VESTAS Sailrocket 2 onboard at 100kmh

Outright world speed sailing record contender, VESTAS Sailrocket 2, takes WIRED Journalist Adam Fisher for a joy ride during its trials in Namibia. It turns out to be the fastest run the boat has ever done with a peak over 100kmh. Adam thought it was just going to be a safe and cruisy ride... which is why he can't quite understand the number on the GPS at the end. VESTAS Sailrocket is only in crude trim here with a lot more potential still to come.
Film/Edit: Adam Fisher, Hiskia Sindimba, Helena Darvelid.
Music by Leftfield "Open up"
VESTAS Sailrocket RUN 13 in Walvis Bay Namibia.
Peak speed 54.41kn and a 500m average of just over 50kn.
Pilot Paul Larsen takes Adam Fisher for a ride in Vestas Sailrocket2.

[Doug_Narby]

It's hard to say enough good things about what you are doing - it's been a great privilege to stay so close to the process through your videos. amazing to live in a time that such things can be done, and more importantly, shared so openly. good luck!

[munteruk]

Wow. What a machine. Amazing persistence from the team as well. It is simply amazing that this new boat works so well out of the box.

[kkirkplus]

I'm excited about a sustained point to point speed test!

Very excellent achievement attained here!

[katesatriani]

That's my "Boy"! I taught him everything he knows about sailing!! Ann Larsen

[teamvmg]

I love it at he end where he is reading the GPS "hmmmm 54 - wonder what that is, if I stand up and scream 54 knots - am i going to look like a knob"

[MegaShortcuts]

Fantastic. Record on it's way soon I reckin!

[karalnz]

fab effort guys but watch out for the kite powered multihull hydroplane, coming soon to a beach near u...

[dtfusion]

awesome...how come they don't use hydroplanes? It would smooth the ride and add speed....are they not allowed for the record runs?

[yarisman]

looked wicked paul,
come on redux rocket / ian p

[makofoto]

Geez ... how hard would it be to put some Rain-X on your lens port covers?!

[DanFrederiksen]

do the foils have shark skin? that can cut drag in half.
maybe the surface should be treated for best slip. maybe a polyethylene surface or teflon.
a canopy over the heads can help aero too.
a fish can go 110km/h under water so you are not doing it right yet : )

[defrysk]

Speedkiters are still the fastest sailer on earth atm.It has been months now since this video is uploaded, so has it failed? Or are the conditions not good enough?

[Huckaby]

At some point, a boat becomes an airplane - pushed onto the water. No, I don't have a lot of money, but if I did - I'd be in tandem with Paul's efforts. :)

[dtfusion]

oops, I meant hydrofoils, not hydroplanes

[MyKharli]

left field sounding like lydon in PIL

[merrynvoyzey]

Getton Hewlings. The cornish connection...