Jacques van der Hout has broken the world distance record in windsurfing after sailing 520.8 kilometres in one single day, in the Netherlands.
"For a long time I have been waiting for the perfect day to at least improve my personal distance and to set a daylight distance on windsurf equipment that was at least unbreakable by myself", says van der Hout.
The incredible long journey was completed on the 16th May 2011, after waiting months for the perfect day. "Last summer, it never really happened. A few weeks ago I set my alarm a few times very early to check if the wind was strong enough, but I cancelled the attempts".
"On Monday 16th of May 2011, I set my alarm at 4.30am, checked the wind and it was already blowing 8.2 m/s and the forecast was increasing wind, although not super strong. At least, the forecast was steady wind for the whole day. Without hesitation, I jumped out of my bed and drove for one hour to the Grevelingen, Zonnemaire"
Jacques van der Hout took two GT-31 devices and he put them both measuring distance. Then, he was planning to do at least 100 kilometres before having a break, but after reaching the goal he still felt OK to go on.
At the 213 kilometre mark, he decided to have a break. After resuming, some windsurfers joined him and motivated van der Hout. Another stop at 373 kilometres fro Red Bull and Snickers. "
"I knew the record on GPSTC was 511 kilometres, so after 460 kilometres of sailing I thought I'd be stupid to quit after all those hours, as I was so close to the record and still sailing in the perfect conditions", explains Jacques.
Still windy and two hours before darkness, Jacques van der Hout ended his adventure took a nap. "I’m happy I can watch it now from behind my computer and wish you all the best to break it again".