10:12 AM Wed 28 Sep 2011 GMT
There are 1141 NMs which separate Montecarlo from Venice. Before yesterday, the incredible record was held by Fabio Buzzi, who completed the distance in 23h 55' and an average speed of 43 kts.
But with the progress and technology advancements, there is a new fantastic record in name of Mario Invernizzi, who departed from Monaco on Sunday morning and landed in Venice in 22h 13' 17' with average speed of 51.35 kts equal to about 92km/h!
Why is this record so important?
The answer has to be searched in the word technology, the same improved technology which has allowed to make it happen! First of all the engines. The ones used for the Buzzi's record were two 'Isotta Fraschini' 1300 HP and 20 litres capacity and mechanical injection. In opposition, the engines used by Mario Invernizzi are two 'little' FPT (Fiat Powertrain Technologies), a six cylinder of nine litres and 650 HP 'Common Rail' injection.
This is the most sensational side, to beat a world record by four knots which is a piece of news itself, but to beat it with a hull with the same measures, consuming 5355 litres instead of 10800 it the most exceptional aspect, especially in a heavy critical moment in the nautical sector, where the all the eyes are pointed at the absurd consumptions of certain hulls.
Then, chapeau at the Cursor 90 engines by FPT, with their Common Rail injection system (projected by Fiat), but not only this. The great technology is also inside the hull FB48 STAB, where Stab stands for a pneumatic system on the side of the hull, in order to stabilise it, but above all to recover energy.
How does this happen?
Just like a basketball, which after bouncing returns to its starting point, saving great part of the potential energy, after having transformed it in kinetic and then elastic as it touches the ground. In a similar kind of way, Mario Invernizzi's Kerakoll, everytime it bumped on the sea surface as an unavoidable effect of the wave motion, recovers its energy consuming a lot less fuel.
In fact, only a refueling was needed by Kerakoll in Messina, in order to reach Venice, covering the remaining 630 NM and still having in the tank 190 litres of gasoline! Here is revealed the energetic secrets of the new FB Design hull, but on board technology was everwhere, with a series of satellites spinning around this exceptional hull.
Only imaging that the powerboat was followed 'live' during the whole route by the NavimeteoSat system, which has allowed the continual monitoring via web of Kerakoll's adventure. Every 15' the satellite signaled the position, speed and route and showed all this on a computer screen, allowing the Navimeteo Operational Team and the FB Design operational base to follow every single movement.
Also the conversation and the navigation system were satellite-based, the latter entrusted to three Raymarine chart plotters and to the Navionics maps.
What happened at night?
Overnight, visibility was perfect, thanks to the incredible light amplification system idealised by Starlight Italia, which transmitted to an appropriate screen a incredibly good vision, even in a new moon night. As a spare piece of equipment, a Flir nocturnal viewer and a second radar were used, thanks to which Kerakoll did not need to slow down by a single knot during its ride, even if there was no light.
This record tempted many. For this reason, four additional tries were made during the year with no success. Also Mario Invernizzi had a go before with no luck.
Why?
Simply because during the first attempt ten days earlier, three propellers broke down, repeatedly substituted in the water until they run out of them which forced them to retire once in Reggio Calabria. Besides this, Fabio Buzzi did not give up, and sure of his strong friendship with Alfredo Radice, undoubtedly one of the main Italian propeller expert, who immediately managed to create four more, this time stronger and more performing in just seven days.
This is why this record can be considered as the 'Record of the Records'! Obviously the biggest merits go to the crew: Mario Invernizzi, first pilot, is a building contractor from Lecco, Antonio Binda in charge of the mechanical aspects and Peter Dredge, a famous English navigator always linked to FB Design.
What about Roberto Rizzo?
He is the essential IT coordinator of all the electronic technology on board, including maps, computers, radio, satellite systems and the connection with Navimeteo. He also administered the on board storeroom.
An awesome record, made in Italy and highly ecological due to its incredible energetic saving.
by Gianfranco Meggiorin
|
Casey, TAS
