Hello Bill,

I don't know much about sailboat racing (and from your experience and posts I know you do), but I know a lot about car racing. You mentioned Formula 1 in your post. There are distinct records in car racing that occur outside the context of an actual "race." And lets be clear, ANY record attempt is, of course, a race--a race against the clock. Other competitors may or may not be present. Making the record attempt (race against the clock) official requires certain standardized ways of measuring. In land speed records, for example (which can occur at any time, not just during the Bonneville Speed Week), the speed is taken by averaging the speed over a straight course of a specific length in 2 opposite directions on the course (to eliminate effects of wind or grade). Mark Donahue's speed record in a Porsche 917 at Talledaga in the 70s is one example of a very well-know landmark speed record set outside the context of a race (although once again, this was a race...a race against the clock).

So this is how things are done in the U.S. in car racing. Obviously, many of the most important records do occur during conventional races.

Over time, certain records become significant and others are meaningless. In my mind, the single most important factor that makes any record or record attempt relevant is whether or not it has integrity. If the round Texel record attempt has integrity, it may be relevant; if not, it's just a nice sail for a couple of guys. By integrity I mean proper and accepted timing, following of the course, and an accepted start/finish line. A Jules Verne trophy attempt from Sydney to Sydney by sailing around the world (crossing all longitudes) has no integrity and would not be accepted. The Jules Verne attempts have accepted, standardized requirements--like crossing the equator--that must be met.

So I think its great to see a couple guys trying to set a record; if the attempt has integrity and the achievement is noteworthy, then history will take note. It sounds like your Texel sail has earned you a place in Texel history already.

Fair winds,