VHF radios support powerboat speed record attempts

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Jul 6, 2001

Icom (UK) has recently supplied VHF radio communication equipment to Sunseeker XS Racing in the support of their successful world endurance powerboat speed attempts in Dubai.

Icom (UK) has recently supplied VHF radio communication equipment to Sunseeker XS Racing in the support of their successful world endurance powerboat speed attempts in Dubai.

Icom supplied six of its best selling water resistant IC-M3Euro VHF handheld transceivers which allowed the crew of the record breaking boat, the Sunseeker XS 2000, to communicate effectively with shore based crew and officials.

The crew, all from Hampshire, comprised Ian Sanderson, Peter Dredge and PJ Stevens.

They covered 636 nautical miles of Arabian Gulf waters in 24 hours in their XS2000 powerboat during the weekend of 20-21 January 2001.

At the end of this marathon, the team were able to claim new 6 hour and 24-hour world endurance speed records for offshore craft in a standard production Sunseeker XS 2000 powered by Yanmar engines.

Despite 7 fuel stops, wind speeds touching Force 8 gale and high sea the team were still able to achieve an amazing average 26.53 knots for 24 hours!!! The record attempt was conceived by Ian Sanderson's Sunseeker XS Racing company to coincide with the launch of their new offshore powerboat racing series.

This new series will use twenty of the Poole-built XS2000 production monohulls, evolved from the record-breaking craft for racing in a head to head one-design series during 2002.

The six IC-M3Euros supplied by Icom were used by the riding crew to communicate with the shore team and UIM officials.

This was achieved via an Intercom system which, interfaced with the IC-M3Euro, fitted inside the crew's Arai Helmets.

Commenting on the IC-M3Euro's performance Ian Sanderson, Managing Director of Sunseeker XS Racing said, 'We were aware of Icom's relationship with Sunseeker International and that the IC-M3Euro was a recommended transceiver to interface with our intercom system.

The quality of the IC-M3Euro transceivers was excellent.

Their functionality was ideal for this operation.

' Thanking Icom (UK) Ltd for their involvement Ian Sanderson said, '' Even though they had to put up with constant impact stress from running at high speed in bad weather, they worked perfectly for the 24 hours.

To reach world record level in any sport you need the best of everything, people and equipment.

Icom has the right technology and quality of equipment to be part of this world record winning team.' Jeff Dixon, Marine Dealer Manager for Icom (UK) Ltd said,' We are proud to be involved with such a high profile event.

I had no doubts about the team's commitment and drive to break these records and am proud that Icom were able to contribute to this great achievement.' As for the future, Sunseeker XS Racing is currently in the process of building another XS 2000 to attempt three more world offshore endurance records this summer.

These include the daunting London to Monte Carlo and Round Great Britain runs, totalling over 4000 nautical miles at racing speeds.

Icom (UK) Ltd is currently in discussion to supply further equipment for these exciting ventures.