High-Speed Sailing

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 [...]

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/

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.

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

The Dutch Have Joined Us!

21 October 2008

Hey Gang, there are some "new kids on the block"! Our Dutch friends have joined us for a shot at some sailing speed records, check them out at:

www.wiebel-sailing.com

This is an interesting venture and will add to the speed-sailing fun. They are adopting some of the best features of wind-surfers but also employing innovative new ideas to expand overall workability. Be sure to watch their PowerPoint presentation for a great explanation of their craft. By the way, I believe Lindsay Cunningham was watching the windsurfers when he chose planing pods instead of hydrofoils for Yellow Pages, so Wiebel Sailing has a great precedent to follow.

Please join me in welcoming them and wishing them good speed. I hope to see them zipping across the water soon.

Bob

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