Chris Benz Luderitz Speed Challenge – World records tumble + Videos

by Sophie Routaboul on 3 Nov 2015 After four weeks of the Luderitz Speed Challenge 2015 event, conditions today were strong and perfect to break world and national records – both achieved!

Until now, the wind has been strong but not enough to break world records.

Today, 02 November 2015, the wind has been much stronger than predicted and the angle has been better to be able to sail in a multiple performance speed channel with flatter water surface.

We began the day with 25-30 knots average wind speed starting the race at 12.30. From 2pm, the wind suddenly starting to increase and strongly, reaching more than 50 knots in the gusts. Sand was flying and sailing down the channel started to be really challenging due to the strong sand blasts.

After a couple of runs over 50 knots, Antoine Albeau who achieved 51.66 kts two days ago was determined to beat his world record (set at the 2012 Luderitz Speed Challenge: 52.05 kts).

Then records started to tumble one after the other!

Boris Vujasinovic set yet another new Croatia Record with 48.28 kts (was 47.37 kts yesterday).

Karin Jaggi (29 World titles) improved her Swiss record again with 45.3 kts (was 44.92 kts a few days ago).

Boris Vujasinovic followed up with another Croatian record with 48.99 kts.

Antoine Albeau started to go over 51 knots and was joined by Patrik Diethelm (ITA). At about that time, around 1.15pm, Karin pushed hard and broke the female world record in windsurfing with 46.31 kts! (Previously held by Zara Davis (UK) at the 2012 Luderitz Speed Challenge with 45.83 kts) and, just 15 minutes later, Antoine Albeau broke his world record, for the first time, achieving 52.41 kts!

Then he never stopped - and broke it five times: 52.50 kts > 52.76 kts > 53.1 knots and then the actual world record which now stands at a highly impressive 53.27 kts.

Antoine Albeau today: 32 runs total > 13 runs over 52 knots > Four runs over 53 knots – amazing!

After the first new world record set by Antoine, it was then the turn of British record holder Farrel O Shea to show his true skills and determination. After breaking his own British record two days ago with 49.24 kts, he improved it further with 49.99 kts. But he knew he couldn’t stop as he was so close to the 50 knots! After a couple of runs, he smashed the 50 kts with a highly impressive 51.20 knots (he is NOW fifth in the Windsurfing World Speed rankings!)

Patrik Diethelm who has broken his Italian record yesterday (01.11.15) and was leading with 51.77 kts, has smashed his Italian record with a highly credible 52.33 kts (he is NOW second in the World Speed rankings!)

Only one word to describe today’s blisteringly fast performances – Awesome! Today has been insane. Speed limits were pushed like never before.

The Luderitz Speed Channel, masterminded by Sebastien Cattelan, twice world record holder in kitesurfing, is the true diamond of this event. He has proven to all in the world speed sailing fraternity, yet again, that his original well engineered channel (and perfect spot), combined with the famous winds of Lüderitz; smashes world and national records and takes once average speed performances to much higher levels.

Let’s see what will happen in the forthcoming days. 16 riders from different nationalities have until the 15th of November to achieve their personal objectives.

Well done to all the record breakers!

Watch the videos