VESTAS SAILROCKET

Vestas Sailrocket has returned to Walvis Bay, Nambia for a final attempt at the outright speed sailing record. The unique craft has a 28 day window in which to break the record after which it will ‘retire’ from competition.
Skipper, Paul Larsen is taking no chances this time in his bid to become the fastest man to sail the water and had this to say, 'Righto, here we go again. Outside it has all the makings of a good day... but it is a great day that we seek. The forecast is the same as yesterdays but we are hoping that it is a bit steadier... and up a few knots. The best place to wait is fully 'kitted' up over at speed-spot.

'I'm taking no chances and have doubled the size of the launch anchor which Vestas Sailrocket strains against once the guy holding the nose into the wind let's go as we commence a run. I've also taken on another guy to help with the launch. We are just as likely to damage the boat in a launch as sailing. Handling this boat can be a real 'ball-ache' on a windy day. Some times when she gets out of hand she can take off, dragging a pretty long anchor behind her, and head straight up the beach. When it does this it dredges the main foil through the sand. We have put a lot of effort into the finish on the main foil and I don't want to scratch it... especially before a big run. It needs to be pretty immaculate at the speeds we are trying to achieve.'
The first run went well and now the team are waiting on some stronger winds to make their dream a reality

Most Recent News Items - View News Archive