Images From Wot Rocket's Recent Practice Run

by Crosbie Lorimer on 27 Jul 2008 On Tuesday this week the Australian designed and built Wot Rocket made two fast runs on Sydney's Botany Bay in a cold 15 knot southwesterly. Wot Rocket is racing to break the 50 knot speed barrier.

Reaching speeds in excess of 20 twenty knots she lifted briefly onto her forward foil before steering problems brought her to an abrupt halt on both occasions.

Despite the problems Skipper Sean Langman and his team were clearly pleased with progress on the project. 'This is another good step in the right direction' said a smiling Langman as his craft was towed back to shore.

The Wot Rocket team have been progressively upgrading the steering system over recent weeks with particular attention to the extensive linkage rods, which need to be lightweight but which must also not flex under pressure.

It is expected that Wot Rocket will make her official attempt at the World Sailing Speed Record during August.

Wot Rocket will be on display at the Sydney International Boat Show, from next Thursday, at the Sailing Stage in Hall 2

Crosbie Lorimer photographed this week's practice run.