World's fastest sailing boat

Paul Larsen brings us up to date with his Sailrocket speed sailing project

Click here to read our original interview with Paul Larsen about this project

The aim of the Sailrocket project is to build the fastest sailing boat the world has ever seen.

The SailRocket project has been moving forward at a steady but necessary pace in the past few months. Out of this a few things have transpired which will prove very beneficial to the whole project.

When Malcolm [Barnsley] and I joined forces on this project we agreed to never do anything that would compromise the quality of the finished product. We always, and still do, have it clear in our minds that this project was never going to become second rate and hence fall foul of all the ‘gremlins’ that that attitude invites later down the track.

Because we are stepping into the unknown with this project and don’t have the resources to commit to it full-time all the time, the progress has been slow and steady yet remained true to the standards we have in mind. Things are speeding up.

Right now we are well down the path to building the real thing. This is an exciting stage as for the first time this amazing craft has leapt out of our vivid imaginations and taken full-size shape on the build room floor right before our eyes. It’s a beautiful thing. From this stage I have no doubt that the project will snowball.

5–19 October, main hull mould takes shape in Woolston.

NEG Micon Rotors, the company for whom Malcolm is senior test engineer and a leader in wind power technology has very generously given us a fantastic location in Woolston to build the boat. You could not wish for a better spot. They are also offering to help with other construction aspects of the project which will be very beneficial at these early stages. SP Systems have also stepped in and offered us the use of their fine composite products with which to build what will not only be a record breaking but very significant boat in the history of sailing.

With the support of these two key companies we decided that we could proceed with construction of the main parts with our own funds and without compromising the finished product.

Southampton University have also offered to offer help in key areas. The model will undergo wind tunnel testing before Christmas to evaluate its parasitic drag as well as overall lift/drag characteristics and yawing moments.

Building the boat is however only a small part of the end success of this project and we are remaining equally focused on the need for a cash sponsor to see it through to its ultimate potential. In order to help us find a title sponsor and also to best serve this sponsor we have enlisted the help of Angus Buchanan.

Angus is a former member of sir Peter Blake/ Robin Knox-Johnston’s successful ENZA campaign for the Jules Verne trophy as well as helping other projects achieve their goals by finding the necessary funding. Having a world-record breaking sailor as well as an experienced and successful fundraiser helps to complete the foundations of a successful team.

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Paul Larsen shows how his scary speed sailer is shaping up