earth race

I think it's maybe a little harsh to say "they killed" Jim - the impression I got from the article was that they hit a small, unlit boat at night, which would suggest it's not necessarily plain carelessness or poor watchkeeping. I wouldn't lay all the blame at their door until the details are clear. Sorry if that's not what you meant but it's the way it came across to me.

Edited by CurlyBen

Originally posted by CurlyBen It's a shame it's ended this way though.

Especially for the poor b**** they killed...

We all need energy efficient lightbulbs but its fine to go charging off round the planet in a dirty great powerboat! Imagine how much more fun you could have sailing it!

The amazing thing about this whole powered circum-navigation thing is that after all the power and effort they throw into these powerboats, Ellen was only a margin behind the current record holder Cable and Wireless. Can't remember off the top of my head but think it was only a day or two difference. Carbon props help greatly with manouverability and there is the advantage of if you hit something you only write off the prop instead of the gearbox and possibly the engine. Plymouth Uni have done a fair bit of work with Composite props and they do have lots of advantages. Comercial and Naval Vessels are increasingly starting to realise the gains at the moment.

Originally posted by mike ellis Originally posted by les5269 Seen that the carbon propellors are breaking down already so they are "cruising" to panama! why not just have a metal prop like normal? it must be stronger than a carbon one and on a boat that size it wont make much difference to the overall weight will it? oh dear sounds like its over already then if they've hit someone.

On a boat that size there would be a noticeable weight differnce. Plus the prop would have a better rake at better speeds etc