THE DREAM of a Southampton designer to capture the world speed sailing record has moved a step closer.

Described as 'the dragster of the high seas', the Sailrocket was launched in the city yesterday by Lady Caroline Johnson, widow of Sir Peter Johnson, the founder of the World Speed Sailing Record Council.

Pilot Paul Larsen and designer Malcolm Barnsley from Southampton created the boat, designed to achieve speeds of more than 50 knots (57.5 mph). The current world speed sailing record stands at 46.52 knots and was set in 1993 by Yellow Pages Endeavour in Australia.

An attempt by Sailrocket to capture the world record will take place in Weymouth later this year.

Team leader Mr Larsen, 34, said: "We have reached a very exciting stage in our efforts to build the fastest boat on Earth.

"I must admit to being a bit nervous as to what lies ahead and to attempt to break the marine sailing equivalent of the sound barrier is both daunting and exciting. Like a Formula 1 car, Sailrocket is both super-strong and yet super-fragile."

Mr Barnsley, 47, of Chasen Road in Bitterne Manor, added: "I am delighted to see my dream reach this stage. It represents the culmination of a 25-year quest for speed under sail.

"Both the general concept and particular configuration are innovative and have not been tried before at full scale.

"Everything we have seen to date points to its practicality for the job. Mathematics, wind tunnels and scale-model testing are all great tools, but we must now enter the real world arena and see what happens."

Sailrocket has been designed to eliminate heeling, making it unlike other yachts.

Mr Barnsley said: "Unlike all conventional yachts, the forces at work are aligned in such a way that it has no tendency to tip over.

"There is no heeling moment. This is achieved by setting the rig off to one side and angling it so the force of the sail pulls directly on the opposing force of the underwater foil, not above it. The result is simply more speed."

Meanwhile, the 1,900-ton three-masted tall-ship, Gorch Fock, used by the German navy as a training vessel for officers, is due to arrive in Southampton for a four day visit today. During her stay at Eastern Docks she will be open to the public today and tomorrow, with pedestrian access to the port only through Dock Gate Four.

For more sailing stories see www.sailsolent.co.uk