About the Team
Our team is composed of a group of experienced engineers, inventors, artists, and speed demons, getting together again for a greater challenge. Our group has worked together in the past on many other successful projects, large and small. This is a project we are going to collaborate on until we have successfully broken numerous world speed records!
Upper Mast Installed
Test run in Loveland, Colorado
Announcement: The Tetrahedron Frame is Complete
Our Mission & Vision
Our Mission is to prove that we can go faster than every other boat that came before us by thinking outside of the box of the ancient art of sailboat design. We are applying physics, aerodynamics, hydrodynamics, advance computer modeling and simulation to the challenge of going faster on water than ever before. When we put all of these disciplines together with creativity there is a great deal of room for improvement. Sailboats in general are very heavy in order to be durable out on the open ocean. We are setting out to prove that an extremely lightweight boat can be extremely fast, durable, and capable of sailing in both directions, unlike the current record holder. The current record holder has a boat that sails in only one direction. Our Vision is break the world speed record and demonstrate a more practical way of going fast on water, while meeting our own requirement for a boat that must sail fast in any direction.
Our Philosophy
Our Philosophy is apply first principals of physics, then use modern engineering design methods, along with aircraft quality aerodynamics, adding in a strong dose of creativity, to accomplish a whole new way of going fast on water. The statement “going fast ON water” may be the one incorrect use of language. We intent to “FLY” above the water instead of slamming into it. No, we are not building an airplane. We will have hydrofoils (wings) flying through the water just below the surface on a type of suspension that prevents the boat from being bounced around by the waves. Yes, other boats have foils too, but they still slam against the waves. Getting back to our point about applying first principals: It will require a smooth ride to go really fast! And we intend to go really-really fast!!!
Why?
Sailing is fun!
Solving problems is fun!
Sailing is environmentally safe.
Everyone likes the thrill of going fast on water!
Sailing is another way to utilize energy generated by the sun.
The technology we develop will be applicable to many other areas of water sports.
If we can reduce the use of fuel and oil on the water we will be reducing pollution in our lakes and oceans.
We think it is time to take a giant leap forward in sailing speed, going in any direction!
In the future we plan to reduce the environmental impact of commercial fishing and shipping.
Our World Class Team Members
Brian Cleveland: Engineering Manager; Masters Degree in Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado. Brian is in charge of the mechanical design team, boat assembly, sail layout and construction.
John Halley: Mechanical Engineer; Batchelor of Science, Colorado State University. John is in charge of mechanical design.
Lan Ding: Aerodynamics and Structural Analyst; PhD in Aircraft Aerodynamics and Fatigue Analysis, University of Alabama. Lan is in charge of aerodynamic analysis and minimizing structural weight.
Richard Livingston: Hydrofoil Design and Testing; Masters Degree in Systems Engineering, Colorado State University. Richard is in charge of hydrodynamics, hydrofoil design, and flow tank testing.
Bill Webster: Marketing and Design; Batchelor of Arts, Rhode Island School of Design. Bill is in charge of color schemes, sponsor logo layout, and marketing material.
Scott Allen: Webmaster; Batchelor of Arts in Human Services, Metropolitan State University in Denver. Scott is in charge of public relations, website design and analytics.
Kevin Stover: Sponsorship; Marketing and Public Relations, Bishops University Canada. Kevin is in charge of finding and keeping sponsors happy with our progress and the volume of our news coverage.
Ed VanDyne: Team Manager; Batchelor of Science in Engineering, Northeastern University. Ran the MIT Racing Team and drove for the team for 9 years, while taking classes and teaching at MIT. Ed is our speed demon, sailor, inventor, and team leader.
Our team includes experienced sailors, engineers, innovators, master technicians, and more…
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Colorado State University, University of Colorado, Northeastern University, Bishops University Canada, Rhode Island School of Design, University of Alabama
Kevin Stover is Chief Executive Officer 902-999-1474
Ed VanDyne is President and Chief Technology Officer 970-215-4584
Our Team Programs
Development
As a team we will be working together to figure out how one person can control three sails in the most efficient way, and be able to react quickly enough to wind gusts and other challenges that will be encountered on the water.
Testing
We will be testing each version of the sailboat as often as possible, while we are developing the next version of the boat, to figure out what works and what needs to be improved the next time around.
Brainstorming
Every component of this boat needs to be optimized for speed, weight and assembly. The team will conduct regular brainstorming sessions to focus on each component and how it can be improved.
Production
Each version of the boat needs to be produced in a timely manner. The team will be divided into different areas of manufacturing expertise: structure, floatation, sails, hydrofoils, and controls.
Aerodynamics
Maximum power and minimum drag is a critical aspects of the design. The aerodynamic analysis needed to achieve the most powerful sails is already underway. Minimizing the drag of all other components of the boat will be the next area of analysis.
Structural Analysis
Because we are starting with the strength to weight ratio of the tetrahedron shape our stainless steel frame at 250 pounds puts our calculated weight in the ballpark of being less than half the total weight of the nearest similar size carbon fiber boat on the market.
Hydrodynamics
The technology we are developing for our boat to fly through the water on hydrofoils and do so in a smooth and consistent way will be the hallmark of this new type of boat and one of the revolutionary aspect of our ability to break the world speed record.
Future Plans
In the future we will apply our innovations to commercial and pleasure sailboats, as well as shipping fleets to reduce the energy consumption and pollution from shipping goods all over the world.
More to come.
2022
Nautical Mile Record
2023
Overall Speed Record
2024
Land Speed Record
2025
24 Hour Record
Become a Supporter and Donate Today
The cost of this effort is substantial. We need your help to build the carbon fiber version of our boat and get to our second generation. Please let us know how you can help? A little bit of support will go along way to bringing this record home to America. Thank you in advance for your support and generosity.
Team Sponsors
Want to Join The Team?
We have room for volunteers to join the team over the next year, who are talented in areas of sailing, construction of composites, welding, fabricating, machining, and assembly.
