BRADSTONE CHALLENGER: BREAKING THE ROUND BRITAIN RECORD WITH A NOVEL HULL FORM

摘要

A novel high speed hull form with exceptional performance and ride quality, the air entrapment monohull, has been in development for over thirty years culminating in the Bladerunner line of high-speed performance boats. The newest model in this line, a 51-foot powerboat capable of top speeds of 70+ knots, was selected as the platform for a challenge to the Round Britain record, a complete circumnavigation of the British Isles with a single crew. A successful attempt in 2005 resulted in a new record of 27 hours 10 minutes-besting the previous mark by over three and a half hours with an average speed of over 50 knots, including refueling stops. This paper describes the design features of the Bladerunner 51 air entrapment monohull; the construction, outfitting, and initial testing of the Bradstone Challenger; the successful attempt at the Round Britain record; and future opportunities for this unique hull form.