Life insurance, along with theology and acid rain, is not a subject which normally occupies much of my brain. However, after accepting this particular assignment, I did give it some thought. Consider the following. The XSR48 can reach speeds over 100mph. This is about one third the velocity of the world speed record on water, which has stood since Ken Warby, in Spirit of Australia, achieved 317mph back in October 1978.

To put this into perspective, you should remember that the world land speed record, which is held by Andy Green in his vehicle, ThrustSSC, stands at 763 mph. Green achieved this – breaking the sound barrier in the process – over one mile on September 25th 1997. The fastest road car in existence, the Bugatti Veyron, can just about manage a speed of 250mph – one third of the world, land speed record. Which is why it became clear to me that the XSR48 is to boats what the Bugatti Veyron is to cars. It also explains my new-found interest in life insurance.

Arriving at XSMG’s Berthon Shipyard headquarters, the weather was clear and the sea calm. Relieved that my run on the water would not be excited further by the conditions, the day started with a safety briefing and a chance to meet the team. There was a definite buzz in the office, a product of the knowledge that they had clearly developed something very special. Not that there was a hint of arrogance or boastfulness though, merely excitement and passion for something they all truly believed in.

Fitted with life jackets we walked out into the marina and I caught my first glimpse of the boat sitting moored at the end of the jetty. Flanked either side by a range of yachts and power cruisers, the XSR48 looked like it was from a different time. The boats either side looked messy, with cluttered decks and their design lines spoilt by endless nautical accessories. The XSR48 on the other hand was sleek and more reminiscent of a concept supercar. We left the driver to warm up the twin 11.3L diesel engines, which generate a massive 2000bhp, and headed out of the harbour in a RIB. After a short wait there was a shout from one of the group - “here she comes!”