Sailing sport — speed and spectacle.

Publication date: 13.01.2026

When selecting a yacht for charter or purchase, many indicators are considered. Criteria often include the vessel's dimensions, equipment and comfort, interior design, but the most important factor for most yachtsmen is the speed of the sailing yacht. A sailboat's speed indicates its maneuverability, safety, and sailing convenience.

Speed of a sailboat - an indicator of the vessel's speed through water under the influence of wind force. According to international rules, sailing speed is measured in knots. To convert to the more familiar metric system in km/h, the speed in knots must be multiplied by 1.852.

Speeds of various types of sailing yachts:

A sailing yacht has several types of speed, each used for specific conditions.

The specific speed of a sailing yacht is influenced by numerous factors. Internal parameters include the type of yacht, its design, engine power, size, and mass. The yacht's speed is affected by external conditions such as wind strength and direction, wave height, presence of currents, and sea depth. Note that in shallow water, speed is reduced by 10%. Over time, a layer of algae and shells forms on the hull, increasing water resistance when the sailing yacht is moving.

The yacht's speed depends on the condition and area of the sails, allowing for the most efficient use of wind power. Here, the coordinated work of the crew and the captain's ability to optimally account for wind strength and sail positioning come to the fore.

Displacement yachts move due to the buoyant force acting on the hull from the water. The part of the hull below the waterline is designed to be as streamlined as possible, with a sharp bow to cut through the water and reduce the bow wave. Such vessels do not have high speed but are ideal for long-distance journeys.

Planing sailboats glide on the water surface due to dynamic lift forces. The contact area between the yacht's bottom and the water is minimal, allowing for high speeds. Planing models have little internal usable volume, so they are more often chosen for short, fast trips.

Sailing yachts designed for sea tours do not have high speeds. The speed of sailboats ranges from 5 to 10 knots, with comfort and amenities for passengers taking precedence. Speed can be increased by installing larger sails and through the skilled actions of the crew.

Catamarans move significantly faster due to better stability on the water. The dual hull allows for the installation of larger sails, which utilize wind force twice as effectively and enable the yacht to achieve higher speeds.

A motor yacht can travel at a speed of 20-25 knots or up to 40 km/h, depending on engine power. Such calm sailing is excellent for relaxation and cruising.

Sports models participating in races accelerate to 40 knots and above. Fast sailing yachts of large length sail across seas and oceans at speeds of 40-48 knots, equivalent to 90 km/h.

For safety, sailing yachts are equipped with engines; however, their primary mode of movement is under sail. The crew manages the wind's force by adjusting the sails' position, steering the rudder, and handling the rigging.

Wind strength is not the determining factor for a sailing yacht's speed. The highest speed is achieved on a beam reach course—perpendicular to the wind direction. On this course, the yacht can even move faster than the wind—when air pressure decreases, but the force of inertia propels the vessel forward.

In addition to wind, the yacht's design and weather conditions affect its speed.

To accurately determine the differences between models of sailing vessels, the indicator of average speed is calculated. This parameter does not include values from other factors: weather, sea state, presence of currents, design features, and engine.

The generally accepted average speed for a sailboat is 10 knots, which equals 18 km/h. Motor yachts have an average speed of 23 knots or approximately 43 km/h.

In 1972, the International Sailing Federation established the World Sailing Speed Record Council. Rules for registering world records were developed, specifying start and finish locations, as well as requirements for yacht design and crew composition.

Speed records are recorded in three categories:

World records among high-speed sailing yachts are set in round-the-world races, transatlantic routes, and over short distances.

The design and dimensions of sailing yachts are not strictly regulated; the main condition is that the vessel is propelled solely by wind power. The most prestigious achievements for yachtsmen are determining the fastest sailing yacht based on average speed over a 500-meter distance, average speed over a nautical mile route, and average speed achieved during 24 hours of sailing.

The first speed records over 500 meters were set by Tim Colman on the catamaran Crossbow; for several years, the winners in speed were windsurfers and kite surfers.

For a long time, the trimaran Hydroptère, equipped with special hydrofoils, held the top spot. This design creates enough lift to raise the yacht above the water's surface even in light wind. The creator of the futuristic Hydroptère, Alain Thébault, set five world records over two distances.

Ambitious Australian engineer Paul Larsen created the incredible catamaran Vestas Sailrocket 2. The development team built a unique sailboat for setting records, featuring a streamlined above-water hull, a rigid sail, and special hydrofoils. The lightweight and long sailing craft set several world records, improving upon its predecessors' achievements by almost 10 knots. The maximum speed reached was 121.06 km/h, and the title of the fastest sailing yacht has remained unbroken for over 10 years.

When choosing a sailing yacht for a trip or sea tour, it is essential to clearly define the purpose of the cruise. High-speed yachts are not always equipped with sufficient amenities for long voyages. Do not forget about the necessary clothing and equipment.