- Who
- Destriero
- What
- 2/10/34/47 day(s):hour(s):minute(s):second(s)
- Where
- ()
- When
The fastest crossing of the Atlantic is 2 days 10 hr. 34 min. 47 sec. by the 68 m. (222 ft.) luxury yacht Destriero from August 6 to 9, 1992. The gas turbine-propelled vessel maintained an average speed of 45.7 knots (84.6 km./h. or 52.6 m.p.h.) despite weighing nearly 400 tonnes (882,000 lb). The skipper was Cesare Fiorio (Italy). The turbines used to power Destriero are marine versions of those used in the F18 Hornet jet fighter, and generate 13,420 kW (18,000 hp) each. They suck water in beneath the vessel and expelling it from the rear at a rate of 60 cu. m. (13,200 gal.) per second, replacing conventional propellers. Because they burn nearly 10 tonnes (21,700 lb) of fuel per hour, Destriero's maximum speed increases from 36 knots (65 km/h or 40 mph) loaded to 65 knots (120 km/h or 75 mph) unladen.
