Land Rover partners with British sailor Hannah White in Project Speedbird: her quest to break the women’s world speed sailing record

- Land Rover Global Ambassador, Hannah White, aims to become the first woman to break the 40 knot speed barrier over one nautical mile

- Land Rover will collaborate with Hannah’s engineering team, using its class leading facilities and technical expertise to create a state-of-the-art hydrofoil sailboat for the world record attempt in the UK in early 2016

- Project Speedbird launches at London’s world-renowned and inspirational Science Museum

Land Rover global brand ambassador, sailor and adventurer, Hannah White has launched her quest to become the first woman to set the speed sailing record above the 40 knot barrier on Speedbird; a purpose-built, state-of-the-art sailing hydrofoil.

Land Rover is collaborating in the development of the Speedbird boat, drawing from its unparalleled innovation, engineering expertise and industry-leading facilities in order to maximise performance of thesix-metre hydrofoil, which has a hull weighing only 8kg.

Hannah and her team are displaying the sailboat at the Science Museum in London from the 26-28^th May, giving thousands of people the opportunity to see a prototype of the boat and learn about the technology and engineering behind Speedbird.

Over the next few months, Hannah will undertake a rigorous training programme to develop her technique, strength and mind-set so she is prepared for the test ahead. No stranger to mental and physical challenges, Hannah has sailed the Atlantic solo three times and completed the gruelling Haute Route Cycle Race. This record attempt however, will be her greatest feat yet.

Hannah White said: “This will undoubtedly be the toughest challenge of my life; a culmination of speed, precision and determination, combined with cutting edge engineering and innovation. It’s a really ambitious project both technologically and physically.

“Land Rover brings the innovation and expertise required to streamline the Speedbird into a record breaking machine. I am by no means a professional when it comes to the hydrofoil and so I will be learning from scratch. I am therefore enormously grateful for their support as it will give me the competitive edge required to secure and harness the ultimate advantage over the elements to push the boundaries of this project and achieve a world record."

Mark Cameron, Jaguar Land Rover Global Experiential Marketing Director said: “Land Rover’s collaboration with Hannah White on Project Speedbird highlights our longstanding commitment to the sport of sailing. The project mirrors Land Rover’s aspiration to go Above and Beyond and push the boundaries of what is possible. Using our class leading facilities and advanced engineering expertise, we will help push the boat to its physical limits, and get Hannah into the record books.”

Land Rover has a long history with sailing and in 2013 announced a three-year sponsorship as Series Main Partner to the Extreme Sailing Series™, one of the world’s most exciting and competitive international sailing circuits. In the true spirit of Land Rover’s Above and Beyond ethos, this high paced, adrenaline fuelled competition showcases the most courageous, capable and composed sailors as they compete in the Stadium Racing venues of some of the world’s most iconic cities. The men and women competing are experts in their field, fearless and always in complete control.