In 1997, Gabriel discovered a photo of the hydrofoil in flight at the Nautic show. He has the flash. He then did some research on the net (which was still in its infancy), but could not find any information on the boat. He then decided to make a site on the boat and presented it to Alain Thébault, skipper and carrier of the Hydroptère project. It then becomes an "official site" for some time, but the place is quickly taken over by the DCNS communication department, which was a partner in the project at the time. Since then, this young man has been following the history of this mythical boat from afar.
"The Hydrofoil still has potential"
Gabriel is not strictly speaking a yachtsman. Above all, he likes to go fast on the water. Cruising bores him quite quickly, which is why he practices the sport catamaran. And the story of the Hydroptera touches him. And he thinks that this sailboat should not end up in a museum and that it still has potential (despite its 25 years of age). He would like to try to relaunch the adventure of this fastest ocean-going sailboat in the world to see it conquer yet another new record.
First auctions
He learns that if he fails to pay his port taxes in Kewalo on Honolulu Island (Hawaii), the boat is auctioned off at $20,000. Although not having sailed for 3 years, the yacht is still 100% operational at that time. But an indicator will inform Alain Thébault of the sale, who will be able to pay the amount due cancelling the auction. The sailboat will leave the port to anchor a few miles away in Keehi, but it is not renavigating.
Sold for 8500 euros
Once again in default of payment in May 2019, it will be auctioned again. This time the boat is no longer in the same condition, as it has been abandoned and stripped of its fittings and electronics. Price: $8,000. Gabriel is going to Hawaii for this auction. In the United States, he manages to convert enough dollars to apply for the sale, and negotiates with the auctioneer to leave the boat for another month if he succeeds in acquiring it (the boat would normally leave the port 3 days after the end of the auction).
By the way, he learned that the American Chris Welsh will also be present for the auction. Rather than confronting him, he decides to meet him at the old auction house. This is followed by a memorable evening where everyone explains to each other their interest in the boat. But Gabriel succeeded in changing his mind and also understood that an association would be better than a struggle. They agree on a 50/50 co-ownership and draw up a contract to this effect. The next day, June 28, 2019, about 25 people were in the auction room. After the opening of the sale, our duo bid: $8500... and no one takes over. Only two of them were interested in this mythical boat in France, but only two in the USA.
In a deplorable state
Owners, they will be able to board for the first time. The Hydrofoil is still moored to the buoy. But this one is not beautiful to see. The central hull is full of water, oil and diesel fuel. Indeed, the hydraulic cylinders have been dismantled leaving all the oil inside. The tank was unloaded empty of its diesel fuel. And an open porthole allowed water to infiltrate. Otherwise the boat's structure appears to be intact. The mast and boom are in place, as well as a mainsail completely eaten by UV rays.
They have a month to get the Hydrofoil out of the port. It is only after 2.5 months of work, still moored at the buoy (therefore without water or electricity...), that the team will be able to tow it to the nearby port. Before unlocking the rudder, it was necessary to realize that the engine had failed despite the new installation of a tank..
A transpacific before being renovated
It is finally at the quay in Kewolo that the sailboat will be restored to sailing condition. But beware, there's no question of theft for the moment, it's just a matter of bringing him back to California where Chris Welsh has a construction site. It must therefore be equipped for a 2000 mile crossing, because cargo transport is far too expensive. For this purpose, a new engine is installed with a huge diesel tank (600 l plus 10 jerry cans), as well as a three-bladed propeller. A jib and mainsail (much too small) are also suitable. Liferaft, basic electronics, berths... are equipped to allow the crew to experience this transpacific.
To solve the lack of an anti-drift plane, the 2 foils will be lowered, as vertically as possible by adjusting the incidence to zero so as not to make the boat want to take off. This is about conveying, not speed! The crew of 3 people is expecting a speed of 7 knots, which should make a crossing in about 20 days. The departure was made on Saturday, November 3, 2019.
Back to France for the Hydroptère?
Once in San Francisco, the flying sailboat will enter the yard to carry out a structural inspection and return its hydraulic equipment. The objective will be to restore it to the same condition as before its abandonment in order to make it sail again. After this phase 1 of the renovation, the boat should fly again in the San Francisco Bay Area. Its new owner hopes that this stage will be reached in spring 2020 (or perhaps in the summer...).
Phase 2, which should see improvements to the sailboat, is planned for later, with the hope of a return to France of this flying sailboat. But everything will depend on the funding that will then have to be found..
