Vestas Sailrocket
| Racing career | |
|---|---|
| Skippers | Paul Larsen |
The Vestas Sailrocket was built to capture the sailing speed record competing in the B-class for 150 to 235 square feet of sail. It is piloted by the project leader Paul Larsen and sponsored by Danish wind turbines manufacturer Vestas. In 2008 the first version reached a reported unofficial speed of 52.22 knots (96.71 km/h),[1] before crashing.[2]
After being upgraded to a second version, the Vestas Sailrocket 2 began a campaign to break speed records in November 2012 off Walvis Bay, Namibia. On the 12th of November, it made a 54.08 knots (100.16 km/h) run over a 500 metres (1,600 ft) distance,[3] then 59.23 knots (109.69 km/h) on the 16th.[4] It attained 55.32 knots (102.45 km/h) on a one-mile run on the 18th and simultaneously 59.38 knots (109.97 km/h) on 500m.[5] On 24 November, with wind speeds at roughly 25 knots (46 km/h), it ran the 500m course at 65.45 knots (121.21 km/h) with a 68.01 knots (125.95 km/h) peak.[6] Both records are ratified by the WSSRC for the 500m[7] and the mile.[8]
See also
| External image | |
|---|---|
 Vestas Sailrocket at 65+ knots | |
 500 metre at 65.37 knots video |
References
- ^ Laven, Kate (2008-12-05). "VestasSailrocket sets new speed record of 47.4 knots: Sailing". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 2010-06-12.
- ^ Paul Larsen, ed. (3 December 2008). "Vestas Sailrocket goes BALLISTIC". Youtube.
- ^ "WSSR Newsletter No 216. Vestas SailRocket 2. B Division 19/11/12". WSSR. 19 November 2012. Retrieved 19 November 2012.
- ^ Paul Larsen (2012-11-16). "Super sonic.... Smashed it!!!". Vestas Sailrocket.
- ^ Paul Larsen (2012-11-18). "NEW PB... AND NAUTICAL MILE RECORD SMASHED!". Vestas Sailrocket.
- ^ Paul Larsen (2012-11-28). "BLOWN AWAY... THE 65 KNOT+ RUN (WITH VIDEO)". Vestas Sailrocket.
- ^ "Vestas Sailrocket 2 Outright Sailing Speed Record". WSSRC. 2010-12-04.
- ^ "Vestas Sailrocket. Outright and NM". WSSRC. 2012-12-12.
External links
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