SeaSailSurf reports that MI has scored a 48.5 knots run on the last day of its 56 day record attempt period.

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 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 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.

We're getting ready to implement a new online ITC system through the IKO website that will make taking an Instructor Training Course that much better!

That's right - starting February 16, we will be launching an online ITC scheduling system that will offer vastly improved services to our ITC candidates, including an online education system and easy course registration. Here's a basic outline of how the new system will work:

1. School Manager or registered ITC Organizer  places ITC directly online.

2. ITC Candidates register for selected course via the Training Calendar, and pay the IKO training fee through Paypal at the time of registration. The remainder of their course fee is paid directly to the ITC Organizer.

3. Upon registration, Candidates receive online pre-course study material, developed to better prepare them for their ITC course. Candidates then take an online test designed to gauge their pre-course knowledge  and skill level.

4. Examiner receives the results of registered Candidates' pre-test, which will help him to tailor the upcoming ITC course to the needs of his students.

5. During the weeks prior to the ITC, prospective candidates are able to view course registration to see how many spots are still available for each course.

6. Once the ITC has finished, the Examiner can validate his Candidates directly through the same simple online system that was used at registration.

BENEFITS of the New System:

-Online education! Students' ITC training is now supplemented with online pre-course study, which will allow candidates to get more out  of their training experience

-Easy registration: Candidates can register directly through the IKO website, instead of having to contact the course organizer

-Improved service: Quicker post-course validation for candidates

What's Next?

In the coming weeks, we will be releasing more detailed  information about this new system, and how we will all transition between the old and the new. We appreciate  your support in making this switch a smooth one, and are certain you will love  the new changes to come!