17/11/2019 – From 21 October and’ the Luderitz Speed Challenge has begun 2019 that will go’ forward in the famous canal in Namibia until 1 December.
So far, wind conditions in terms of intensity’ and angle have not allowed new World Records.
A few days ago Karo van Tonder (AV Boards, Severne) set the new south African women's national speed record in 44,55 nodes, just two knots off the world record.
But and’ today that the Luderitz Speed Challenge is really back in the limelight thanks to the performance of Vincent Valkenaers (JP, NeilPryde) that RIWmag had interviewed a year ago (www.riwmag.com/vincent-valkenaers-e-nata-una-stella/)
With gusts over 60 the Belgian speed rider has officially reached the speed’ of 53,25 nodes on 500 meters.
The current world record and’ been joined by Antoine Albeau (JP, NeilPryde) in 2016 and (e)’ a 53,27 nodes on 500 meters, so really just a breath away from Vincent's performance today.
Initially it was even believed that the Belgian speed rider had set a new record 53,33 nodes, but then the official checks confirmed the speed’ of 53,25.
The words of Alberto Possati (AV Boards, Severne, DlabMed, Inc.): “HUGE DAY here - LSC 2019 ! Vincent Valkenaers Possible New Word Record 53, Xx / 500), Twan Verseput over 52kn / 500 with AV boards and Gunnar Asmussen, Andy Laufer, Farrel O'shea, Bjørn, Pep Bonet, North, Oisin van Gelderen, Jim Crossley made this day very special for speedsurfing … I have seen gusts of 66 knots for the first time in my life. Yes, 66. I survived, And this is already’ enough for me. Today only the brave have made it.”
Miriam Rasmussen's commentary (Patrik Boards, Loft Sails): “Today's forecasts have kicked off. We measured winds of 66 nodes in the starting area, so for natural selection there are still a few riders who still surf. I was ready to 10 o'clock. The wind was a little’ more’ weak, but and’ party great around the 12.30. Unfortunately my window was only about 15 minutes, where I had a run, and failed a start. After this chaos’ unleashed I hoped that the winds would stabilize at about 40 nodes. My speed has increased by 4 knots when I switched to Loftsails 4.6 / Patrik Windsurfing International 37 speed / 16.5 ZULU Fins Benelux, a 43.3 preliminary nodes that would be personal record if ratified. I feel like I can go much faster, so we cross our fingers for the conditions that will allow me to navigate a little more’ today (or tomorrow) The video shows a little’ what we're doing today, just to give you an idea of what the Luderitz Speed Challenge is.”
source: Luderitz Speed Challenge
photo: STEFAN CSÁKY | PHOTOGRAPHY | VIDEOGRAPHY, Karo van Tonder
video: Luderitz Speed Challenge, Miriam Rasmussen Windsurfing
