Rob Douglas: he promised, he got it

The US kitesurfer Rob Douglas has recaptured the world speed sailing record at the 2010 Luderitz Speed Challenge with 55.65 knots.

As the wind blew up to 45 knots and after raceway improvements, the records kept falling.

The North American kitesurfer fractured his right wrist on the second run and has decided to return prematurely to Boston.

Sebastien Cattelan, from France, is the new French and European record holder with 55.49.

But so many more national records were beaten.

Charlotte Consorti got 48.5 knots on the display, followed 30 minutes later by Sophie Routboul with 48.64 speed.

But soon after, Charlotte returned and did 50.43. She is the first lady to pass the 50 knots.

Basil Cambanis established the new South African record with 50.75 knots. For Namibia, Stefan Metzger got 48.57 knots.

Jernej Privsek set the new Slovenian record with 46.60 knots.

The Fastest Sailors of the 2010 Luderitz Speed Challenge

1. Rob Douglas (USA) 55.65 knots
2. Sebastien Cattelan (FRA) 55.49 knots
3. Alex Caizergues (FRA) 54.93 knots
4. Sebastien Salerno (FRA) 54.28 knots
5. Sylvain Hoceini (FRA) 52.90 knots

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