Rob Douglas: the fastest kiteboarder in the United States | Photo: Prince of Speed

Rob Douglas has set a new nautical mile speed sailing world record at Plage du Rouet, in La Palme, France.

On June 10, the American kiteboarder rode his kite at 39.04 knots (44.93 miles per hour) during the 2019 Prince of Speed.

Douglas sailed to glory equipped with his seven and six-meter Flysurfer Soul production kites and his prototype Temavanto V55 kiteboard.

The Tramontane winds were blowing in the 30-to-45-knot range. The fastest kiteboarder in the United States was assisted by world champion kite foiler Nico Parlier.

"Many thanks to my team of sponsors, especially Bill Lynch for all the support since 2008," said Robert Douglas.

"Also, congratulations to my good friend Sylvain Hoceini for a great fight, to windsurfer Vincent Valkenaers for his open water record and to Christophe Ballois who showed us the way."

Douglas dedicated the feat to his son, Robert Douglas III, aka "RD3," and Nicole, the late daughter of his friend Tom Lindbergh.

The new world record for the fastest mile on a kite will still have to be ratified by the World Sailing Speed Record Council (WSSRC).

The previous nautical mile speed sailing world record of 35.78 knots (41.17 miles per hour) was set by Christophe Ballois, last year, also at La Palme.

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