The end…for now

The Lüderitz Speed Challenge 2009 is already being planned, and will likely run over four weeks in October next year. The media coverage of this event has been phenomenal – specialist speed-sailing Websites, monthly sailing magazines, general sports periodicals, prime-time television. To see some of the coverage highlights, visit the “Media” section on Luderitz-speed.com.

“This event has been fantastic in every way. We achieved what we came to do – to break the 50 knot barrier and set a new world record in Lüderitz. We also saw every competitor sail faster than they’ve ever sailed before. The speed strip here has massive potential – we have only just started. We are looking at new ideas for the chop killer, other strips that can provide windsurfers great sailing, and getting a better idea of how the wind and tides work here to get the best possible conditions to take us to the 100kph level and beyond,” said Fred Dasse of ESF Events.

After the red flag went up to end the sailing yesterday, Sebastien Cattelan and the Netherlands' Rolf van der Vlugt stayed out to see what could be done as the wind suddenly picked up even more in the late afternoon. On GPS they both far exceeded the current records, with Cattelan going over 60 knots peak speed, and 54 knots average over 250m! With the right conditions, there is no end in site for how much faster speed sailors can go at the second lagoon in Lüderitz.

World Ranking
Name Spd(kts)
1. Alex Caizergues (FRA) 50.57
2. Robert Douglas (USA) 50.54
3. Sebastien Cattelan (FRA) 50.52
4. Sylvain Hoceini (FRA) 49.79
5. Chris Prin-Guenon (FRA) 49.54
6. Jerome Bila (FRA) 49.26
7. Antoine Albeau (FRA) 49.09
8. Grant Ross (RSA) 48.79
9. Finian Maynard (BVI) 48.70
10. Taro Niehaus (RSA) 48.47