SHE WORKS!!!

Mon, 16 May 11 18:18

Hi all, just a short one to say that we just came back from speed-spot where VSR2 cruised effortlessly over the 8 knot speed hump in mild 16-19 knot conditions. The addition of the back skeg transformed the low speed handling and made VSR2 track true from start-up. A heap of mushy dra was lost and away she went. The boys were following in the RIB and we were all 'whooping and hollering'. I left the wing fully eased and just enjoyed a sedate run. The point we were looking for had been proven. What a great day. We hit just over 20 knots so that means two bottle of Pol Roger champagne are history (the 10 and 20 knot bottles).

The videos and photo's will follow. I just wanted to let you know asap. We are very excited by this. The boat felt great, the rudder was steering, the back float was lifting on the foil... it was simply working.

The champagne is warm as we didn't pre-empt this one. Maybe that's the secret.

What a great thing to witness. I am pretty happy at the moment. I reckon that 20 knot wave that came off the bow of VSR2 today will ripple right through the speed sailing world.

More to come.

Cheers, Paul

Paul's blog

Comments

what she likes

Submitted by kayakmaran on Wed, 05/18/2011 - 21:16.

they are so like women , boats
80 percent graceful and beautiful
20 percent teeth and claws and rath

just got to know what she likes and when
so when you see her in full dress
dont forget to tell her - you look great x

Safari

Submitted by PhillB on Wed, 05/18/2011 - 19:38.

Game drives are the way to go, more elephant watching required!

Seriously for a moment, this is good progress. I hope the 30 knot bottle is suitably warm to celebrate the next step. Mine is.

I've watched with interest

Submitted by whizsplash on Wed, 05/18/2011 - 03:07.

I've watched with interest and excitement throughout VSR1 and now VSR2.

I am genuinely excited by the whole project!

Just sheet it in and let it go!

Too long since any news!

Submitted by markoblob on Tue, 05/17/2011 - 20:02.

Normally you go quiet if you have broken something.
Give us some speed news please?

Okay, in this world of bad

Submitted by DC_US55 on Tue, 05/17/2011 - 13:17.

Okay, in this world of bad movie remakes, why isn't a studio breaking down your door for this story!?

It's about determination and it's got science, friendship, teamwork, love, risking it all, speed, crashes, perserverence, exotic locations, and moments of sheer joy!

Oh...and there's that bit about breaking some big record!

Hehe!!

Submitted by morgan on Tue, 05/17/2011 - 07:16.

Fantastic news guys. I need to be in Walvis to witness this instead of being in the UK!
Any doubting competitors are now paying attention lol.

Morgan.

step by step...

Submitted by DC_US55 on Mon, 05/16/2011 - 23:42.

You must have been tempted to sheet in and go!

Very few have the determination to get this far...
You've got enough to do it right!

Praying for good, safe and fast conditions.

Coming together

Submitted by Russell Moore on Mon, 05/16/2011 - 23:06.

Every rung of that ladder up to 60kts will be an achievement to savior...looking forward to all that lays ahead.

Proper science

Submitted by JoeHenderson on Mon, 05/16/2011 - 23:00.

Proper science + methodical development + enthusiasm = as fast as you want.

The logical progression and prosecution of an idea, I love it!

My dad brought a copy of "The forty knot sailboat" back from the states in the sixties and I could not tear myself away for a couple of days.

Bernard will be rushing through the halls of Valhalla, pestering minor gods, and insisting "See, I told you so, all we needed where the materials"

Joe henderson.

Awesome news guys!

Submitted by Juls on Mon, 05/16/2011 - 22:58.

Sounds like the dream is tantalisingly close! Keep up the good work and keep on inspiring the rest of us!

God Speed to all!

Juls!

VSR2