High-Speed Sailing

Vessel Name: Sailien
Vessel Make/Model: Experimental/custom
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28 September 2013

The America’s Cup

I watched, with interest, the videos of the 34th America’s Cup. At last we have fast sailboats engaged in a competition that is fun to watch. The virtual images (such as course boundaries, distance grid lines, separation between boats, etc.) overlaid on the real images really helps to keep the race [...]

31 August 2013

100 Knots for Hydroptere?

The latest news from Hydroptere is that they have plans for a 100 knot sailboat. This was posted on 26 Aug 2013, so look for that date at this address. http://hydroptere.com/en/the-news/last-news/

17 November 2012

Aptly named Sailrocket, blasts off!

While yet to be ratified, Sailrocket posted an average speed over 500 meters of 59 knots. I will not be surprised if they increase their record into the 60 knot range during this record attempt.

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02 January 2012

More drag for VSR2?

I want to start by pointing out that the whole VSR2 team has done a stellar job and has demonstrated conclusively that the forces that drive a sailboat can be aligned for roll stability without using ballast and without using any down-force. (Trifoiler achieved roll stability by using down-force, but [...]

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18 December 2011

My analysis of Sailrocket

I copied a diagram of VSR2 (wing doesn’t show well) and added in the major force arrows that apply. Be aware that these arrows are not correct in terms of scale (length) and some of their locations are guesses, however I believe I’m correct enough for us to learn something about what VSR2 has been [...]

23 October 2011

60 is within reach, what’s next?

I have been watching Sailrocket’s progress with great interest and there’s no question they have a winner. I fully expect to see them reach 60kt in the near future. Sailrocket has now demonstrated what I first learned with my models and again with my full-sized prototypes, that if you get the forces [...]

Current Speed-sailing Action

11 August 2008
Hey Gang,

Things are starting to heat up in the speed-sailing arena. Wotrocket is back at it and plans to be going for the record till 17 Aug., and then they will take a break. I recommend checking their website daily to see what happens. They are still working the bugs out of their craft and I have no idea of what might happen; I don't even have any idea of what their potential might be - so I'll be "watching".

Sailrocket is due back at Walvis Bay on the 14th of Aug., for their next speed attempts. I'd like to add that Paul has been doing an outstanding job of keeping us informed with his blog. As I've said before, once they get good control of the craft, I expect them to be able to break 50 knots. Have they got their control worked out good enough? We'll be finding out soon.

Windjet is nearly ready to go after the land sailing record in Australia - "end of Aug. /early Sept." I would like to add that I expect Windjet to break the record, unless the weather is adverse.

Meanwhile, Hydroptere is taking a break till Sept., when the winds should be more favorable. They have posted a speed of 46.7 knots, and I think they can break 50; if they can get the right conditions. Recall that earlier I said they are nearly maxed out (because of using ballast [weight] for stability).

Use the links I've set-up under "Favorites".

Bob
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