Vestas Sailrocket 2: speed DNA

The Vestas Sailrocket 2 has broken the world speed sailing record after reaching 59.23 knots (109.69 km/h) over 500 meters in Walvis Bay, Namibia.

While the fastest kiteboarders and windsurfers are improving their speed records in the Luderitz raceway, the super-fast yacht Vestas Sailrocket 2 was trying to set a new mark in Walvis Bay, only 500 kilometers away.

The Vestas Sailrocket 2 was speeding up on the 13th attempt, in moderate 25-knot winds, when the new world speed sailing record arrived.

Paul Larsen and his sailing craft averaged 59.23 knots over the record 500-meter course and peaked at over 63 knots. After ten years of hard work and constant fine-tuning, he did it.

"We are buzzing. No one has done this with a sailing boat before. This shows how unique and revolutionary the boat is", explains Paul Larsen.

The previous speed sailing record belonged to Rob Douglas from the USA, who had 55.65 knots over 500 meters.

Now, the 60 knots (111.12 knots) are nearer, and Africa proves its conditions for velocity over flat waters.

The Vestas Sailrocket 2 is a revolutionary sailing boat built on the Isle of Wight, United Kingdom.

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