Wind energy giant backs Larsen

Vestas SailRocket to push on in 2008

Paul Larsen's SailRocket Team have secured the backing of Vestas - a wind energy firm. Vestas has to date installed over 35,000 wind turbines in 63 countries on five continents and it is installing a new turbine every four hours.

“We both strive for getting the maximal power out of the wind," said Finn Strøm Madsen, President of Technology R&D. "As the No. 1 in Modern Energy, Vestas is the leading company in wind generating technology, and the Vestas SailRocket Team will be fighting for a number one position.”

A number of teams around the world are attempting to be the first to break through 50 knots. There is everything from simple kite-surfers up to the huge 60’ hydrofoiling trimaran Hydroptere. The current record for the outright world speed sailing record is 49.09 knots, and so far the SailRocket has reached 44 knots.

“It is probably the most amazing race you will see. It involves an incredible array of sailors and disciplines spread all over the world trail blazing the boundaries of what is possible with wind and water. The ultimate goal for us is to be the fastest whatever that speed need to be,” said Paul Larsen (below).



The Vestas SailRocket is designed by Malcolm Barnsley, Testing Specialist at Vestas Technology R&D, Isle of Wight, UK. “Vestas’ SailRocket utilises a unique concept of geometric balance which means great power can be harnessed without reliance on weight. In this way, the tendency to capsize or lift off is removed – in fact, there is no stability limit only a strength limit,” Malcom Barnsley explained.

The team behind the boat will use the coming months testing and improving the vessel. Team leader, Paul Larsen, expects that the final attempts for breaking the record will be initiated around October 2008.

The record attempt, which will take place over a distance of 500 metres, will take place at Walvis Bay, a natural inlet provides a unique combination of strong wind and calm waters, on the coast of Namibia in Africa.