Hi all, just got in and the team are tearing through the data, photos, footage... and snacks.

Looks like we did somewhere around a 41.2 knot average (all subject to WSSRC ratification) over the mile which should be enough to move us up to second in the mile ranking overall and take the course record off Dunkerbeck along with a few other smaller titles (Australian mile, 'B' class mile). Hydroptere is still king in this department  for the time being... but we will be back. We did a 44.02 knot 500 meter run and a peak around 46.

It looks like we jumped perfectly through the days weather window as the wind dropped slightly after the run. We hit the course just after it stopped peaking at 24's and as it shifted to a more ideal direction. The WSSRC commissioner noted no significant tide (it was bang on high tide anyway.

I was happy with the start up which I delayed a little so as not to go too fast whilst still out in the rough. Sailing a nice clean course had all my attention and I focused on carefully aligning VESTAS SAILROCKET's pointy nose at the SEAFLEX buoys. I was also taking note of how light the nose was as the gusts hit. she still felt pretty 'soft' up there. I left the wing out at around 15 degrees but had the flap pulled 80% in. I knew it was pretty fast as she would jerk forward in the gusts. The mile did seem like a loooong time. I was aware that I wasn't saying much. Keeping a good straight course had all my attention. Looking at the data now it seems that the course was very true. I figured that the average would be solid but the run wasn't 'ballistic'. Considering it was our second run with the new foil and setup I'm pretty happy overall with the progression. By the end of the run I wasn't totally confident with the boats behaviour. Whilst the steering was great, the slight pitching was a little concerning. It felt fast... as it always has. But I now know what lies at the end of that dark alley. Malcolm wanted us to do another run after the first around the 45 knot mark just to progressively work up... so this one should be perfect from a data-base perspective.

The trip across the Lagoon is always a messy afair as is getting the boat back at the end.

So I guess I'm pretty happy with todays effort on a number of fronts. It's always nice to nail a difficult weather window and I'm happy with how I sailed the course. The boat in general felt good and the data collected off the TRIMBLE GPS and PI RESEARCH data logger is all spot on. Armed with this we will be able to move forward.

MALCOLMS COMMENTS FROM LOOKING AT PI RESEARCH AN TACKTICK DATA...

Had a brief look just now.No major surprises.

• The steering seems quite close to centre (averaging a round -2 cm) - good
• The rudder load seems to be a round 70kg average which seems a bit high. Did you check the calibration ?- I am using Georges latest workbook (as sent to you) but there could have been a shift.
• sheeting mainly in the 14-16 region

The photos are great - it looks slightly light at the front (less spray) in one of them but it  could just be a dynamic thing in the waves etc. Need to see video to get overall impression of loading.

Hope good wind comes soon.

Malcolm.

Cheers, Paul.