"... a testing programme with the engineer's staff and owner's representative to ensure that nothing is overlooked.”

The weather conditions for the trials were ideal and Whirlwind was so well behaved under both power and sail that we could not resist the temptation. With not a little trepidation the 40 foot long spinnaker pole was set, the halyard hoisted and the 8,500 square foot spinnaker broken out of its sleeve. Whirlwind XII leisurely heeled over and accelerated. For owner, crew and the designer this was a thrilling moment.