A new sailing boat has been created called the Vestas Sailrocket Mk.II (VSR2), which is capable of reaching up to 60 mph on water, using just the wind for propulsion.
The new Sailrocket is able to reach such speeds due to its design, which enables the craft to lift out of the water and only touch it by a couple of fins, reducing drag. Watch the video after the jump which shows the 18th run of the Sailrocket.
Innovative Design and Engineering
The Vestas Sailrocket Mk.II has been designed to use ventilated foils, which its designers believe will allow boats to exceed the limits previously imposed by ‘cavitation’. Cavitation is a phenomenon where low pressure causes water to vaporize, creating bubbles that can significantly reduce the efficiency of a boat’s propulsion system. By using ventilated foils, the Sailrocket can maintain stability and speed even as it approaches the cavitation threshold.
The design of the VSR2 is a marvel of modern engineering. The boat’s asymmetric shape and the placement of its foils are meticulously calculated to optimize lift and minimize drag. This allows the boat to “fly” over the water, with only a minimal portion of its structure in contact with the surface. This reduction in drag is crucial for achieving high speeds, as it allows the boat to harness the wind’s power more effectively.
Performance and Potential
The Sailrocket is still currently under development at the moment but from the video below you can already see the unique design is paying off dividends in the speed department. During its 18th run, the VSR2 demonstrated its potential by achieving remarkable speeds, showcasing the effectiveness of its innovative design. The boat’s performance has generated significant interest in the sailing community, with many experts eager to see how it will fare in future tests and competitions.
The potential applications of the Vestas Sailrocket Mk.II extend beyond just breaking speed records. The technology and design principles developed for the VSR2 could have broader implications for the sailing industry. For instance, the use of ventilated foils and other drag-reducing technologies could be adapted for commercial and recreational sailing vessels, leading to more efficient and faster boats.
Moreover, the success of the VSR2 could inspire further research and development in the field of high-speed sailing. As designers and engineers continue to push the boundaries of what is possible, we may see even more advanced and faster sailing boats in the future. This could lead to new records being set and a greater understanding of the principles that govern high-speed marine travel.
The Vestas Sailrocket Mk.II represents a significant leap forward in the world of high-speed sailing. Its innovative design and use of advanced technologies have allowed it to achieve speeds previously thought unattainable for wind-powered vessels. As development continues and further tests are conducted, the sailing community will be watching closely to see just how far the VSR2 can go. The lessons learned from this groundbreaking project could pave the way for a new era of high-speed, efficient sailing, benefiting both competitive sailors and the broader maritime industry.
Source: DVICE
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