Please select your home edition
Edition

New World Speed Record 50.26 knots

by Sail-World on 4 Oct 2008
Unverified reports coming from Namibia suggest that professional kite surfer Sebastien Cattelan (FRA) has finally broken the magical 50 knots barrier, the holy gral of speed sailing.

Thw Lüderitz Speed Challenge 2008 is being held in Lüderitz, Namibia, from 15 September 2008 to 13 October 2008. This is the second edition of the event, which is running on the wind blastred coast just a few hours from Capetown.

Accompanied by several high 49 knots runs from himself, Alexandre Caizergues and Jerome Bila (all France), Cattelan was the only sailor finally getting to 50.26 knots.

Special attendance was paid to the required water depth, and the organizer in co-operation with the WSSRC commissioner present, clearly ensured that the rule was strictly applied.

Related Articles

A record El Niño, and the 2026 Sydney Hobart
How's that for conjecture? Talk about long-range forecasting! How's that for conjecture? Talk about long-range forecasting! You know, there is something rather intriguing, and decidedly attractive about the prospect of a record-breaking El Niño presiding over the 2026 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race.
Posted today at 6:00 am Australian Sailing strengthens Wingfoil
In Performance Pathways Pre-Nationals Camp The Australian Sailing High Performance Pathway program is inviting Wingfoil athletes to fine-tune their racing skills ahead of the Wingfoil Nationals, with Expressions of Interest now open for a pre-Nationals camp at the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron.
Posted today at 4:49 am America's Cup: Finding the significant seconds
Emirates Team New Zealand designers talk about various aspects of developing the repurposed AC75 Emirates Team New Zealand designers talk about various aspects of developing the repurposed AC75 - and finding the significant seconds.
Posted today at 2:10 am Wave Rally finalist in Australian Sailing Awards
Geraldton-born event reaches the final three nationally after only two editions Paul van Bellen and the Wave Rally World Championships have been named one of only three national finalists for the 2026 Australian Sailing Sport Promotion Award, taking the Geraldton-born event to the national stage.
Posted on 21 Oct Non-French contenders for Route du Rhum podium
Shows international strength of IMOCA class This year's Route du Rhum - Destination Guadeloupe, which sets sail from St Malo on November 1st, includes four non-French flagged boats, three of which could make the podium in the 3,540-nautical mile sprint across the Atlantic.
Posted on 21 Oct SB20 World Championship at Hyères Day 1
Young teams on the rise UAE Kidzinc Youth is top if the leader board after the first 3 races. William Borghese at the helm, finished 3rd /5th /5th today. He said it "was high level sailing against Olympians and champions".
Posted on 21 Oct Finn European Masters at Los Alcazares day 3
Tibor Pallay wins the only race of the day Tibor Pallay took the only race possible in further light winds on Day 3 of the 2026 Finn European Masters at Los Alcazares, on the Mar Menor in Spain.
Posted on 21 Oct Nacra Cup València 2026 Day 1
Argentina's Majdalani and Bosco set the pace The Nacra Cup València got under way today with three races completed in the waters of the Gulf of València, in winds of 10 to 12 knots from a direction between 220° and 240°.
Posted on 21 Oct America's Cup: Brits' AC75 arrives in Naples
Code-named RB4, the AC75 is now in Naples following an 800km journey from Persico Marine The British America's Cup Challenger, GB1 has reached another major milestone in its campaign for the Louis Vuitton 38th America's Cup, with the team's AC75 race boat, code-named RB4, arriving in Naples following an 800km from Persico Marine.
Posted on 21 Oct The Nautex Jacket: Designed for change
Protective enough for changing coastal forecasts, light and breathable enough to wear around town The Ferrari Hypersail crew will face conditions that change in an instant—adaptability is key. Crafted from recycled, windproof, water-repellent softshell, the Nautex Jacket balances weather-ready protection with everyday versatility.
Posted on 21 Oct
This site and its contents are Copyright © 2026 Sail-World Sail-World Australia and/or the original author, photographer etc. All Rights Reserved. Photographs are copyright by law. If you wish to use or buy a photograph contact the photographer directly.
If you have any questions about advertising or editorial then please contact our team. If you encounter any technical issues then please email techsupport@sail-world.com
Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy