade composite vessel construction; supplier/builder rather than operator of the asset.
- CDK Technologies: French shipyard that has built several America's Cup and hydrofoiling class boats. Comparable on advanced composite hydrofoil vessel engineering and proximity to the French maritime innovation ecosystem.
Others
- Saildrone: US-based autonomous sailing platform operator for ocean data and defense applications. Comparable as a wind-powered platform-as-a-service business monetizing maritime data for government and research customers.
Regional players
- Emirates Team New Zealand: America's Cup defender with deep hydrofoil R&D capability and an enterprise sponsorship model. Comparable as a sailing-performance R&D organization that monetizes a record-breaking vessel through sponsorships and technology spin-offs.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
L'hydroptere 2.0 social profiles
Digital presenceL'hydroptere 2.0 financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
L'hydroptere 2.0 leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles14 records
L'hydroptere 2.0 funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
L'hydroptere 2.0 M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about L'hydroptere 2.0
What does L'hydroptere 2.0 do?
L'HYDROPTERE 2.0 operates two world-record hydrofoil sailing vessels — L'Hydroptère (an 18.28m flying trimaran, 55.5 knots) and L'Hydroptère.ch (a 12.5m hydrofoil catamaran) — as zero-emission R&D test platforms, offering hosting of innovative maritime, aeronautical, and industrial R&D projects aboard the vessels under real high-speed conditions. The company also offers corporate communication, PR boarding and seminar experiences for enterprises, and accepts individual contributions through crowdfunding and association donations to finance vessel renovation.
Is L'hydroptere 2.0 a public or private company?
L'hydroptere 2.0 is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was L'hydroptere 2.0 founded?
L'hydroptere 2.0 was founded in 2021. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is L'hydroptere 2.0 based?
L'hydroptere 2.0 is headquartered in Bouguenais, France, in the Europe region.
How does L'hydroptere 2.0 make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. Sponsorship and Corporate Partnerships are the primary driver. The others are individual Contributions via Crowdfunding, donations via Association, public Relations and Seminars and R&D Project Hosting.
Who are L'hydroptere 2.0's main competitors?
Emerging players on record are Artemis Technologies, MobyFly, Sea Bubble, Boundary Layer Technologies and Candela Technology. Energy Observer is listed as a direct peer. Broad incumbents are Persico Marine and CDK Technologies. Saildrone is listed as an others. Emirates Team New Zealand is listed as a regional player.
Does L'hydroptere 2.0 have an API?
No public API is recorded for L'hydroptere 2.0.
What industry is L'hydroptere 2.0 in?
L'hydroptere 2.0's product category is Maritime R&D Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMAJAGAB, Hydrodynamics & Performance Engineering (Resistance, Propulsion, Seakeeping, Maneuvering). Its NAICS code is 336611 and its SIC code is 3730.