Southampton based team SAILROCKET are currently seeking sponsorship to build a radical new challenger for the outright world sailing speed record. The design is based on ideas presented by Bernard Smith in his book ‘The Forty Knot Sailboat’ published in the late 60s, and is the result of over 10 years research and development. Although 40 knots is no longer enough to break the current record of 46.5 knots (set by the Australian boat YELLOW PAGES ENDEAVOUR in 1993), designer and team leader Malcolm Barnsley is convinced there are some unique advantages to Smiths concept which make 50 knots a very real possibility.

SAILROCKET is a one tack boat featuring an inclined soft sail to leeward controlled by twin wishbones and a similarly inclined hydrofoil element to windward. The all up (target) weight of 250kg is carried at speed by a combination of aerodynamic ground effect and 3 small planing surfaces. The boat will be 9m long carrying a B class rig (21.8m^2) and will require only one on person aboard to operate.

Testing of a 1:5 scale radio controlled model started in March 2000 and has helped to provide valuable answers in some of the more difficult technical areas, particularly stability and control in ‘off design’ conditions. Average model speeds of 14 knots have already been measured over a 100m course in non optimum conditions with insufficient sail winch torque to fully sheet in.

The model is now undergoing further modifications and trails in order to finalise some of the design details and help confirm the record breaking potential at full size.

www.sailrocket.fsnet.co.uk

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Amended 08/04/06