Please select your home edition
Edition
Zhik 2024 December

Time is running out for Vestas Sailrocket's record attempt

by Paul Larsen on 14 Apr 2009
Vestas SailRocket on 26/02/09 when Larsen did a 44.02 knot 500 metre run and a peak of around 46. Vestas Sailrocket - copyright http://www.sailrocket.com

Latest news from the Vestas Sailrocket Team on Tuesday 14 April. The Sailrocket Team is attempting to break the record for the Outright Fastest in the world of speed sailing at Walvis Bay in Namibia.

'Once again a great looking forecast has evaporated away from us like a mirage. This morning when I checked out the forecast I was left feeling sick.

Our record period runs out on the 16th i.e. in a few days and what was set to be a great weather finale yesterday... has dropped away drastically today. We can extend to the 20th and of course we will do this. It means that we will be sailing at low tide and this means that the Nautical mile course will not be an option. It looks like that which seemed so easy has evaded us.

We haven't been very fortunate with the weather over the past two months. We have had a few good days mind you. The crash really hurt us in this respect as we were still 're-dialling' the boat in when the good days were here. Well she's dialled in now. We are all here and ready to roll at a moments notice... but... no joy. This is/was set to be the last-hurrah for this boat, it's final shot at the title.

Of course I can't leave it like this. There is a world record sitting inside its battle scarred structure and I want to see it realised. If we are denied this time then we will have to re-group somehow and move forward. I think of how far we have come and how close we are. All those hard yards cannot be left to waste.

For months I have had the vision of a record run foremost in my mind. I constantly cycle through all aspects of it from the many 'hats' I wear in this project. I think what it means to me personally, to the others around, to the future aspirations of the team/project etc. Well this mornings forecast was the point where the scales tipped to favour disappointment. Once again, there is nothing we can do but sit and wait for any option that might present itself. The forecast could swing the other way and we will remain 100% reactive until the last gasp.

Come on Walvis... get your breath back!!! '

Paul Larsen
http://www.sailrocket.com
Cyclops Marine 2023 November - FOOTERSwitch One DesignZhik 2024 December

Related Articles

Jazz Turner Faces Everything and Rises
Non-stop, solo, unassisted British Isles navigation has captivated sailors & non-sailors alike Jazz Turner's Project FEAR, her non-stop, solo, unassisted navigation of the British Isles in her Albin Vega 27ft yacht has captivated sailors and non-sailors alike.
Posted today at 9:29 pm
GKSS Match Cup Sweden & Nordea Women's Trophy D3
Surprise exits in Marstrand as Quarter-Finalists decided The qualifying round-robin stages at GKSS Match Cup Sweden in Marstrand finished today with the surprise departure of defending champion USA's Chris Poole/ Riptide Racing and Switzerland's Eric Monnin/ Capvis Swiss Match Racing Team from the Open Class.
Posted today at 9:23 pm
Rolex TP52 Worlds in Cascais Day 1
Sled sparkle in Cascais' Atlantic surf to lead After seemingly being starved of boisterous top end conditions for some years now Okura's Sled crew have been relishing a return to big breezes and big waves.
Posted today at 9:09 pm
CSA commits to collaboration and sustainability
This year's AGM saw participation from a diverse group of stakeholders The Caribbean Sailing Association (CSA) proudly announces the successful conclusion of its Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Regatta Organizers Conference, held from June 25 to June 28, 2025, in St. Maarten.
Posted today at 5:12 pm
Rolex Fastnet Race: Offshore classics set to race
IRC Zero has a rich seam of ocean-going history running through it IRC Zero has a rich seam of ocean-going history running through it. While French round the world race legend Jean-Luc Van Den Heede (aka VDH) isn't competing in the Rolex Fastnet Race, two of his former steeds will be on the IRC Zero start line.
Posted today at 3:22 pm
Four days to start the 5th AEGEAN 600
The fleet has a wide range of sizes and types represented Nearly all 60 teams are assembled here at the Olympic Marine venue getting ready for the start of the 5th edition of the AEGEAN 600, organized by the Hellenic Offshore Race Club (HORC) with co-organizers being Olympic Marine and Region of Attica.
Posted today at 3:21 pm
The Magenta Project unveils new brand identity
As part of its milestone tenth anniversary As part of its milestone tenth anniversary, The Magenta Project is excited to launch a refreshed brand identity and the first phase of its new website, reinforcing its commitment to equity and inclusion for women in sailing.
Posted today at 2:47 pm
Course des Caps Update: A promising start!
The eleven crews have begun their grand tour around the British Isles The Course des Caps - Boulogne-sur-Mer - Banque Populaire du Nord, which set sail from the shores of northern France, marks the first race of the 2025 season and kicks off the new edition of the IMOCA Globe Series Championship.
Posted today at 8:42 am
18ft Skiffs: Queensland 18 footer history
Decades of successful ideas and achievement Queensland's revival over recent seasons, which resulted in a two-pronged attack by experienced and young teams in new skiffs at the 2025 Giltinan world championship
Posted today at 6:46 am
Marine Auctions: Special July Online Auction
The bidding will end on Tuesday 22 July at 2pm AEST The alternative way of selling any type of vessel or marine asset with proven and successful results.
Posted today at 4:03 am