Crash Different
Mon, 14 Dec 2009 07:50:56 +0200
The greatest revelation of the Lüderitz Speed Challenge 2009 is the possibility of kiters riding under full sail (and at full speed) in a channel. Currently the only channel purpose-built for speed is in Sainte Marie de la Mer in France, where only windsurfers have been able to compete and produce great times. Before the 2009 Lüderitz eve... Read more
Jerome Bila - recovering well after accident
Thu, 03 Dec 2009 07:31:44 +0200
An unfortunate accident happened to Jerome Bila on the last day of racing. He and another competitor crossed lines near the finish and this caused Jerome’s kite to launch him in the air, he landed on his back breaking a vertebrae. Jerome has since had surgery and is recovering well; feeling and movement are alre... Read more
2009 Challenge Wraps Up
Mon, 30 Nov 2009 09:39:47 +0200
The last day of racing saw Rob Douglas hit just over 50 knots, with his brother Jamie close behind with an excellent 48.67 (both on Cabrinha kites), and Alex Caizergues (F-One) again in the top three with 48.55. Charlotte Consorti (F-One) had another very good day with a top speed of 43.07 knots, and Melissa Gil (Cabrinha) marginally upp... Read more
No Let-up in Speed
Thu, 26 Nov 2009 14:27:20 +0200
The event organisers opened the strip yesterday for two sessions, one at mid-day on the falling tide and one in the late evening when it returned. Wind was strong, but not epic, with a good consistent 30 to 40 knots. Jernej Privsek (Jägermeister) broke the Slovenian outright speed sailing record, improving his 43.42 mark from last year with an ... Read more
Lüderitz Speed Strip Delivers Plenty Wipeouts, New US Women's Record in Moderate Winds
Tue, 24 Nov 2009 09:55:07 +0200
The Speed Strip was opened yesterday at 2PM to take advantage of the incoming tide to give competitors as much time on the water as possible. Many of the bravest took chances in marginal water conditions at the start, having to sail perfectly judged lines to stay in the deeper water. Even a fraction of a second of lost concentration or unfortun... Read more
Another 50 Knots - But No New Record.
Sun, 15 Nov 2009 17:03:09 +0200
Today began a couple hours later than yesterday as riders waited for the tide to drop and the wind to peak. After yesterday’s great conditions and fantastic results, many riders wanted to conserve their energy to make sure they were taking full advanta... Read more
Records Have Fallen - New World Kitespeed Record, New Outright USA Record
Sun, 15 Nov 2009 07:46:34 +0200
Frenchman Alex Caizergues (F One) has broken the world kiteboarding speed record with an incredible time of 50.98 knots, breaking his previous world record of 50.57.
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New World Record?
Sat, 14 Nov 2009 17:05:21 +0200
It was obvious from the onset that today was going to be a different day. The locals and other spectators were already at the beach before many of the riders got there, and on only the third timed run of the day, yesterday’s best time was beaten.... Read more
It's Turned Back On
Fri, 13 Nov 2009 17:22:41 +0200
After a week of near calm, broken only by bizarrely unseasonal rainstorms and drizzle, today dawned bright, clear and windy. The speed strip was opened again, and competitors had another opportunity to train and familiarize themselves with it. ... Read more
"There's Three or Four of Them Who Could Break the Record"
Thu, 12 Nov 2009 14:49:08 +0200
In the build up to this weekend’s forecast of heavy wind, many people are optimistic that this year’s Speed Challenge will again produce new national and international speed sailing records. What many people overlook though, is the fact that these results will only become official records after the governing body, the World Sailing ... Read more