Guest Posted October 28, 2011 Share Posted October 28, 2011 I have been following the world speed sailing records for 20 years. Have watched the record go from 'Longshot', to a windsurfer, to Yellow Pages, back to a WindSurfer and, now of course to Hydroptere. Huge expensive craft, back to simply and cheap, and back again. Heres something I dont get: We are a nation of sailors, and pride ourselves on innovation right? How come, then, that we havent mounted a serious attempt on the World sailing speed record? Is anybody else in Wellington interested in a stab at the record ?? How about some inspiration from overseas .. http://www.sailrocket.com/ http://www.wotrocket.com http://www.windjet.co.uk http://www.sailspeedrecords.com/500-metre-records.html Cheers DHRB Link to post Share on other sites
BvanVugt 0 Posted October 29, 2011 Share Posted October 29, 2011 Isn't the record currently with a kiteboard? 2010 Kite-board Rob Douglas USA Luderitz, NAM 55.65 kts http://www.sailspeedrecords.com/500-metre-records.html Link to post Share on other sites
BelowPAR 0 Posted October 29, 2011 Share Posted October 29, 2011 ISAF doesnt recognise the kites as sailing speed records any longer. As of about this time last year. Gavin Broadbent (kiter) is a very very decent NZ attempt at the record. Not sure if anyone else has gone over 50kts. Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Posted October 29, 2011 Share Posted October 29, 2011 Maybe we can organize racing between kites and proas - both banned by ISAF Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Posted October 30, 2011 Share Posted October 30, 2011 OK, here is the basis of my thinking: In 1992, Longshot got the 'Class A' record - which it still has - at 43 knots. They used 2 x old fashioned 10 sqm windsurfer sails, & primitive hydrofoils. The basic design concept is a good one - but it didnt get developed further .. Therefore, use the basic 'Longshot' concept as a starting point - and to carry on where they left off i.e. using a similar functional layout, 2 x windsurfer rigs and hydrofoils. Develop the design such that the overall CE / mast rake / balance is more efficient (read faster), and use modern hydrofoils foils (which can be bought off the shelf) .. and consider using a glider-pod as basis for the seat / controls - and mounts for the outriggers .. My interest is in generating some Welly based interest in the idea, and to flush-out a group of like minded people, with the right mix of professional expertise, and enthusiasm to 'make something happen'. Thoughts from WellyTalk ? whaddya think ?? And, if I have piqued your 'professional interest', pse email me on Dhrbernard@gmail.com or ring me on 027 666 0904. Would love to talk over a beer. Cheers DHRB Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Posted November 3, 2011 Share Posted November 3, 2011 OK, so there isnt a lot of Wellytalk interest a Wellington based attempt at the (ClassB) world speed record of 43 knots. 232 views, but only a couple of responses. Shame methinks - but thats OK .. Perhaps there would be interest in a campaign which was well underway, and where there was something tangible to see? understandable .. A brief update: I have been in touch with a foil expert in Aus, and had some interesting and positive engagement. Also with a member of the Team NZ / AC45. But for now, I am seeking to identify somebody with the right sort of smarts, who can model the forces, the balances, the dynamics of C/E etc. - in order to design a more efficient 'Longshot' type configuration. Do you know, or recommend such a person ?? You see, John Britten worked with existing good ideas - to make them better. Examples: he used an already proven motor configuration (Vee twin) with flat-top pistons - but got world renowned Harley Davidson tuner - Jerry Branch to do the cylinder head porting work. And he used KZ7 expertise to understand the new carbon-fibre technology. My point is, that it was a 'team game' - with some hard-core specialist expertise to 'better' already good ideas. But he also used people who could think outside the square .. See, I believe in the possible. I also believe in the power of like-minded people with a common goal .. OK, thats it from me. For now. Will keep you posted on progress .. If you have a particular interest, or skills which are - or could be useful to the cause - then please dont hesitate to contact me; on 027 6660904 Cheers. DHRB Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Posted November 27, 2011 Share Posted November 27, 2011 This would be quite a cool project. Did they end up using a wing on that thing? I have analysis tools. What are the restrictions of the class B record? Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Posted February 12, 2012 Share Posted February 12, 2012 This would be quite a cool project. Did they end up using a wing on that thing? I have analysis tools. What are the restrictions of the class B record? hiya .. are you still about? Yes, a cool project indeed. You mentioned that you have the analysis tools ? Please contact me; David on 027 6660904 cheers David Link to post Share on other sites
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