THANKYOU...
Thu, 29 Oct 09 13:54
Well, it looks like it's over.
Today was officially the last day of our record attempt. the wind wasn't forecast to blow... and it didn't.
Soon we will be packing up VESTAS Sailrocket for the last time on the lawns of the Walvis Bay Yacht Club.
Yesterday I felt pretty choked up at the end of our last run. We topped 50 knots for two of yesterdays three runs despite average winds of only 22 and 23 knots on each. The boat was in brilliant form. As easy to sail as any other well developed boat. No evil vices, no tricks... just easy, fast sailing. Very few boats could just go and bang out 50 knots as easily as this boat can, run after run. I feel that we have finally refined her to the point where we could put any decent, thrill seeking sailor in that boat and send them down the course on their 50 knot way.
I savoured every moment of the day. When it was over, I felt that I could have just sat out there on speed-spot with Helena and the boat alone for hours thinking of the journey that had just ended. I walked back to the cockpit in the twilight and thanked Helena for sticking with me and my crazy dreams all this way. Then we lowered the rig and brought her back across the lagoon for the last time.
It seems that we have been hitting some sort of speed limiter around 52 knots (60mph). Time and time again we have hit this peak speed. We have tried sailing in different conditions and using different settings. I have modified the fences on the foils and polished the surfaces until they are mirror like. So, something is not right. Even in gusts to 27 knots we never hit the mid-high 50 peaks necessery to drag up a 50+ average over 500 meters. The foil is obviously still working though as the boat sails beautifully... but she seems reluctant to go faster. No doubt we could work through this problem. If we had one more shot then I would chop off about 25% from the rudder and remove 50% of the fence area. We only need to find another 2 knots...less in fact! Unfortunately this would require a whole nother world record period with the time and expense that goes with it. It's a big comittment. If it was our only option... then that is what I would do. But it's not. That same resource can go into the real future of the project. As a team we will discuss this. We know we can go faster... I also know that Hydroptere, Maquarie Innovations and the kitesurfers can go faster. The kiters are set to tear up Luderitz lagoon in the coming weeks and I'm sure they have fire in their eyes.
This morning was terrible. The reality of the situation is beginning to sink in. We didn't make it to the summit. We achieved a hell of a lot... but the final chapter hurts like a mother. Oh well, get over it and move on. My appetite to succeed in this field has not been satisfied... in fact, my hunger grows.
I would like to thank all of you who have followed or endeavour. You have all supported us in one way or the other. I even like the criticism's. It keeps it real and usually just serves to motivate me more. I read all the comments posted relating to our project and consider them all.
VESTAS have been brilliant in their support. They insisted from the start that they will stand shoulder to shoulder with us and have stayed true to their word. I couldn't have hoped for a better title sponsor.
The journey, the passion, the thrills and spills... they have all been real. I hope it has come across that way.
So this marks the end for this current boat. A boat that will oneday be remembered as a true pioneering breakthrough. I will put her away in cotton wool with full documentation of her settings and configuration. She deserves respect. Malcolm designed a wonderful craft that managed to make it to the end of a very tough learning process for we humans. Both myself and the boat carry the scars from that struggle. I'm proud of them all.
But... one end also marks a new beginning. Some of you have been quite perceptive actually. We will announce more within the week.
yep... the hunger remains alright.
Thanks again to you all.
Cheers, Paul and the team.
Dear Paul and Helena Could
Submitted by Toya on Sun, 11/08/2009 - 06:31.Dear Paul and Helena
Could not imagine you guys not being in the Baai anymore and shredding the lagoon ? We will miss you in so many ways !
Never give up , we know you can get it ! Wish you so much luck in the future.
Cheers and beers Toya and Steven
So sorry.
Submitted by morgan on Tue, 11/03/2009 - 14:23.Paul, Helena and the team,
I really am quite upset for you. Having met you in Walvis I am all too aware of how much this meant to you. But you are "driven" people and I am convinced this will not be the last we will hear from you.
I wish you all the very best for the future, wherever that takes you. PLEASE keep us posted as to future projects and keep the faith!
May the force be with you.
Morgan.
Great Job
Submitted by gregb on Mon, 11/02/2009 - 00:41.hi there,
Well as you know we have been watching from the sidelines throughout and if there is one thing we have learnt about you and those around you Paul... you will not give up.. Whilst we accept that this might be the "put her in the shed moment" for the current machine, we know there will be an exciting project to follow.. Inspirational as you have always been, it is inspiring to observe the clinical and definitive decisions you are currently making so that the team can achieve the overall objective. Well done, congrats to all and looking forward to the next chapter...
Cheers,
Greg.
Infinity and beyond!
Submitted by teamvmg on Fri, 10/30/2009 - 10:22.Time to start looking for 60knots, you are right when you talk about the other teams that are still pushing. Team Vestas would have fully deserved it if you had managed to nudge the record a few points of a knot, But it's great to see that in your mind, you are pushing beyond that.
If it was easy, every dick-head out there would be doing it!
Hope to see you back at WPNSA sometime
Regards from all the team
Dear Paul & the team
Submitted by Steve758 on Fri, 10/30/2009 - 09:54.I've really enjoyed following your progress via the internet.
Obviously a great disappointment not to get the record but your achievements are fantastic - the boat, the speeds, the technology, the team, the entertainment...!
I'm already looking foreward to your next project. It's going to be even more exciting...
All the best (and be safe!)
Steve
Thanks to you
Submitted by Florian Prevel on Thu, 10/29/2009 - 23:31.I remember when I meet you for the first time some years ago just after Team philips project. Then after on Motorola when you give me the first poster of sailrocket project. It was a long time ago, it was a great story.
Thank you for your welcome on Weymouth for the speed week.
Thank you for all the sailrocket story.
Thank you for your fairplay.
The goal on the beginning of the project was to get over 50 knd : YOU DID IT
You can be proud of what you have done !
I am sad to read he last post on sailrocket mk1, but happy to know that you will go in another projet, I am sure it will be great and I will be there to follow you !
And as we say, the last but not the least, thank you to Helena. She is your shadow but is absolutely needed for you to be in light. Thanks to her you let you do this kind of project which made us you happy.
See you soon and sorry about my english
Florian
Thanks to you, too
Submitted by Hendrik Ehlers on Fri, 10/30/2009 - 07:36.Dear Paul, Helena, VSR & Team
thank you for the thrilling & chilling moments with you on the water, around the braai, in the container and in front of the computer. You definitely have enriched our lives with some sort of crazy dream. And it would only be some crazy dream - if it would not be dreamt by the uniquely genuine people you are. Stay well !!!!
Milestone
Submitted by trikiteran on Thu, 10/29/2009 - 22:46.Your work will proof to be a milestone in sailing I believe in the future. You're not there yet but your work will all be worth it in the future. This is just the beginning, so much possibilities left to be discovered.
I'm looking forward to Sailrocket II. The model showes changes on the wing, but my advice is don't waste to much time on details that are already good. The wing and the beam are ok, it's the mainhull that needs changing, then you are really ready for the next chapter. Otherwise, I'm sorry to say, it will all be in the margins again.
It sounds arrogant but to me the concept isn't theory anymore for a long time. I just can't get it in the open just yet. So it's founded and always well mend.
Looking forward to new stories !
Cheers,
Johan
Stayuppa!!
Submitted by Macca on Thu, 10/29/2009 - 22:40.Mate,
I'm gutted for you, Helena and the team for getting pipped at the post. I also want to say thanks for letting us all in on the ride, as always with you Lars, it's been a great read, you have a unique abilitiy to keep us on the edge of our seats, hanging to find out what happens tomorrow!! Sounds like there's already plans of tomorrow in the pipeline. Keep going mate, you'll crack the bastards!!!
Stayuppa
Macca
I always looked forward to
Submitted by Russell Moore on Thu, 10/29/2009 - 22:29.I always looked forward to hearing of the highs and lows the went with the attempts.
As 'they' say 'what doesn't kill us, makes us stronger'.
With all the knowledge gained from Sailrocket, I look forward to seeing the fantastic Sailrocket II that will surely come from this excellent first attempt at making a World beater!
Rome wasn't built in a day....congratulations to all the team.
Russell
Awsome, the team did good
Submitted by chewieb on Thu, 10/29/2009 - 20:40.I have loved following the progress. Thanks for the ride.
Good luck for the future to all the team.
Have fair winds or reef early ;+)
Matt B
Fantastic effort
Submitted by JoddyC on Thu, 10/29/2009 - 19:38.Well, it's been one helluva ride for us at home, so I can't begin to imagine the emotion you all must be feeling. I was hoping that you may have clinched the record at the same time as NASA's Aries 1X finally left the Cape, but that you didn't isn't really such a big deal - it's what you've all learned over the last 7 years or so, and as you said, the fact that you can cruise along in the high 40s as a matter of routine is, in my opinion, a greater achievement.
Looking forward to hearing about your future plans, and I hope Sailrocket will end up somewhere where we can see her.
Cheers,
Joddy.
No one could ever criticise
Submitted by peteandzara on Thu, 10/29/2009 - 16:40.No one could ever criticise your commitment to this project Paul. It would have broken lesser men, the tenacity that you have show should be held up as an example to others. Don’t be too sad its over you have a wonderful partner in Helena and the team around you deserved better but that is speedsailing. I am sure you and the team will go on to greater things.
Pete and Zara Davis
The Dream lives On
Submitted by Richred on Thu, 10/29/2009 - 15:45.We believe in your dream and inspired by your vision.
long life to fast sail ships...
Submitted by Stephane on Thu, 10/29/2009 - 14:58.I was following your story since I say you in Walvis Bay. I even saw later on in Swiss newspaper an article (which I sent you) on your project.
This was a nice story, the biggest bottle of champagne could not be opened, but the most important are the souvenirs you had with Helena and this rocket in Walvis Bay. Keep us posted of the future battles. See you.
Best regards
Stephane.
A huge pat on the back for you guys!!
Submitted by Tom Darville on Thu, 10/29/2009 - 14:13.Well I've followed your record attempt very closely Paul and if all it took was guts and determination you guys would have smashed it out of the water.
You all deserve a huge pat on the back!!
Having made and serviced some of your kit even having to meet Helena in a service station on the M3 motorway to ensure it got to you on time I'm am to gutted you didn't quite get there and to be this close too, if only mother nature had played ball just a little more.
I look forward to the next blog of the next record attempt.
Wishing you all the very best life can offer.
Tom(Pi Research/Cosworth)
end of part one
Submitted by markoblob on Thu, 10/29/2009 - 14:11.You guys must be gutted.
It has been hard enough for all of us armchair warriors just trying live vicariously through your successes and failures.
I guess take a good holiday and we will wait for you to come back refreshed and fired with enthusiasm.
I think I speak for a lot of people that we wish you the very best for the future and hopefully a Mk2 craft.
Please set up a donations line for Mk2, I'm sure that there is a load of us that will willingly chuck a few quid in.
cheers
Mark