New World Records at Lüderitz Speed Challenge

Lüderitz, Namibia (November 2, 2015) – In winds reaching more than 50 knots, two new world speed records were set today at the Lüderitz Speed Challenge.

The current world speed record holder in windsurfing, Antoine Albeau (FRA), set a new outright windsurfing record of 53.27 knots, which improves the speed of 52.05 knots that he set in 2012. Also, Karin Jaggi (SUI) set a new female world windsurfing record of 46.31 knots, which improves on the speed of 45.83 knots set by Zara Davis (GBR) in 2012.

Both records will need to be ratified by the World Sailing Speed Record Council.

The Lüderitz Speed Challenge, held annually since 2007, has produced 12 World and 75 National Windsurfing and Kiteboard speed records. Observed by the World Sailing Speed Record Council and the International Sailing Federation, the 2015 event occurs over six weeks from October 5 to November 15.

The event takes place in Lüderitz (southern Namibia) in the middle of the Namib Desert. Founder and organiser of the event, and the first person ever to achieve 50 and 55 knots, Sébastien Cattelan (France), is the brainchild behind the specially made *very fast* channel. This artificial 1km long channel is located in the natural Lüderitz Second Lagoon just a few kilometers from Lüderitz town in the middle of the Namib Desert.

The 2015 event has attracted 40 top riders to attempt to break National and World Records.  Windsurfing and kiteboarding competitors will represent Germany, the United Kingdom, Namibia, South Africa, France, Serbia, Belgium, Ukraine, Czech Republic, Croatia, Fiji, Sweden, Switzerland and Italy.

World Record list: www.sailspeedrecords.com/500-metre

Lüderitz Speed Challenge: luderitz-speed.com