On Course, Episode 17

The On Course series takes a regular look at the sailing world with show host Matt Sheahan:

There is a serious need for speed out there right now. From state of the art super sleek foiling Moths that will go upwind at 20 knots, to ice yachts that will hit 80 mph and more – both of which we cover in this episode.

But what’s really grabbed our attention recently are three fascinating record breaking campaigns. Two are focused on the outright sailing speed record that look to flight as a large part of the answer. And yet the very team you might have thought was up for a record breaking blast along a 500 m course is actually having a crack at being the fastest on dry land.

Emirates Team New Zealand might have led the foiling agenda for over a decade and have two consecutive America’s Cup wins to prove it, but they now want to set a speed record on land. We find out why…and how.

So, on the face of it, it’s a mixed up world but the speed sailing scene is an exciting one, especially when you look at the radical machines that these teams are developing.

But there’s more in this episode including why building a classic J-Class yacht is child’s play. Then, there’s a report on who shone at this year’s Caribbean 600, an offshore modern classic that proved once again to be just as tough as it’s reputation. Plus, we have another double helping of Docktalk.

Video uploaded Mar 15, 2022.