8 NOVEMBER 2011 : http://www.speedkiting.org/site/index.p ... g&Itemid=6" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
The next wind cycle starts on Wednesday and lasts for several days; it will be their last chance during the official timing period. Michael Elliason (WSSRC Commissioner) moves on to Walvis Bay from 17 November to preside over SailRocket2's outright record attempt.
It's going to be windy for sure, but probably not be as strong as what they had last Monday (31 Oct); so it'll to be interesting to see how efficient they can be in less wind with the improved water state.
My guess is they'll record faster speeds in less wind for the following reasons :
1.They won't be holding anything back, as this is the last windy spell before home time.
2.The canal improvements will allow for a much faster start which is crucial for better averages.
3.The flatter water state and safer leeward bank (beveled) will give them greater control and instill confidence to go for it.
4.The course is being moved further down the canal as there's cleaner and stronger wind towards the finish (channels along the rock ridge). This means a longer run-up and faster finish.
Further tweaks that can be done to improve the water state are (these can be considered for 2012) :
1.Ensure the canal is filled to the brim to make it safer and have a laminar wind flow over the canal. This will create an even and predictable ripple across the water surface, and clear air. (Anders/Basil)
2.Dig tributaries that branch off at 45° from the main canal every 80-100m to divert the wave energy. They should have sloped sides and progressively get shallower so the chop/swell breaks and expends all it's energy rather than refracting back into the canal. (Anders)
3.The canal should progressively get wider from start to finish to diffuse the wave energy. (Martin van Meurs)
4.Plant sea grass which is a natural chop inhibitor. This will make the canal unsuitable for windsurfers (unless trimmed before the event), but it will create a glassy surface no matter how strong the wind blows. This need not be planted throughout (although it might spread), we just need curtains of it at regular intervals to prevent the build up of chop. The sea grass can be synthetic if there are concerns of it spreading to Second Lagoon; it can be laid down as mats. (Basil)
5.The entire leeward bank (#1 in diagram) should have a gradual slope so that it's safer (no sudden stop if you crash), and the wave energy will expend itself on the leeward bank rather than wrapping or being channeled. This means the canal can be made wider. A smaller slope on the windward bank (#2) is purely for safety if the water level is not full, and so that children/animals that accidentally fall in can climb out. (Basil)
6.The bottom of the canal can have ridges/ruffles to act as a hand-break on the swell/flow of water. (Basil)
7.Any other ideas are most welcome, so long as they don't harm the environment or cost a fortune to implement.
I also suggest that the wind direction, and average (over 5 mins) and peak wind readings be taken simultaneously at different points along the canal to determine the wind profile along the canal. This will determine whether the course is optimally situated.
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