A long-awaited sold wingsail has been fitted to Paul Larsen’s SailRocket, the boat in which he hopes to break the 50-knot barrier, and this photo by Mark Lloyd shows Paul taking it for a spin in Portland Harbour.

The top speed in the previous soft sail rig was 31 knots. This new version is 16 sq m, weighs 50kg and, says Paul: “according to our VPP (velocity prediction program) SAILROCKET should be capable of hitting 55 knots of boat speed in 22 knots of wind assuming ideal conditions.”

The orange appendage at the stern, by the way, is the air rudder part of SailRocket’s rudder system.