Vestas Sailrocket projectleider en piloot, Paul Larsen, heeft in Walvis Bay – Namibië met hun nieuwste set hydrofoils een nieuw snelheidsrecord gehaald van 59,01 knopen gemiddeld over 18 seconden. De GPS piekte een top van 62,53 knopen. Het record zal worden ingediend voor een World Sailing Speed Record Council (WSSRC) goedkeuring.
Het huidige record van 55,56 knopen staat op naam van de Amerikaanse kite surfer Rob Douglas.
Paul Larsen vertelt ons:
“The title says it all. It’s just soaking in now… with the Champagne.
Calling friends, team members… all are family tonight.
I’m sitting here with great French champagne all around and smiling people. Vestas Sailrocket 2 sits outside on the lawn shivering lightly in the decreasing breeze. She has the noble composure of a race winning horse that struts around wondering what all the fuss is about.
We are downloading the Trimble data now. The great thing is that the GPS we use out there is set for a 18 second average… but at 59 knots we might not need that long. It said we did a 59.01 knot average… The Trimble should be higher. I will let you know here when I know.
I think I’ll drink some more Pol Roger… and wait.
Christ… I’m buzzing and I know it is just going to get better. I will have this for life now. There it is 59.23 knot average fresh off the Trimble. 62.53 peak. Records subject to WSSRC ratification.
I’m signing out.
I have too many people to thank I don’t know where to start.
I have to call mum and dad.
The happiest days!
Still more to come. “
www.sailrocket.com
www.sailspeedrecords.com
Foto © Helena Darvelid / VestasSailrocket
