What a great run. With perfect top-end conditions we hit the course determined to go for it. Yesterday was a great day for dialling in VESTAS SAILROCKET and based on those four runs we reconfigured the geometry for today.

I knew it was going to be fast because I knew I could get her in close to flatter water.

My visor hadn't blown up since the 44 knot run earlier this year so I guessed it was pretty damned quick... and it stayed quick... because my visor blew up a second time. She felt great. Once I had managed to slow the madness down I informed the team that we had a new top speed. The GPS read 45.7 knots, later on the download it read 45.85 whilst the PI RESEARCH GPS recorded 46.28 knots!!! I'll let you all work out what was probably real but I will guess somewhere in between.

We were all stoked and decided to put the boat away so we could once again digest all the data from todays run in case any little 'red flags' had appeared.

We have now downloaded all the data although it was a bit frustrating as a number of systems decided not to work including the expensive solid-state onboard camera and the shore logger which records the data of the ultra reliable TACKTICK gear (the logger is a custom jobby and not TACKTICK by the way). The B+G/PI RESEARCH system on the boat caught all the vitals which we are joyfully wading through.

Even better news for us was the averages we attained over the course. We did 700 meters over 40 knots and managed a 500 meter run of 44.3 knots. In boating terms that puts us up in pretty exclusive company. I think Hydroptere's best 500 meter is somewhere around there... although I think we all know they are capable of a bit more.

Whilst we sailed in much flatter water today, we can still come in as close again. The main flap on the wing wasn't pulled on at all, the strut is still unfaired and the raising and lowering rigging was left up to assist in turnaround times. So there is plenty more still to come.

The ride was much nicer thanks to the new thinner rear planing surface and the steering felt very positive. The pod was flying perfectly clear of the water just nipping the odd wave every now and then. We are still not out of the woods with control issues... but then this run showed how we have come a looooooong way to achieving solid averages in a controlled manner.

It is so nice to move forward once again. Some times you just seem to get stuck at a number for seemingly no reason. VESTAS SAILROCKET showed us that she has a lot left to offer and it's a huge relief to all the team to have all the hard work rewarded.

The video looks like it was in fast forward. Pics and vids to follow.

Happy days, Malcolm was so happy to hear the good news.

Cheers from Paul and the team.