The Vestas SailRocket - World Speed Record w/video

Credit/Copyright: Helena Darvelid/VestasSailrocket

I’ll admit, when I think about sailing, the phrase “speed record” is probably about the last thing that comes to mind.  But, with a name as bold as SailRocket, the vessel had better live up to its namesake.

Looking through the speed sailing record books the majority of the entries over the last two decades have been kiteboarders and windsurfers.  Not exactly the most technical of sailing crafts.  On the other end of the spectrum you have the new record holders, at 65.45 knots (75.32 mph), with a very technical sailing rocket.  Their peak speed during the record run was 68.01 knots (78.26 mph); there are plenty of triple and quad outboard center consoles out there that don’t go that fast.

I couldn’t even begin to justly explain how technical this unique sailing craft is, thankfully they have a fantastic website dedicated to just that.  The site is chock-full of boat details, videos, pictures, and even a blog by the boat’s captain, Paul Larsen.

Congratulations to Paul and his crew on their new world record!

Click the jump break to watch a video of the Vestas Sailrocket’s record setting run.




News Source: Vestas Sailrocket
Video: YouTube
Photo Credit/Copyright: Helena Darvelid/VestasSailrocket