When you think of speed on the water you may not even consider a sailboat. After all, a sailboat travels by wind and not some fancy NOS injected liquid cooled motor. Your boat insurance agent may never approve you for one of the speedy wind demons, yet you can still drool over them.

Here are some of the fastest sailboats on the market today:

• L’Hydroptère. L’Hydroptère is a big ol hydrofoil tri. The top speed that this sailboat can achieve is upwards of 47 knots. This ride will hold it’s own in the mile stretch with speeds approaching 42 knots. That is right up there with what wind surfers can achieve. Sure, it is not the 200 knots that a speedboat can do, but this won’t cost you a small mortgage to fill up at the pump.
• Groupama 3. The Groupama 3, by Frank Cammas, holds two records. The first record is the fastest 24-hour record. The Groupama 3 managed a staggering 794 nautical miles in a mere 24-hour period. The average speed for this trip was 33.08 knots. The second record is making the trek from Ambrose Light to Lizard Point. The Groupama 3 managed this trip in 4 days 3 hours 57 minutes. The Groupama 3 has attempted an around the world trip as well. A cracked pontoon put this trip to an end. Groupama 3 will see some strength training and try this trip yet again.
• Mari-Cha IV. Monohulls have a bit to prove as well. Robert Miller took the Mari-Cha IV on a cross Atlantic trip. This feat took all of 6 days 17 hours 52 minutes. The Mari-Cha IV was able to do this because of its construction. The Mari-Cha IV is mainly composed of carbon fiber. This brings this 140-foot boat to a staggering weight of only 55 tons.
• Orange II. So, you want around the world records? How about a record for not having to stop during your trip around the world? The Orange II was able to pull off just this record. The Orange II went around the world in 50 days and never had to stop for fuel. Bet there were no kids on this trip asking if they were there yet.
• IDEC. While the Orange II was able to go around the world with a crew, the IDEC did this with one man. Francis Joyon piloted the IDEC around the world in a matter of 57 days. Think about that for just a moment. Not only did he get around the world on a sailboat in 57 days, but he also did it with nobody to yell at.

The next time you think of speed on the water, keep these wind powered rides in mind. You will most likely need some special boat insurance when you attempt to break the 57-day around the world record. You may also want a teddy bear to talk to while you are on the water.

Photo via clementpetit2