So near for Vestas Sailrocket

by Paul Larsen on 6 Apr 2009
Latest from Paul Larsen and Vestas Sailrocket.

Yesterday we got out early to make the most of the early tide. Conditions looked good so we didn't hang around at the timing hut but went straight to the top of the nautical mile course for another shot at the title. Just as we left the beach a strong gust came and whipped up the sand. Things settled and in short time we were ready for a run.

I felt good based on that run we had done a few days ago in stronger conditions. I was eager to replicate the start-up and peg Vestas Sailrocket along the shore. We were getting reports of gusts to 25 knots so I decided to sail in a softer mode which I hoped would be sufficient for the mile record without endangering the boat. I was going to set the wing at 15 degrees with the main flap pulled on.

The start up went great and it was one of the cleanest courses I had ever sailed. I was right along the shore and had great visibility in the flat water. The boat felt easy. I ticked off the first buoy near the timing hut after which I need to bring the course up slightly as the beach isn't perfectly straight. I noticed the wing was out at 17 degrees probably due to some stretch in the mainsheet system. I sheeted in again but needed both hands which meant going back to the foot steering. This feels a bit touchy in the mid-40's as Vestas Sailrocket becomes very sensitive. I got the wing in a bit but was aware that the boat speed had dropped off at the end. I was back in the 30's with a brief spurt into the 40's past the finish buoy. I could only sail a little way into the lagoon as the tide was well on the way out and the sand bars were too shallow.

Although we couldn't tell what the time was then... it turns out that it was a 42.06 knot nautical mile! 1.03 knots off the record... and it was super cruisy. The peak speed was around 46 knots and the best 500 meter was 43.98 knots. The average wind was 21 knots or so. Of course I kick myself now that I didn't sheet in harder as we had an easy 3 knots right there... but that was the call.

We quickly made our way back up the course hoping to squeeze in another shot. I was so happy with the last run that I decided that this was to be a 'no-holds-barred' shot at the mile. The tide was running out fast and the end of the course where I run- out to slow down was going to be very shallow. I sent the Support RIB out to the end and left my VHF channel open. After they helped me launch they would have to high-tail it down there and do some quick depth checking as I would be coming down behind them on a record attempt. If it was too shallow i.e. below 80cm then Nick would call an 'Abort, abort' over the radio whilst Alex would wave me off.

This run was very similar to the first one. Vestas Sailrocket squirms around a bit more when the wing is sheeted fully in. I was really happy with the course and was relishing the flat water, control and clear view. I heard nothing on the radio but could see the boys in the RIB frantically spearing over the side of the RIB checking the depth. It was pretty risky but as long as I stayed fast I would only need around 60cm of water. Once again the speed dropped off at the end... but I made it safely across the shallows waiting past the finish line.

The wind felt lighter and happy that we had made the most of the available tide... we called it a day. I knew we had done a couple of good miles... but sort of knew it wasn't quite quick enough. later when we processed the TRIMBLE data this was confirmed. The second mile was 41. something in 19.6 knots of wind and the first one was as mentioned.

I'm getting more and more respect for the mile as I go. We have now done 4 or 5 runs over 41 knots in a variety of conditions. It shows how hard it is to sustain long averages. When we look at the peaks and troughs in the wind and boat-speed, even on a course as good as this there is always a fair variation. Having said that, the way we are sailing now I think we can easily gain another three knots on the right day.

Overall I think we are really well placed for the challenges to come. Our team-work and general approach to the course is the best it has ever been. The boat feels really solid on the water and is giving me a lot of confidence. It is forecast to blow 25 knots today and we are already gearing up for it.

One of these days party people... one of these days...

Cheers, Paul