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Did we or didn't we????

As I sit here writing this and stuffing a basic chicken and cheese roll into my mouth, Helena sits down the other end of the container trying to work out if we just broke the nautical mile record or not. I know it was close...

 

We did a 45.68 knot 500 meter average and peaked at 47.6 something...

 

We sat out there on speed-spot all bloody day and only got one run in before sunset. We came home in the dark.

 

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...and again....

The forecast wind didn't quite materialise yesterday with winds only reaching an average of around 17-18 knots. It looks like the extra 'portion' necessary may have arrived today as it was already windy at midday.

We are getting ready to go out. It's colder than usual and whitecaps are already showing. I hate to say it... but It feels like it's a bit brutish. The forecast indicates that there will be wind until the end of our record attempt which is encouraging.

Righto... here we go again. Let's hope it doesn't get to gnarly.

Apologies for keeping you all in suspense and seemingly dragging this on. It's out of our hands and believe me when I say that it frustrates us more than anyone. Speed-sailing is a game of patience for all involved.

Cheers, Paul.

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And here we go again...

The forecast this morning had today and tomorrow at 24 knots but it later changed to have today at 23 and tomorrow at 25. I know it doesn't seem like much but it does indicate a trend of sorts. In all truth it makes no difference as we will gear up for both forecasts and be sitting out on speed spot patiently waiting to be as reactive as possible for whatever comes our way.

We spent the morning re-configuring the boat based on the readings we obtained from the strain guage on the rudder during the last two mile runs. The rudder seemed to have too much load so yesterday we checked the strain guage calibration and today we swung the beam forward to lower the rudder load accordingly. This involves re-calibrating the wing angle sensors and of course re-splicing all the lines and associated safety loops. It takes time.

So behind me now I hear the sounds of rubber neck seals being stretched and neoprene booties being pulled on as the team gears up. The wind looks good and it feels like it's going to build. With so little time left we can only afford to be optimistic.

Let's see what happens.

Cheers, Paul.

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Close... but no cigar!

Yesterday we got out early to make the most of the early tide. Conditions looked good so we didn't hang around at the timing hut but went straight to the top of the nautical mile course for another shot at the title. Just as we left the beach a strong gust came and whipped up the sand. Things settled and in short time we were ready for a run.
 
I felt good based on that run we had done a few days ago in stronger conditions. I was eager to replicate the start-up and peg VESTAS SAILROCKET along the shore. We were getting reports of gusts to 25 knots so I decided to sail in a softer mode which I hoped would be sufficient for the mile record without endangering the boat. I was going to set the wing at 15 degrees with the main flap pulled on.
 
The start up went great and it was one of the cleanest courses I had ever sailed. I was right along the shore and had great visibility in the flat water. The boat felt easy. I ticked off the first buoy near the timing hut after which I need to bring the course up slightly as the beach isn't perfectly straight. I noticed the wing was out at 17 degrees probably due to some stretch in the mainsheet system. I sheeted in again but needed both hands which meant going back to the foot steering. This feels a bit touchy in the mid-40's as VESTAS SAILROCKET becomes very sensitive. I got the wing in a bit but was aware that the boat speed had dropped off at the end. I was back in the 30's with a brief spurt into the 40's past the finish buoy. I could only sail a little way into the lagoon as the tide was well on the way out and the sand bars were too shallow.
 
Although we couldn't tell what the time was then... it turns out that it was a 42.06 knot nautical mile! 1.03 knots off the record... and it was super cruisy. The peak speed was around 46 knots and the best 500 meter was 43.98 knots. The average wind was 21 knots or so. Of course I kick myself now that I didn't sheet in harder as we had an easy 3 knots right there... but that was the call.
 
We quickly made our way back up the course hoping to squeeze in another shot. I was so happy with the last run that I decided that this was to be a 'no-holds-barred' shot at the mile. The tide was running out fast and the end of the course where I run- out to slow down was going to be very shallow. I sent the Support RIB out to the end and left my VHF channel open. After they helped me launch they would have to high-tail it down there and do some quick depth checking as I would be coming down behind them on a record attempt. If it was too shallow i.e. below 80cm then Nick would call an 'Abort, abort' over the radio whilst Alex would wave me off. This run was very similar to the first one. VESTAS SAILROCKET squirms around a bit more when the wing is sheeted fully in. I was really happy with the course and was relishing the flat water, control and clear view. I heard nothing on the radio but could see the boys in the RIB frantically spearing over the side of the RIB checking the depth.It was pretty risky but as long as I stayed fast I would only need around 60cm of water. Once again the speed dropped off at the end... but I made it safely across the shallows waiting past the finish line.
 
The wind felt lighter and happy that we had made the most of the available tide... we called it a day. I knew we had done a couple of good miles... but sort of knew it wasn't quite quick enough. later when we processed the TRIMBLE data this was confirmed. The second mile was 41. something in 19.6 knots of wind and the first one was as mentioned.
 
I'm getting more and more respect for the mile as I go. We have now done 4 or 5 runs over 41 knots in a variety of conditions. It shows how hard it is to sustain long averages. When we look at the peaks and troughs in the wind and boat-speed, even on a course as good as this there is always a fair variation. Having said that, the way we are sailing now I think we can easily gain another three knots on the right day.
 
Overall I think we are really well placed for the challenges to come. Our team-work and general approach to the course is the best it has ever been. The boat feels really solid on the water and is giving me a lot of confidence. It is forecast to blow 25 knots today and we are already gearing up for it.
 
One of these days party people... one of these days...
 
Cheers, Paul

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