Trophée Jules Verne

PaulK

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Dec 1, 2009
1,222
Sabre 402 Southport, CT
For you speed demons, the Ultimate Class trimaran Gitana has set off on another attempt to beat the RTW record. They've been averaging better than 30 knots for the past 24 hours, and are more than 100 miles ahead of the record pace at this point. Crossing the equator expected tomorrow. http://gitana-team.com
 
Nov 6, 2006
9,884
Hunter 34 Mandeville Louisiana
Couple of notes:
First, WHAT a HOOT! Going to get interesting for them soon but so far, it looks like they are having a hoot!
Second, Amazing technology in reporting on their site.. How cool is it that we can see those videos and the tracking data.. in almost real time..
 

PaulK

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Dec 1, 2009
1,222
Sabre 402 Southport, CT
Back up to 32 knots out of the doldrums today. Sounding positive about maintaining a record pace. 300+ miles ahead at this point.
 

PaulK

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Dec 1, 2009
1,222
Sabre 402 Southport, CT
800 miles ahead of record, Gitana withdraws with a broken starboard rudder post. You don't want to hit the southern ocean only able to steer on one tack. Bummer.
 
Nov 6, 2006
9,884
Hunter 34 Mandeville Louisiana
Sad to see that they broke a rudder/foil and had to abandon the effort..
 
Jan 1, 2006
7,039
Slickcraft 26 Sailfish
I don't have an official count but I've noticed how often it's rudder failure that is the undoing of a passage.
 
Nov 6, 2006
9,884
Hunter 34 Mandeville Louisiana
Must be some incredible forces on those rudders.. foils supporting the aft end of the boat, and drag, lateral, and steering forces at 30 ish knots..
 

PaulK

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Dec 1, 2009
1,222
Sabre 402 Southport, CT
They were doing 35 knots when the inspection uncovered the problem. It seems they are heading towards Cape Town and will decide shortly whether to stop there or simply return to France.
 
Oct 22, 2014
20,989
CAL 35 Cruiser #21 moored EVERETT WA
It has got to be some trick to make this boats light enough to foil yet strong enough to withstand the pressures on the hardware.
 

PaulK

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Dec 1, 2009
1,222
Sabre 402 Southport, CT
Carbon fiber is crazy stuff. The engineering has got to be even crazier. Look what happened to American Magic - getting holed by hitting the water at 50 knots.