Sea, Sail & Surf news
Speed record
Macquarie Innovation goes 48.57 at Sandy Point
Australia’s team claims "the title of the world’s fastest sailing boat"
dimanche 4 janvier 2009 –
In only 17 knot winds, their Lindsay Cunningham designed craft, Macquarie Innovation, was timed over the 500m qualifying course at 48.57 knots and recorded speeds in excess of 51 knots during the 20 second run. It is expected that the final ratified speed will be reduced to 48.15 knots due to tidal influences experienced on the course.
On the final day of their allotted 56 day record Record #sailingrecord attempt period, the Macquarie Speed Sailing Team was presented with the first real opportunity to tackle the type of conditions in which their boat was designed to perform. The 17 knot wind was some five knots less than the team had hoped to be able to operate in, but was enough to power the extraordinary craft down the course in record Record #sailingrecord breaking time.
Macquarie Innovation is designed and constructed in Melbourne and is an all Australian venture. The 15 person team were located at Sandy Point, near Victoria’s Wilson’s Promontory, where the best natural venue for speed sailing in the world is situated in a sheltered coastal lagoon.
This performance represents not only the fastest speed ever recorded by a sailing boat, but also the most efficient use of wind energy by any craft competing for the World Sailing Speed Record.
Capable of sustaining speeds in excess of three times that of the wind powering it, Macquarie Innovation showcases an Australian project that is leading the world in sail powered performance, efficiency and design technology.
This incredible effort further reinforces the confidence that when the team receives their desired 20 knot winds, the goal of being the first sailing boat to sustain 50 knots over the 500m course should be realised.
Press information Macquarie Speed Sailing Team / www.macquarie.com.au/speedsailing/
Note from SEASAILSURF.com redaction : The Australian team can be very proud of this performance. But they seem to forget that the outright record over 500 meters is the property of french kiteboarder Alex Caizergues with 50.57 knots - officially registered by the WSSRC.
Macquarie Innovation is in a "close combat" to be the first engine to break the 50 knots speed over 500 meters against the 60’ foiler, the Hydroptère and the foiler Sail rocket - both have capsized. From England, France and Australia, the best teams are competing together to go faster and faster. And that’s great... But communications teams seem to give their own numbers... 
[1] subject to official ratification by the ISAF/WSSRC
[2] subject to official ratification by the ISAF/WSSRC
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