Superb sailing conditions in Namibia in October at the Laderitz Speed Challenge saw Sebastien Cattelan of France became the first human being to sail at more than 50 knots (93kph) – a world record he held for only 24 hours before compatriot Alexandre Caizergues snatched it away with not one but three runs over 50 knots – reaching a top speed of 50.57 knots (93.65kph).
The Lüderitz Speed Challenge saw new outright records in both the men’s and women’s divisions:
- New outright world speed sailing record: Alexandre Caizergues (France) – of 50.57 knots (F-One, Ouest Provence, Volkswagen Utilitaires, ION, Placide)
- New outright Netherlands speed sailing record: Rolf van der Vlugt 45.99 knots (Airush, Mystic, Protest, TUDelft, X-tremeboards)
- New outright UK speed sailing record: David Williams 44.78 knots (Best Kiteboarding, Dead Man clothing, KMS)
- New outright France women’s speed sailing record: Charlotte Consorti 43.53 knots (F-One, Nike, Maui Magic, Baracuda, Weleda)
- New outright Slovenia speed sailing record: Jernej Privsek 41.97 knots (Jägermeister, Cocta, Kitesfera, Garmin)
- New outright Belgium speed sailing record: Christian Baret 40.87 knots (Summerwood Guesthouse)
- New outright Netherlands women’s speed sailing record: Katja Roose 37.18 knots (Protest, Maui Magic, Airush)
- New UK women’s kitesurf record: Jemma Grobbelaar 35.61 knots (Flexifoil, Xelerator, Dakine, Arnette, Derevko, Cti, Lizzy, Island Tribe)
You will not be surprised to hear that winds were strong and sailing conditions great – but another great landmark and a big shout of respect to all those who have set new records – next target has got to be 100kph!
Below is a photo of Alexandre Caizergues of France after he had just set a new world speed record at the Luderitz Speed Challenge in Namibia.
.jpg) |
And here is a video of his world speed record from LuderitzSpeed
Extreme Sports 