GREENBIRD SMASHES WORLD RECORD!!
Stop press… breaking news!!
On the morning of March 26th, on the ‘dry’ Lake Ivanpah, The Ecotricity Greenbird driven by British engineer, Richard Jenkins smashed the world land speed record for wind powered vehicles. The Greenbird clocked 126.1 mph (202.9 km/h) , eclipsing the old, American held, record of 116 mph , set by Bob Schumacher in the Iron Duck in March 1999 at the same location.
More details to come plus comments from Richard and Dale on this terrific accomplishment.
Press enquiries to press@greenbird.co.uk +44(0)1453 769318
We did it! Greenbird smashes world record
Many, many congratulations Richard on a job well done!
You looked so determined when we met last year so I was sure you would pull it off. Have a beer on me
Simon.
Comment by Simon Day — March 27, 2009 @ 11:06 am
Congratulation Richard!
If at first you don’t succeed….
What’s next – ice / water???????????????
Comment by Daniel Moult — March 27, 2009 @ 11:22 am
Congrats to everyone involved, that’s an incredible achievement. 126 mph is impressive in any car let alone the wind-powered Greenbird. Good job
Comment by Paul Mackenzie Ross — March 27, 2009 @ 11:36 am
WELL DONE RICHARD!!! We are thrilled you’ve smashed the record, and are working hard as we speak to get your images & footage on the website. It’s been a privilege to be a very small part of this fabulous achievement. All the best!
Comment by Pat G. — March 27, 2009 @ 12:16 pm
Whoohoo! Congratultions Richard. 10 years in the making, you definitely deserve this record. Bring on the ice!
Comment by Angus Scott — March 27, 2009 @ 12:17 pm
Get in! Congrats Richard! Awesome news!
Comment by Matt Howson — March 27, 2009 @ 12:24 pm
We’re all thrilled back here at Eco btw!
Comment by Matt Howson — March 27, 2009 @ 12:24 pm
Bloody well done Richard. That’s great news. Congratulations from all the Sailrocket Team as we sit down here in Namibia on standby for our turn at the title.
Happy days. Enjoy the ’soaking in’ process. You deserve it.
Awesome effort mate,
Paul
Comment by Paul — March 27, 2009 @ 12:26 pm
Brilliant , congrats from L lefroy .Glad to see youve got that little hurdle sorted, Now get out there tomorrow and go faster!!!!;-)
Comment by Paul — March 27, 2009 @ 12:33 pm
Congratulations Richard and Greenbird! This is an amazing achievement and I’m looking forward to seeing the video!
Cheers
Comment by Dom Oakley — March 27, 2009 @ 12:54 pm
Richard, 126.1 is incredible! Fantastic news – many congratulations.
Comment by geoff at green marine — March 27, 2009 @ 1:02 pm
Great job Richard and the rest of the team. It was inevitable. With all the effort you have put into this, I would say you are without a doubt the world leaders in wind powered vehicle research. Congratulations! This is truly a monumental event.
Steve.
Comment by Steve Edley — March 27, 2009 @ 1:06 pm
Hi Guys, congratulations on achieving your goal with much perserverance. Your new record is a truly great achievement. It has been wonderful to track your progress and see you achieve the success you deserve. Jamie. Australia
Comment by Jamie — March 27, 2009 @ 1:25 pm
Congratulations Richard. You certinlay deserve it after all the frustrations and travel you have had.
Cheers
Vic
AUS
Comment by vic bermingham — March 27, 2009 @ 1:30 pm
Congratulations.
Any plans to make it into a hydrofoil?
Comment by Matt — March 27, 2009 @ 1:34 pm
Congratulations from french class 3 pilots !
Many years, many trials, …and you did it !
Comment by Antoine de la Fouchardiere — March 27, 2009 @ 2:11 pm
Great job, i think somes french pilots would like to try your yacht !!!
S177
Comment by Damien TELLE — March 27, 2009 @ 2:56 pm
Congratulations Richard! They are predicting high winds for the next few days maybe we will get to see you top your own record. I did not arrive at Ivanpah in time to see it, missed by a few hours.
Fran Gramkowski
Comment by Fran Gramkowski — March 27, 2009 @ 3:11 pm
Congrats from De Panne, Flanders, Belgium.
It must have been a huge kick! You wrote history for sure.
B30 class 3
Comment by Benny Dezeure B30 — March 27, 2009 @ 3:55 pm
Great Job Richard, sorry I missed it. I’ll be there on Monday, maybe in time to see you smash your new record.
You are a great example of patience and perseverance, inspirational even.
All the Best,
Jason
Comment by Jason Robbins — March 27, 2009 @ 3:58 pm
Congratulations from Sweden. Well done Richard!
Comment by Claes Nordenmarker — March 27, 2009 @ 5:16 pm
Hey Richard
Well done!!! No one can accuse you of lacking determination. Hope you partied hard.
Sam and the team at Bray Leino PR
Comment by Sam Purnell — March 27, 2009 @ 5:20 pm
Great news Richard!! Congratulations – you must be ecstatic!
The power of wind, engineering and perseverance!
Comment by paul — March 27, 2009 @ 5:24 pm
Congratulations Richard, final reward for all those long days (and nights) of hard work.
Comment by James F — March 27, 2009 @ 5:40 pm
Yeah !!!!!!!!!!!!!! Wish I was there! Kudos!
Comment by Megan — March 27, 2009 @ 5:56 pm
Way to go Richard! There will be cinnamon buns at the Penny Coffee House next time your in town.
cheers
Morton
Comment by Morton — March 27, 2009 @ 6:03 pm
I am absolutely thilled for you. That is better demonstration of determination making good than I have ever seen. Right up there with Gossamer Odyssey and first pedal powered cross-channel flight and others. You and all around you deserve it.
Comment by James Labouchere — March 27, 2009 @ 6:31 pm
Well done Richard am extremely impressed with your feat. Now all you have to do is take the boat to the ice for another record and at that point Dan Kampo (Miss Wisconsin) will have to get his check book out and pay up on his challenge.
Comment by Konr Beetch, Vail CO — March 27, 2009 @ 6:38 pm
NOT STUPID!!!!!!!!!!!
Comment by Gavin T — March 27, 2009 @ 6:56 pm
Been following yur project for a couple of years. I know many of our blokart friends are gathered at Ivanpah for their event – they are SO priviliged and lucky to have been there to witness what you have achieved.
Comment by Kevin Meyers — March 27, 2009 @ 7:03 pm
YES!!! Congratulations!! I have been following your progress almost daily for 10 years. I am as pleased as you are! Well done. Your have accomplished a great engineering and technical challenge. Your perseverance to get this record was astonishing. Brilliant! Cheers, Peter Phillips.
Comment by Peter Phillips — March 27, 2009 @ 7:18 pm
Excellent well done, fantastic achievement !!!
Comment by Mark — March 27, 2009 @ 7:30 pm
Very well done Richard; a fantastic achievement.
Comment by Brian Williamson — March 27, 2009 @ 7:37 pm
Congratulations Richard
More than 4 times the wind speed ! superbe.
Bertrand Lambert record 1991 151,55 km/h 3 times thr wind speed
Comment by Bertrand Lambert — March 27, 2009 @ 7:44 pm
Very very well done!
Hurrah for greenbird!!!
Comment by Bob weavers — March 27, 2009 @ 7:49 pm
Excellent! Congratulations!
Comment by chris — March 27, 2009 @ 8:42 pm
Congrats! What was the wind speed at the time?
Comment by Pablo — March 27, 2009 @ 8:50 pm
We’re all so pleased for you Richard, watching your progress over the last year has been truly inspiring, couldn’t be happier for you.
Comment by Michelle B. — March 27, 2009 @ 8:59 pm
I am really curious as to the tru wind speed and direction, also the angle with the apparent wind
Comment by Bill higgs — March 27, 2009 @ 9:04 pm
Saw this on the BBC news website – Incredible. I’ve hit 35mph on a windsurf board and thought that was fast for a wind powered machine, but 126mph?!? Brilliant achievement Richard and team.
Comment by Paul Hansell — March 27, 2009 @ 9:19 pm
The Cigar Just Got Lit!
It’d been a long time coming but I salute your perseverance and dedication.
Well Done!
Gerry
Comment by Gerry Coulter-Smith — March 27, 2009 @ 9:38 pm
Congratulations fantastic job, now lets get the ice record.
Comment by Mark Serejko — March 27, 2009 @ 9:48 pm
One down, one to go! Why not make it three in a row and put to sea?
Bloody well done, and good luck.
Comment by Jaytee — March 27, 2009 @ 11:21 pm
Get in! Fantastic news, well done to everyone who put this together. Savour your sucess, enjoy it, and then make us proud by smashing another record.
Comment by Pete — March 27, 2009 @ 11:43 pm
Richard,
Awesome achievement, much deserved – something exciting, sexy and futuristic for the environment movement and the planet. F*** those fossil-fuel dinosaurs in Formula One!
Very well done – your old green friend Robin
Comment by Robin Maynard — March 28, 2009 @ 12:28 am
Many congratulations on setting the new record from all Irish land sailors – Patients is a virtue ! Patients paid off in the end, well done to all the team.
Alan Watson
Irish Power Kite and Sandyacht Association
http://www.ipksa.info
Comment by Alan Watson — March 28, 2009 @ 1:19 am
Congratulations to you all on setting the new record! Well deserved.
Comment by Simon W — March 28, 2009 @ 1:39 am
who’s da man!!! Nice one Ricky, no more than you deserve. See ya soon for more fun and games.
Comment by Damon Smith — March 28, 2009 @ 1:58 am
Congratulations . . . .
Comment by Jim Hooper — March 28, 2009 @ 2:16 am
Top Stuff, Well Done!!!
Comment by Robin — March 28, 2009 @ 2:33 am
A well deserved congratulations from the guys at Ghost Lake! Hopefully we’ll see you on the ice next season.
Comment by Ghost Lake Icesailing Club — March 28, 2009 @ 2:34 am
Congrat’s Richard!!! Practice for the ice and some real speed. See you next winter.
Comment by Steve Bender — March 28, 2009 @ 5:57 am
Congratulations on breaking the record! Excellent work! Ten years of the teams hard work has paid off.
Comment by Alan Haggai Alavi — March 28, 2009 @ 7:21 am
Wow a new world recordbreaker thats one for the GUINESS BOOK OF WORLD RECORDS
Comment by Flu-Bird — March 28, 2009 @ 7:48 am
legendary effort we only can hope the world embrances wind energy the way you do. All the best with your next venture!
Comment by Tony Farris — March 28, 2009 @ 8:06 am
Many, many congratulations on your well deserved achievement!
Comment by Colin Field — March 28, 2009 @ 8:44 am
GREAT STUFF – ALL THE SPRIGGZ
ROGER
Comment by roger spriggs — March 28, 2009 @ 8:59 am
Excellent, absolutely excellent! Congratulations Richard, you have done brilliantly. Our children and our children’s children will read about your achievements in history books to come, you will be noted in history as one of Britain’s greatest achievers. I applaud you!
Only the other day I was recounting that Britain produced some of the world’s finest pioneers in engineering achievement. Now I can say we still do.
Your hard work of 10 years and more have shown the world Britain can still produce the very best.
Of course profuse congratulations to your Team as well; absolutely excellent. Your work will inspire young engineering pioneers all over the world.
Peter Francon
Kathmandu Nepal
Comment by Peter Francon — March 28, 2009 @ 9:29 am
congratulations we sponsored you at goodwood a few years ago and am delighted that you have achieved the record well done from chichester
Comment by jack sargent — March 28, 2009 @ 10:05 am
Richard, the decision to let you use the runway at RAF Waddington all those years ago was obviously the right one! I can but admire your dedication and perseverence -if anyone deserved to beat the record, it was you. Many congratulations to you and all the team for a fantastic achievement.
Dai Whittingham
Comment by Dai Whittingham — March 28, 2009 @ 11:11 am
Woop Woop… British engineering rules! Congrats… now give us 130!
Comment by Jan — March 28, 2009 @ 11:22 am
Well done Richard. You must be so very happy . We are celebrating here with you. Congratulations. Are you going to pout some speed skates underneath the craft now?
All the best
Michael, David, Eric & Steph and Charlotte
Comment by Charlotte — March 28, 2009 @ 11:55 am
Congratulations !! Another proud moment in British speed record attempts…Well done…
Comment by Mr Whoppit — March 28, 2009 @ 12:25 pm
Gongratulations from Asnelles Normandie France
It’s fantastic!
You are E.T!
Comment by Garnavault — March 28, 2009 @ 12:31 pm
Great achievement! Congratulations.
Comment by John Hartley — March 28, 2009 @ 12:45 pm
Well done Guy’s and Gal’s, I’ve been watching your progress since the days of Windjet (still have the baseball cap and Polo Shirt somewhere)and this is a terrific achievement. Hearty congratulations and good luck with the water and ice projects.
Rod B.
Comment by Rod Brister — March 28, 2009 @ 1:42 pm
Congratulations awesome victory guys keep it coming!!
Comment by Rob — March 28, 2009 @ 1:46 pm
CONGRATULATIONS!!! Its really amazing to see the recording of the record from our home in Mexico, Amazing victory, Here’s to flat ice, calm water and future ferocious winds. Yeah!
Comment by Claudia — March 28, 2009 @ 3:24 pm
Congratulations to the team!
+1 on the calls for knighthood!
Comment by Zubin — March 28, 2009 @ 4:02 pm
Truly inspirational, I have read about your project for some time and offer many congratulations on your well deserved place in the record books.
Keith McDonald
Southport
England
Comment by Keith McDonald — March 28, 2009 @ 4:33 pm
May the wind be with you, mate.
A windusurfer
Comment by Massimo — March 28, 2009 @ 4:43 pm
Congratulations Richard. Iv’e watched your progress over the years since I taught you Design and Technology at Noadswood School in Dibden Purlieu. You always were a determined pupil who wasn’t afraid to attempt a difficult project – remember the walking robot – you still owe me £4.50 for that gearbox (only joking).
Congratulations once again!
Mr Bowen Design and Technology teacher (now retired)
Noadswood School
Comment by Clive Bowen — March 28, 2009 @ 5:59 pm
Congratulations Richard! I have followed yuor progress over the years via updates from Richard & your website & am nearly as delighted as you must be that all your hard work & tenacity has finally paid off
Comment by Joan Lunn — March 28, 2009 @ 6:31 pm
Congratulations 축하드립니다. ^^ 멋져부러
Comment by LJH — March 28, 2009 @ 6:31 pm
congrats on a remarkable achievment.
126mph+ with just the wind is amazing. hope the record stands for a long time, enjoy the champers. kev192
Comment by kev192 — March 28, 2009 @ 7:01 pm
Congratulations, excellent engineering and flying/sailing! it needs more publicity!!
Comment by Bob — March 28, 2009 @ 7:51 pm
Richard and all the team, a very well deserved congratulations and well done! I remember you arriving at RAF Waddington and using one of the hangars for storage, we used to open up for you! You may recall me rescuing you when you had a problem with your car; I towed you to the camp!
Its so good hear the great news, well done, we knew you could do it!
Comment by John Thackray — March 28, 2009 @ 8:59 pm
many many congratulation from Italy
Comment by momo — March 29, 2009 @ 12:51 am
My congratulation! Great! To Richard and all team from Rome, Italy.
Comment by Atilius — March 29, 2009 @ 1:52 am
Shit hot, buddy. Shit hot! So well deserved, so well done. Congratulations.
Will you please do it again next week, when we’re all going to be there? Thanks, much appreciated.
Dave Culp
Comment by Dave Culp — March 29, 2009 @ 2:13 am
And it would be even faster kite powered!
Comment by graham cawood — March 29, 2009 @ 3:39 am
well done richard a lot easier on hard ground than wet lake lefroy,now lift it anotther 10 mph
Comment by keith christie — March 29, 2009 @ 7:21 am
and many big brains would have denied such a trial (because 1+1 equals 2) congrats man !!!!!!!!!!
Comment by John — March 29, 2009 @ 1:24 pm
Congratulations on breaking the 200kph mark. I hope you have more success in the future as well as enjoy the success that you’ve achieved now.
Comment by Leo Capella — March 29, 2009 @ 3:09 pm
Congratulation from Germany! Great adventure. We hope to see you sometimes on the water
Comment by Othmar Karschulin — March 29, 2009 @ 3:30 pm
Read your news on the BBC web-site and followed the link. Many congratulations, it sounds like a lot of hard work has paid off!
Comment by Mark Walker — March 29, 2009 @ 8:39 pm
Congratulations!
At the kiteforum in Holland we’re all dying to know the windspeed and gusts during your race.
Comment by Safety First — March 29, 2009 @ 9:03 pm
Congratulations from members of Wirral Sandyacht Club – well done great achievement
Comment by Vaughan Williams — March 29, 2009 @ 9:10 pm
Good on ya, Richard, and what an inspiring success!
It was a treat indeed, watching you and Greenbird streak across Ivanpah – and a tremendous lift to witness there the Iron Duck’s two Bobs, the then-current record-holders, sharing their knowledge with the man trying to beat their speed. In how many sports does THAT happen?
It was an honor to meet you – and you definitely deserve that record!
Yer fan,
Brooks
Comment by Brooks Townes — March 29, 2009 @ 9:58 pm
nice work guys! amazing stuff! wish i could have been there to witness it!
Comment by deeban — March 30, 2009 @ 1:03 am
Congratulations!
Nice to see that Eco frindly driving can have more than one meaning
Comment by Jan Roesen — March 30, 2009 @ 4:43 am
Cool, cool, cool, can i get a ride next time?
Comment by Peter — March 30, 2009 @ 5:51 am
Brilliant news.
You were smashing records since the first week of college, so this one was not going to elude you forever.
Congratulations.
Comment by Mat Ward — March 30, 2009 @ 10:58 am
Very many congratulations. Top engineering.
Comment by amp — March 30, 2009 @ 1:27 pm
Sincere and hearty congratulations! A brilliant achievement.
Graham H. Twelftree
Comment by Graham H. Twelftree — March 30, 2009 @ 9:52 pm
Congratulations Richard, from brazilian pilots.
Sorry we was not there
Well done
Carlos
Comment by Carlos Simoes — March 31, 2009 @ 2:01 am
An big ovation for your marvelous result.
Eric Engelbrecht
president of FISLY
Comment by Eric Engelbrecht — March 31, 2009 @ 9:23 am
Greenbird looks like an amazing feat of engineering. Well done Richard and the whole team.
Comment by Keith — March 31, 2009 @ 2:29 pm
Congratulations Richard , and your team. Good winds, Well done
From San Juan-Argentina, Danilo (Class-Promo)
Comment by Danilo Carracedo (San Juan-Argentina) — March 31, 2009 @ 11:11 pm
Very Good Job Richard !
We follow you from the begining with the Windjet project and everybody know the size of your effort
Congratulations from Patagonia to all the team !
Pablo Reyes A7
Asociacion Patagonica de Carrovelismo – APC
Comment by Pablo Reyes — April 1, 2009 @ 12:48 am
CONGRATS THIS IS HUGE ,WING POWER RULES
SKEETER ICEBOAT CLUB // GENEVA LAKE WISCONSIN
Comment by SOUTH SHORE DNer — April 1, 2009 @ 1:52 am
Impressive !!! Congratulation to the entire team and special “woouhaou” to the pilot… Next step could be water and kick kite-surfeurs out of the game…
Keep on running
Comment by even — April 1, 2009 @ 3:00 am
Bravooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!
And now how can i explain to ours young sandyacting racers team that’s fun to go at 30 mph with their little yachts on omaha beach
Congratulations and don’t forget to be safety on the road
F 186 and his son
F. NOGUIER
Comment by NOGUIER François & Gabriel — April 1, 2009 @ 10:28 am
Impressive!Wish I was there!
Comment by web2.0 review — April 1, 2009 @ 4:58 pm
Well done Richard and crew — onward to the ice!
Comment by Scott — April 2, 2009 @ 12:12 pm
Very good job! Congratulation!!!
Comment by W-SEO — April 3, 2009 @ 12:27 pm
When you first told me your plans – I think you were a 2nd year undergraduate at Imperial at the time – I admit I didn’t believe it was possible. But I did have faith in your determination and that has paid off MAGNIFICENTLY! Well done, Richard! I am really proud of you!!
Comment by Elizabeth Mills — April 4, 2009 @ 1:24 pm
Wow! Well done old chap! May I get a go next time
Comment by Kelly Hyatt — April 6, 2009 @ 6:31 pm
Great stuff! Well done!
Comment by Paul Morris — April 7, 2009 @ 1:06 am
Wow!
Huge congratulations. I feel SO proud. It’s wonderful to have such a positive achievment to lift everyones’ spirits. Woohoo!
Poole,England.
Comment by Maureen Torpey — April 9, 2009 @ 10:13 am
Wow that pretty cool. Its cool to see somthing eco friendly be fast for once and look cool not all lame, boring, and slow. Still tho I wont trade in my gas gussler there is somthing about raw, in your face, loud, polluting gas machines that go 200 mph or more that i will always love.
Comment by BIGBLOCKV8 — April 10, 2009 @ 9:01 pm
Congratulations on such a fine engineering success. This clearly shows the value of out-of-the-box thinking and the creative spirit.
Comment by R Schreiber — April 13, 2009 @ 6:42 am
Congrats to all the team, top engineering !! top pilot !!
A week after your record, we (Arjen vd Tol aka Fast Arie) broke the kitebuggy speed record with a speed of 124 kmh.. also on Lake Ivanpah at the NABX.
We Hope to meet you once on the lake in the future !
cheers,
Jeroen Potters aka Ozzy
Comment by Ozzy — April 14, 2009 @ 1:00 pm
Many congratulations to Richard and all the team. It is inspiring to witness years of dedication, ingenuity and hard-work be so aptly rewarded. Well done.
Comment by Simon Corlett — April 20, 2009 @ 3:06 pm
Great Job! But how reliable is a wind powered vehicle?
Comment by Zeeshan — June 7, 2009 @ 6:10 pm
It’s an achievement no doubt, but what is the commercial viability of a wind powered vehicle, could it only be used on windy days?
Or may be a hybrid that could harness wind energy first then utilize it like Mitsubishi Mavi!
Comment by The Green Bend — June 7, 2009 @ 6:15 pm
desearia me envien una fotograia de dicho corro avela que iso el recor mundial mi direccion es ANTARTIDA ARGENTINA 1212 VILLA NUEVA PROVINCIA DE CORDOBA C.P 5903 R.ARGENTINA. Agradesere su atencion y aprovecho la oportunidad para saludarlos muy atentamente.
Comment by LUIS A PERALTA — June 15, 2009 @ 2:20 am
Estimado Senor Peralta,
Hay muchas excelentes imagenes del Greenbird que usted puede descargar aqui:
http://www.greenbird.co.uk/multimedia/images
Esperamos que usted los quiera.
The Greenbird Team
Comment by paul — June 15, 2009 @ 9:13 am
ongradulations on such a feat a new worlds record
Comment by Flu-Bird — December 1, 2009 @ 7:55 am