The weather window we were hoping for has fizzled out so we have decided to head back to the UK early.

We knew that there was going to be less liklihood of good sailing days at this time of year but decided to stay on just in case. We were looking forward to the upcoming weekend but things look set to continue weather-wise. Our resources could be better applied if we return in early mid August.

VESTAS SAILROCKET is already packed away inside her container and the operational area has been disassembled.

We will use the time wisely in the UK to review what has happened and what is to come. Whilst we haven't hit the speeds we were hoping for.... we haven't hit any brick walls either. The boat and team in general has come a long way in the past four months. Speeds well over 40 knots are now a common occurrence and I personally feel that we are ready to make another significant performance jump.

I know I keep saying it, but speed WILL come with control... and I feel we are getting close to having the necessary control to steer with precision at high speeds. Part of the joblist over the coming weeks will be to install sensors on the foils to give a better indication of what the balance of the boat is like.

The accident that occurred on Run 50 was simply that... an unpredicted accident. We have since load tested the whole skeg assembly to over 185 kg of side load half way down its span and there was no sign of it breaking.

Whilst our goal is simply to be the fastest whatever that speed need be, we are very aware that there is a race on to be the first to 50. We will be back in action as soon as the conditions are back. So the ball is pretty much in Hydroptere's court now. We sincerely wish them well as their passion, dedication and openess is a great model for achieving success way beyond mere speed sailing circles. We hope they go fast... but not that fast just yet!!!

The coming weeks will also allow us time to put together some videos which will be posted when done (remember my laptop got stolen and it has been quite a hindrance in the video editing department).

So hopefully it will only be a relatively temporary departure from speed-spot and once again, as usual, we will come back much stronger for it.

Cheers, Paul.