Super sonic.... Smashed it!!!
Fri, 16 Nov 12 20:43
The title says it all. It's just soaking in now... with the Champagne.
Calling friends, team members... all are family tonight.
I'm sitting here with great French champagne all around and smiling people. VESTAS Sailrocket 2 sits outside on the lawn shivering lightly in the decreasing breeze. She has the noble composure of a race winning horse that struts around wondering what all the fuss is about.
We are downloading the TRIMBLE data now. The great thing is that the GPS we use out there is set for a 18 second average... but at 59 knots we might not need that long. It said we did a 59.01 knot average... The TRIMBLE should be higher. I will let you know here when I know.
I think I'll drink some more Pol Roger... and wait.
Christ... I'm buzzing and I know it is just going to get better. I will have this for life now.
There it is 59.23 knot average fresh off the TRIMBLE. 62.53 peak.
Records subject to WSSRC ratification.
I'm signing out.
I have too many people to thank I don't know where to start.
I have to call mum and dad.
The happiest days!
Still more to come.
Paul.
Victory
Submitted by P.Flados on Fri, 11/16/2012 - 20:59.Great accomplishment.
With all the work by so many, this is a big VICTORY for a great team.
I knew you had the right approach. It took longer than I expected for this Payday, but it was a tought nut to crack an you finally did it.
Congrats again.
Unbelievable!!
Submitted by Tim on Fri, 11/16/2012 - 20:58.Paul - "smashed the arse off it"?……freaking hell, you DEMOLISHED it!!
Impossible to find words to express my profound astonishment at your new outright sailing speed record. My congratulations to you and the team seem feeble and small compared to your towering achievement. I can only imagine the pride and satisfaction you must now feel about your record, and the brains trust back in England that helped get the team to this point. Absolutely dazzling accomplishment. Heartfelt congratulations from this Yank. I'll raise another glass to the Sailrocket team tonight.
If I understand anything about you, you'll be right back out there raising the speed bar far out of reach of all contenders for the foreseeable future. Astounding!!
Tim, Vermont
World Record Holder
Submitted by PhillB on Fri, 11/16/2012 - 20:57.Has a certain ring to it!
Awesome job - well done!
new record
Submitted by tstone52 on Fri, 11/16/2012 - 20:57.Way to go Paul!!!
Congratulations from Vermont
Tim Stone
YESSSS!!!
Submitted by ChrisM on Fri, 11/16/2012 - 20:57.Congrats!
It's been a long and very enjoyable virtual ride to follow along with you and your team.
Chris
Brilliant!!!!
Submitted by Nick Booth on Fri, 11/16/2012 - 20:57.Just fantastic, you guys are the best
Congrats!
Submitted by evanmmann on Fri, 11/16/2012 - 20:56.What a day! I have to admit tears came to my eyes. Paul, Malcolm and your team, congratulations to you not just for today, but for making your dream come to reality, for persevering through adversity, for daring to do something no one else has done!
--Evan
Congratulations!!!!!!!!
Submitted by Richred on Fri, 11/16/2012 - 20:56.Well Done Team Vestas Sailrocket!!!
See ya all tomorrow.
Rich
Congratulations !
Submitted by RJR on Fri, 11/16/2012 - 20:55.Well done to you all you certainly deserve that!
Happy
Submitted by Florian Prevel on Fri, 11/16/2012 - 20:52.I am so happy for you and all the team.
There is so long time that you fight for this record
I am also happy for having done this travel with you.
Mindblowing
Submitted by Alasdair Cameron on Fri, 11/16/2012 - 20:50.Congratulations Paul and team. I've been following you since the early days of Sailrocket 1 and if ever there ever was a hard-fought and thoroughly deserved victory - it is this. Well done a million times over, you guys are inspirational and this is an epic achievement. Enjoy your champagne guys - you really do deserve it.
Invincible !
Submitted by NickT on Fri, 11/16/2012 - 23:26.Read about today whilst in a pub in Southampton, from where like many I have followed the last 5 years (5 years !!!).
Spoke to Paul at the Boat Show standing in front of VSR1 all those years ago. Also bumped into you on the Cowes cable ferry earlier this year on the way to the Old Gaffers bash. I think that was the most compressed discussion on 50 knot plus hydrodynamics ever.
The best thing about this project has been how open and approachable you have been throughout.
Fantastic day !
Thanks for not only having
Submitted by USA 3257 on Sat, 11/17/2012 - 00:27.Thanks for not only having done it but for having taken us all along for "the ride". You are all role models and living proof of the maxim that it doesnt matter how many times you fall down - its how many times you get back up again that matters. Congratulations.