The weather has been unusual this year in Luderitz.  Historically, November has been a very windy month with many rideable days.  But this year, that pattern has been thrown off.  Strong winds have been coming for periods of a few days at a time and they have been followed by extended periods of no wind- calmness or onshore notherlies and fog.  Luderitz is a small, isolated and seacoast town of the southwest coast of Africa, surrounded by desert.  When the wind is not blowing competitors at the Ludertiz Speed Challenge must find things to do.

 

There is always something you can do to go faster.  Tweaking equipment can be an endless procedure.  Fins, Kites, boards, straps and harnesses can be adjusted in the field.  The Luderitz speed strip is a unique venue and testing for this event is best done here.  Over the past few days the NASSP team has been making adjustments.  (see pic of Gebi and Rob)

 

Our living quarters are now thoroughly covered in fiberglass dust, and etc.  (Jackie would not be happy with us).  Cut off pieces of tails and rails, fiberglass, and used chunks of sandpaper are accumulating.  When traveling around 60mph over water our speed boards are resonating all kinds of pressure on our legs.  A little more or less here or there can make the rider more comfortable and able to apply more effective horsepower from the kite to the water.  The easier the ride the more the sailor can pay attention the course, no small feat when traveling around 60 mph over inches of water….that is why they call it sailing on the edge.

 

Rob currently trails Alex by .03 knots for the kite speed world record.  Rob needs about .30 knots to surpass the catamaran yacht Hydroptere to once again  become the fastest sailor on earth.  Jamie trails the 5^th place competitor by .03knots as well and must show improvement if he wants to become a real player in this event. We will make some adjustments.

 

Wind is once again in the forecast for Luderitz.  We will keep our eyes on potential pressure building for Saturday and Wednesday of next week.  Keep you eyes posted to the blog for “Coaches Corner” as Gebi writes his first blog soon.

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