The Speed:World:Cup is the officially sanctioned world tour of the International Speed Windsurfing Class (ISWC) and the Professional Kite Riders Association (PKRA) and so unites the speed pilots of both sports windsurfing and kitesurfing.

Both vessels are "wind powered" according to the statutes of the World Sailing Speed Record Council (WSSRC), the responsible body at the World Sailing Federation (ISAF).

Until now the competition for the speed records have been dominated by the battle between windsurfers and sailors. Reigning world record holder on the master distance of 500m was French top windsurfer Antoine Albeau (FRA).

-This has changed by today!-

From today on its clear that a third party competes now for the speed records, the kitesurfers. At the tour stop of the Speed:World:Cup in Lauderitz, Namibia two kitesurfers broke the world record of 49,09 knots Albeau (FRA): Rob Douglas (USA): 49.84 knots and Sebastian Cattelan (FRA): 49.59 knots. In the ladies competition Southafrica's Sjoukje Bredenkamp (RAS) broke her own record of 42.35 knots by outstanding three knots. Her new world speed sailing record is now 45.20 knots.

Now with Rob Douglas (USA) for the first time a kitesurfer is the fastest man on the water.

Luderitz, Namibia is well known in the kiting scene as the place to be to brake the speed sailing record, because the angle of the wind is simply perfect for the kiters. It remains to be seen what performences the windsurfers can show. Most promissing candidate is windsurf legend Björn Dunkerbeck who is also competing at Lauderitz and already set a new personal best speed (44,77 knots). Main goal of all pilots is still to brake the 50 knots barrier which seems to be more likely than ever before. Good wind conditions for the upcoming days let the sailing world stay tuned. 

Links

Read here more about the speedsurfing discipline.

Portrait: Antoine Albeau

Portrait: Björn Dunkerbeck

Video of the speed event in Lauderitz on youtube.

Speed World Champion 2008 Albeau (FRA) and Jaggi (SUI)

Speed World Record by Antoine Albeau (FRA)

The Event in Namibia: www.luderitz-speed.com

The Speed:World:Cup: www.speedworldcup.com