Barney's second 40 knot sailboat strolls it in.
Tue, 24 May 11 19:11
Today VESTAS Sailrocket 2 strolled over 40 knots to become the second '40-knot sailboat' based on the concepts of Bernard Smith.
It really was effortless.
We made some changes to the pitch of the main foil in order to help lift the rear float clear of the water and it all worked a treat. The steering was great and it all just felt smooth. To be honest I was surprised that we hit 40 knots. It turns out the average was 37 knots over 500 meters. The wind wasn't that strong. Maybe 20 knots.
SWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEET!!!!
We still aren't hitting the numbers of the first boat but then these are still early days. Malcolm thought that we would have ventilation problems around the high 30's and he may be right. Whilst fences would help sort that problem out, I decided to peel straight to the cavitating/ventilated section. Jeffro and Jonny were dispatched back to the container to pick up the other foil... and a bottle of Champagne. We plugged the new foil on and headed back up the course. The wind had died enough to deny us another good run with the new foil so we happily called it a day.
ANOTHER BOTTLE BITES THE DUST.
This is all in stark contrast to the effort we put in to getting the first boat over 40 knots. That took three years and quite a bit of trauma.
So now we need to see the new foil work. If it does then it will be an all out speed grab. The trouble is that tomorrow may well be our last day with any decent wind. Well, we will see. One things for sure though... this new boat is 'gagging' for it.
Nice one 'Barney'. This bottles for you.
Cheers, Paul.
Well done
Submitted by Celestial Mechanics on Wed, 05/25/2011 - 09:40.That's amazing progress, you're going to be needing that cockpit canopy soon!
Exciting progress
Submitted by tobgun on Wed, 05/25/2011 - 07:27.I can already see you pushing the outside of the envelope of sailing.
Fingers crossed, Thumbs up
Tobias
Jéroboam
Submitted by JayCee on Wed, 05/25/2011 - 06:46.I sugest you adapt the size of the Champagne bottle to the size of the performance and progression : today you got to Jéroboam. Félicitations team.
Magnum (1,5 Liters),Jéroboam (3L),Réhoboam (4,5L), Mathusalem (6L),Salmanazar (9L), Balthazar (12L), Nabuchodonosor (15L),Melchior/Salomon (18L), Souverain (26,25L),Primat (27L),Melchizédec (30L), Adélaïde (93L) and Sublime (150L)
Brilliant!!
Submitted by morgan on Wed, 05/25/2011 - 05:06.I am simply in awe of you guys.
Morgan.
Pop
Submitted by diamondjimking on Wed, 05/25/2011 - 03:51.I'm looking forward to the bottle for 60 knots!
40+ Fantastic
Submitted by minipump on Wed, 05/25/2011 - 03:49.Malc - This is really exciting. Your rocket is just astounding, and I have a hard time imagining just how fast it must feel at 40+. Looking forward to 50+. Go for it !! Chas Williamson.
Oh yes...... SWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEET!!!!
Submitted by Rebel Yell on Tue, 05/24/2011 - 22:03.The sweet, sweet fragrance of a kite boarder sweating is drifting from the other side of the pond... Bring it on guys....
Greg
Rocking it!
Submitted by padski on Tue, 05/24/2011 - 21:51.You guys are rocking it out there. Keep pushing - we want you to get that record. The Smarts, Uberlandia, Brasil.
Champagne question
Submitted by Frank Neuperger on Tue, 05/24/2011 - 20:00.I wonder if standard and funky foils each get a 40 knot bottle?
I now find myself reading Pauls blogs each morning before other email.
Looking forward to that Funky foil!
Cangratulations
Submitted by rvdokkum on Tue, 05/24/2011 - 19:51.Cangratulations.
The days needed to get your record speed will come.
There is no way back.
I have my bottle of Champagne ready as well :)
When will the next video be online?
Sooooooooo curious to see.
Greets and good luck to all of you.
Remko van Dokkum. / Amsterdam , The Netherlands.
This is Great
Submitted by chewieb on Tue, 05/24/2011 - 19:21.Oh my god. You people are just too good. I was expecting a slow build up to 30 Knots....
WOW just be safe out there !
And good luck.
Matt
This is so good, your
Submitted by markoblob on Tue, 05/24/2011 - 19:18.This is so good, your improvement rate is stratospheric compared with VS1. Can't wait to see how the trick fin works.
well done guys.