The challenge to break the magic 50 knot barrier is on as the latest round of the ISA Speedsurfing Grand Prix in Namibia kicks off.
Having just finished the Weymouth Speed Week only a week ago the worlds top speedsailors assemble in South Africa to do battle. Finian Maynard, Bjorn Dunkerbeck and UK's Dave White are all there from the 14th to the 22nd October and with that kind of talent around all they need are the right conditions and there is no doubt the record will be pushed further.
Finian Maynard is the current outright speedsailing record holder and will be looking to exceed 50 knots on average over 500 metres. With his first record of 46.8 knots in November 2004 he took the outright speed sailing record out of the hands of Yellow Pages and brought it back to windsurfing and five months later he managed to beat his own record reinforcing his status as the world’s fastest windsurfer with an outstanding 48.7 knots.
Regarded as the best natural speed sailing venue in the world Walvis Bay provides a unique arena for setting a new record. However, what makes this next week even more interesting is the fact that Finian and Bjorn will be sailing on the same course. Having both moved sail sponsor in the last year (Finian - ex Naish Sails now Neil Pryde and Bjorn ex Neil Pryde now North Sails) it will be interesting to see who comes out on top.
Walvis Speed course - Namibia
Aerial view of the Walvis Speed course
Finian is in good form having won the ISA Speed event in Fuerteventura and the combined IFCA/PWA Slalom 42 event in Turkey in August.
"With some extra technical support from Neil Pryde I am confidant that given the right conditions reaching 50knots is definitely possible!", commented Finian.
"The sails I am using this time around are a combination of the standard NeilPryde RS:6 racing sails coupled with some custom designed sails and sizes developed at the Neil Pryde Design Center in Maui. The sails are designed for high speed sailing with the sizes closer to each other than offered in the production sail collection to ensure I have the optimum size for the conditions and the best chance of achieving his top speed."
When we caught up with Bjorn at the end of Weymouth Speed Week he was displaying his usual determination, having just losing out to Nigel Bowley on a kitesurfer. If the conditions kick off we are sure this wil be one hell of a competition. Let it blow!
Bjorn Dunkerbeck determinded to break the 50 knot barrier
You can follow the latest results on http://www.speedweek.co.za/index.html
