SailRaceWin: Images of Vestas Sailrocket 2

Thursday, 10 March 2011

Images of Vestas Sailrocket 2

Paul Larsen has explained to SailRaceWin that the design concept should ensure that the platform of Vestas Sailrocket 2 is stable, no matter the wind strength. He also explained that strength of wind is vastly more important than weight of the sailor in regard to speeds to be achieved, which is why it is a case of:

"60 [knots boatspeed] or bust". Image copyright Mark Lloyd/Lloyd Images.

Image copyright Mark Lloyd/Lloyd Images.

Image copyright Mark Lloyd/Lloyd Images.

Paul Larsen explains why he had to sit in Vestas Sailrocket 2 on the water:
It was high tide in the Medina. With Cowes basking in the spring sunshine as a backdrop she left my grasp and swung out over the water before being lowered gently in. We all clapped and just absorbed the moment. Although it wasn't part of the plan, I got Matty to come over in the RIB and pick me up. I had to climb in her to see how the bow would sit... actually, that's a lie... I just wanted to sit in her on the water full stop. As I climbed in and out of the cockpit I wondered how many adventures we would now be having in this new setting. When will that day finally come when I can climb out of that cockpit knowing that a world record is in the bag? I could feel the boat being pulled around by the small gusts so I jumped back in the rib and we lifted her out. It was with great relief that she was lowered gently back onto the shore. That was it. We had launched the boat. The UK had delivered us a gorgeous day and the champagne flowed.