Yesterday we did manage to get a run in... our third for this record attempt.

VESTAS SAILROCKET performed flawlessly and executed a very smooth 42.5 knot 500 meter run with a peak around 44.7 knots. The average wind was 19.5 knots.

A few things were noted from the PI RESEARCH data afterwards... one in particular was mainsheet stretch under full load. I had consciously sheeted in to the optimal angle of 10 degrees as VESTAS SAILROCKET accelerated and the cleated off the rope so I could operate the flap controls on the wingsail. When we looked at the data afterwards it showed the wing easing out to 14-15 degrees at peak speed. As the rope was sheeted off in a cleat... this could only come about through stretch. We went back through our previous high speed runs and saw a similar trend when the wing was fully loaded. The ropes are as thin as can be in order to reduce weight and more importantly, windage. Although their breaking strength is way above what is necessary... it is the initial stretch from no load up to partial load which is the issue. I don't think it's a big one as long as we know about it and can trim accordingly. In some cases it might be advantageous as our craft/wing doesn't really flex or heel to unload during a gust.

The water is nice and flat during low tides... but I would prefer to operate a little above low tide to have the benefit of a long run out at the end. Having said that... this was one of the best slow-downs I have ever done. I made a few tweaks on the wing flap so that the wing feathers a bit better when I let go of the mainsheet to turn off the power. This time I was able to bring the whole show fully off the boil in a straight line and simply turn it in towards the beach. The shallow bank waiting at the end of the course proved a good incentive!

So all was good and it was great to get a run in just to keep us all on our toes.

We have built a 'crows nest' above the timing hut so that Helena can take photos from an elevated angle. This now puts her some 30' up in the air and allows her to look down on the boat. No helicopters out here you see!!! We have used the original COMPOTECH spar off the old soft sail and mounted a barrell on top of it. Helena climbs up a rope ladder and through the bottom of the barrell. It's quite a piece of kit.

One of the issues here is that it makes it impossible for her to be able to do the 'live-feed' as well... so we will have to come up with a plan 'B' for that one.

So the wind is already blowing today and we hope to be on the water earlier rather than later. In fact... it's looking pretty flash at the moment. One of these days.... one of these days.

 Cheers, Paul.