Rob Douglas Has World Speed Record - 55.65 kts.

[ricki]

This in from Michael "Gebi" Gebhardt in Nambia:

"Michael Gebhardt
Kite sped video I shot on an Iphone of my boy Rob Douglas training in Luderitz, Namibia in the famous second lagoon trench. Only 25 knot of wind and he is on an 11 meter kite. Rob's hitting average speed of 51 knots over 500 meters in this "light wind run" and top speeds of 53 knots. His yet to be ratified World record run was 55.65 k...nots over a 501 meter course, with top speeds of 58 knots top GPS speed spike. He broke the record in 40 to 45 knots of wind! Nice job Blue Leader, and we still have TheBlackDog.com flag flying for you at the trench for the last day of racing, kid. heal up fast!! Gonna see if I can coach Jamie and Morgan Douglas into the 50 knot club on our last day of competition, 25 to 30 knot day here. Wish us luck. We launch kites at 2 pm Namibian time."



51 kts. on an 11 m kite in 25 kts. of wind!

[ricki]

Another post from Gebi just put on Facebook:

"Michael Gebhardt Yesterday was the last possible day of world record winds in Luderitz Second lagoon, the worlds fastest speed sailing strip. Rob Douglas who I coach, broke the World Record 2 days ago and then on the next run broke his arm in a horrific crash. I saw all the top riders go down hard, trying to break the records and it was quite a show of sheer determination and balls. The videos are awesome...these guys and girls have pushed the limits of humanity to another level never before seen. In honor of fallen Blue Leader Rob, I coached Morgan and Jamie on the speed strip to see if we could go head to head with the top speed riders, and both of them pushed themselves to personal bests and fought it out valiantly and equaled the best efforts of the day. Morgan 49.69 kn and Jamie 49.46 kn in less than windy conditions. Seb Cat posted a 50 knot run on the score board, but we do not know what the official time ended up being. If he beat the Douglas boys it was by a hair. Nice job http://www.nassp.net/ buddies!"



Jamie Douglas
Photo by Marie Desandre Navarre



Gebi at the Islamorada Invitational last year

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[ricki]

A post from: http://nassp.net/nassp/

"Rob Does It Again…Recaptures Outright World Speedsailing Record. “Duel In The Desert Trench.”
October 28th, 2010

Call it amazing…call it ballsy…call it, “The Duel In the Desert Trench.” Drama personified in Ludertiz yesterday resulted in success for Team NASSP. Mission Accompished. Rob Douglas (USA 55 / Blue Leader) has accomplished exactly what he set out to do…he proudly and courageosly recaptured the Outright World Speed Sailing Record yesterday in the Ludertiz, 2nd Lagoon Trench.

With winds in excess of 45 knots and sand storms and sea spray all around, Rob entered The Trench. Riding his 9m Switchblade and speed board of choice, wearing his helmet and all additional padding and protection, Rob sailed down the Ludertiz Trench into a very questionable finishing area (completely closed and close to rocks and sand banks). He has once again sailed into the annals of sailing history…World Record Speed of 55.65 knots !

On Rob’s second run he got fouled up during the finish and fractured his right wrist. The NASSP Team has decided to have Rob return prematurely to Boston, MA. to undergo necessary medical procedures. On his return flight Rob will be accompanied by NASSP founding sponsor Bill Lynch (USA 52 / Green Leader).

Meanwhile, Jamie and Morgan will keep the kites in the sky as the high wind continues to pound the 2nd Lagoon. Coach Gebhardt will remain with The Boys."



Rob Douglas


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