My attempt to break a sailing world record

[Fiveslide]

WhoCLAUDIO VIGADA-FILIBERTO

WhereITALY*(IMPERIA)

When26 SEPTEMBER 2004

Claudio Vigada-Filiberto sailed the 2 m (6 ft 6 in) radio controlled yacht Urca Delta Colori a distance of 85.128 nautical miles (157.65 km or 97.96 miles) from Imperia, Italy, to Calvi on the French island of Corsica, in 23 hours 42 min from 25 to 26 September 2004

I've convinced myself to try and break that world record set by a person with a 2 meter rc boat, just over 85 nautical miles in 24 hours, an average of about 3.6 knots. The record has stood since 2004.

First order of business, see if my current rc boat is even capable of that kind of speed. It is only 1 meter long, so I will be at a disadvantage. It looks quick in the right conditions, I just don't know exactly how fast it is. Perhaps I'll stick my phone in the hull with an app to track its speed. Next windy day... If it won't sail that fast, I guess I might be building a bigger boat, or giving up.

I'll have to add more AA batteries to make it last the full 24 hours. It could use that weight in the stern, I've pitchpoled it on windier days. I'll have to find the absolutely perfect conditions and sail choice and make the attempt on a day those conditions will last the full 24.

I think I can do it, maybe not with my current rc boat, but we'll see.

So here's my thread, to post updates, progress, successes and failures.

[Suijin]

Go for it. Why not.

[Fiveslide]

Originally Posted by Suijin

Go for it. Why not.

Oh, I am!

Tomorrow, winds are supposed to be out of the west at 5 to 10, which will be blowing straight down a long channel here on the lake. Good day to see what speed I can get with the largest sail. I'm off to search for a phone app that will measure speed to 1/10th mph and record an average speed. That should tell me if I can proceed with my current boat or have to find or build something with more waterline.

[Sailmonkey]

Originally Posted by Fiveslide

Oh, I am!

Tomorrow, winds are supposed to be out of the west at 5 to 10, which will be blowing straight down a long channel here on the lake. Good day to see what speed I can get with the largest sail. I'm off to search for a phone app that will measure speed to 1/10th mph and record an average speed. That should tell me if I can proceed with my current boat or have to find or build something with more waterline.

My friend has developed a simple gps app called YONAV, it will, I think, do what you want

[Fiveslide]

Originally Posted by Sailmonkey

My friend has developed a simple gps app called YONAV, it will, I think, do what you want

It does look perfect, but I don't have an iPhone or iPad or watch. I need am android app, and I'm still looking.

[Maka]

Why dont you keep track of time and distance? Then you can calculate the speed from that.

[hlk]

Am I missing something or is the hull speed not about 2.4 knots based on 1.34 times the sq rt of the waterline?

[fatherchronica]

Often times people forgo safety in their quest to break records and thus gain everlasting international fame, so I just want to caution you to be careful. Maybe wear a helmet and sensible shoes.

[Maka]

How many people you recon you need to do that?
Sail the RC boat for 24 hrs AND drive the chase boat w RC operators on board for 24 hrs?

[Maka]

Originally Posted by hlk

Am I missing something or is the hull speed not about 2.4 knots based on 1.34 times the sq rt of the waterline?

I believe that is part of the formula... but I believe you also have to factor in:
Sail area X pi Divided by ( Mast height X boom length ) [ Sloop Rig ]
Keel depth ratio to rode length X average water temperature.

There may be more to the formula.

[hamburking]

Originally Posted by Maka

How many people you recon you need to do that?
Sail the RC boat for 24 hrs AND drive the chase boat w RC operators on board for 24 hrs?

This is the 21st century. How about make the boat autonomous! Point it in the right direction and just pick it up at the other end.

FWIW, Lake Ontario would be perfect for this. Good SW winds the length of the lake, with lots of room for error. Launch around Hamilton, pickup near Kingston 24 hours later.

As for speed...can you make it a multihull...that would allow you to exceed hullspeed. At the very least your going to need a planing hull if you really want to make some decent speeds.

I was not aware of this record. Good thing you mentioned it. You might just have an actual race (to break the record) on your hands!

[SoundOfSilence]

I have built a few RC sailboats myself, a nice hobby. Post some pictures of your boat and the testing as well, this will be interesting!

[Fiveslide]

Originally Posted by hlk

Am I missing something or is the hull speed not about 2.4 knots based on 1.34 times the sq rt of the waterline?

Yes, but the boat that set the record averaged well above theoretical hull speed for the 85+ nm trip. I've watched some videos of the 10 rater class, those boats can get, might have to upgrade for this.

[Fiveslide]

Originally Posted by fatherchronica

Often times people forgo safety in their quest to break records and thus gain everlasting international fame, so I just want to caution you to be careful. Maybe wear a helmet and sensible shoes.

Noted!

Originally Posted by Maka

How many people you recon you need to do that?
Sail the RC boat for 24 hrs AND drive the chase boat w RC operators on board for 24 hrs?

I'll recruit a crew of at least 3. I just wonder if I have to do ALL the sailing? There is only a single name on the current record.

[Fiveslide]

Originally Posted by hamburking

.

I was not aware of this record. Good thing you mentioned it. You might just have an actual race (to break the record) on your hands!

It is the only sailing record I might even be remotely capable of breaking. Anyhow, you're on, may the best man win!