First to 50 knots

Paul Larsen updates us on his SailRocket project - now with go-faster wingmast

The SailRocket project has recommenced sailing activities with its new solid wing sail. The wing is the culmination of an 18 month design, build and finance program.

The amazing craft now sitting in full standby mode in Weymouth is the product of all the teams’ knowledge and passions regarding wind and water.

The aim of the project remains the same, to set the Outright world speed sailing record and break through the 50 knot mark.

To date, the wing has met all of its weight and strength targets. According to our VPP (velocity prediction program) SailRocket should be capable of hitting 55 knots of boat speed in 22 knots of wind assuming ideal conditions.

The wing was designed by team member and director of Aerotrope, Christopher Hornzee Jones using a Compotech carbon spar, Fibrefusion water jet cut ribs, SP Gurit composite materials and all metal work supplied by Ekspan. The SailRocket build team were helped throughout the build in Southampton with floor space generously offered by Vestas Blades and Designcraft.

SailRocket has already completed 58 runs down the Portland Harbour speed sailing course using the Mk1 Doyles/Compotech soft sail without mishap. The top speed with this rig was 31 knots as the rig struggled to hold shape when SailRocket’s unique concept began to work in earnest. The value of these trials relating to such a radical craft is immeasurable. Many of the lessons learnt were incorporated into the design of the new solid sail.



The new wing is a highly efficient, practical and robust piece of engineering that has already been sailed twice. The wing area is 16sqm, it weighs just 50kg yet has a working load of approximately 1 tonne. The whole craft can be rigged for sailing by two people and handled on the water by three.

The team do not expect an easy ride to 50 knots. A whole host of new issues are bound to accompany the much higher speeds and small mistakes will be compounded. It remains to be seen if Portland Harbour can return to its former glory as a World record setting venue.

It’s no small feat that the project has got to this stage unfunded. It has taken longer but thanks to a dedicated team and a host of product supporters, quality has not been compromised. Without the financial support of a sponsor, the risks are now very high. We can’t afford to fumble the ball. The door remains wide open for a title sponsor who can help the team consolidate the huge amount of work already done. Innovation, speed and efficency are the qualities that underlie our endeavour.

As soon as SailRocket demonstrates consistent record breaking potential we will start the haul beginning with the UK and women’s outright records. We know it will not be an automatic process. Looking for a moment’s perfection is a dedicated hunt that involves a lot of patience.

The team is on full-time standby. Every sailing opportunity that comes along needs to be utilised as the radical craft continues its refinement process. The weather windows are short and sharp at this time of year in the UK.