| The British speed sailing craft Vestas SailRocket piloted by Australian Paul Larsen has become the worlds fastest sailing ‘boat’ by attaining an average speed over the 500 meter record course of 47.4 knots*. On the following run while on target for the Outright world record it literally took off and performed the full ‘Donald Campbell’ in equally spectacular form flying over 30ft in the air upside down.
On the third of December in winds averaging only 22 knots, the super efficient, purpose-built craft attained peak speeds of 51.76 knots during the run down the Walvis Bay speed-strip in Namibia. The speed is enough to give the team the ‘B’ class world record and Larsen, the Australian National record. Most importantly to the team it gives them the unofficial title of world's fastest ‘boat’. This leaves only the windsurfers and kite boarders to beat. ...more |
