Industrial strength Walvis Bay prevents run for Vestas Sailrocket 2
by Paul Larsen 19 Oct 2012 17:04 BST
19 October 2012
We took VESTAS Sailrocket 2 across the lagoon at low tide to try and get through the weather window... but it appears we hit the window frame. I set 32 knots as our absolute limit. It hit this as we were just preparing to raise the wing.
The decision not to sail was easy. We are under no pressure at this stage to risk serious damage to the boat. Small issues are often magnified greatly in these conditions. The team need more practice and the boat itself isn't yet dialled in. We need a few more runs in less top-end conditions first.
VSR2 now sits safely beside this container. It's pumping outside and the horizon is lost in the sandy haze. The container is shaking, the tent is flapping and everything is getting covered in a dusty sand. So we will try again tomorrow.
Too little, too much... at least we are getting out there and making the calls on site. That's the best we can do. Our day will come. Sorry for the roller-coaster of will we/won't we? I've been on it for a long time now and I still get excited every time we head out.
One of these day party people... one of these days....
Paul