Chris Benz Luderitz Speed Challenge – Top level performances + Videos

by Luderitz Speed Challenge on 9 Nov 2015 Chris Benz Luderitz Speed Challenge – Monday 02 November 2015 showed the full potential of the Luderitz Speed Canal - A combination of the fast channel, strong winds and riders’ top skills (plus huge courage) have produced top level performances with world and national records well beaten.

In 40-50 kts of wind, these extreme athletes have sailed in truly extreme conditions and have managed to once again engrave their names and the event in the history of Speed Sailing thus pushing the seemingly impossible limits, even further.

The outstanding performances of week 5 epitomizes what this event is all about.

Antoine Albeau (France) set up a new world record in Windsurfing with 53.27 kts/98,65 kph over 500m (average speed) - (beating his previous world record of 52.05 kts set at the Lüderitz Speed Challenge 2012 event).

Another British Record has been set by Record Holder Farrel O’Shea (GB) with 51.20 kts/94.82 kph over 500m (average speed) (Farrell’s previous national record was 49.28 kts achieved during week 4)

Boris Vujasinovic who didn’t stop improving his Croatian record, ended up with an excellent 48.99 kts/90.72 kph over 500m (average speed) (was 47.37 kts - also during week 4)

Patrik Diethelm (Italy) who propelled to second place in the World Rankings, once again beat his own Italian record with 52.33 kts/96.91kph over 500m (average speed) (was 51.77 kts - also during week 4) – besides Antoine (22x World Champion), Patrik is only the second windsurfer ever to surpass the previously impossible 52 kts!

After the magical and highly challenging day of 02 November 2015, riders have been concentrating on the set up of their gear and have trained every time it has been possible to get ready for the strong forecast conditions coming.

We have closed this amazing week with the annual kids fun day.

Our local partners, namely Luderitz Spar and Seaflower, with the assistance of school teachers and assistants, ensured that the kids day; with well over 200 attending, enjoyed their day with a range of games and stand up paddle sessions in the channel with the champions. They were then spoilt with lots of sweets, cool drinks and prizes – for these local children, a special day to be forever remembered.

The forecast eventually allowed riders to appreciate good quality Namibian food around a BBQ (locally known as a Braai) in the evening with those locals who are very supportive and appreciative of what the Lüderitz Speed Challenge event does for both Lüderitz and Namibia globally.

Monday 09.11.15, will be the first day of racing for week 6 showing a forecast which looks never ending. We will keep you posted on this week’s performances.

Watch the videos