Nov.22. Rob takes 2nd, Jamie 5th. Melissa Gill new Outright Women’s Speed Record.
The wind has once again shifted to a northerly direction in Luderitz. The 2009 Luderitz Speed Challenge has been challenged by abnormal winds which have frequently been coming from the north - onshore. As this happens, the town of Luderitz takes on the feel of a San Francisco summer day, warm but cold, with a bank of sea fog settling in just offshore. No Golden Gate, just sand.
Display At Cape Cod Maritime MusuemAmerica
The last racing day came on Sunday, November 22nd. Winds cooperated and exceeded forecast, building to a raceable 30knots from the south…thus opening up the speed strip to competitors. Rob and Jamie both used the biggest kites they had, 10 m Crossbow and 10m Switchblade, respectively.
The green flag went up, signaling the opening of the course while the water was near low tide. Thus, unlike other days, such as during Rob’s record run, sailors had to wait until there was enough water in the trench…waiting for the higher tide so there was water to run on.
Waiting on the higher tide created an interesting beginning of the day. Many sailors crashed repeatedly while underestimating water depth, running in depths of less than a few inches, trying to get into the trench. Black Dog team rider Christophe Prin-Guenon, despite an ugly crash that sent him 10 feet airborne and hard onto the dry sand, won the day with an impressive 46.88 knots. Another member of Team Black Dog, Melissa Gill of Jupiter, Florida set a new American outright speed record for women with a 37.62 knots.
Gebi Tunes a Board
Rob came in a close second with a 46.54 knots. Alex, the World Champion, took a 3rd. Jamie, at 44.23 knots took 5th on the day.
The wind forecast looks promising for Wednesday and Thursday but water levels at the period of maximum winds will once again be challenging. So instead of Thanksgiving with the family at Uncle Greg’s we may be putting the pedal down in Luderitz !
Rob Takes on the Press