New world record: 39.11 knots for 1 nautical mile

[Baptiste_FR]

Sylvain Hoceini did the 1 nautical mile (1.852 km) at the average speed of 39.11 knots setting a new record and beating the previous performance (Rob Douglas with 39.04 knts).
The performance still has to be validated by the WSSRC.



Alex Caizergue remains the fastest kitesurfer with an average speed of 57.98 knots, but on 500 meters.

[norcom]

There should be a kicker at the end. Then he could have gone for the highest boost record.

[dave1986]

It seems like a HUGE gap between the 500m vs 1 mile record? Is this due to the 500m record being broken in a specialist build speed channel?

[Daversj]

I wonder what would happen if you sent it and yanked in the bar at that speed?

[bragnouff]

It seems like a HUGE gap between the 500m vs 1 mile record? Is this due to the 500m record being broken in a specialist build speed channel?

Over the years, when the 500m record breakers spoke about their winning runs, they always mentioned hitting the right strong gust at the right time, and maxing it till the finish line. On a 1852m run, it becomes significantly harder to have a gust lasting for long enough to keep you going at full speed over the length of the run, or to link 3 or 4 of those magic gusts together.
And also, the spot isn't as optimal as the speed channel. You probably wouldn't be able to ride in such a deep reach without getting some chop building up. This is just a guess, but most likely the nautic mile course was run at a lesser angle than the 500m record runs, for the sake of retaining super flat water conditions.

Well done Sylvain!

[Matty V]

It seems like a HUGE gap between the 500m vs 1 mile record? Is this due to the 500m record being broken in a specialist build speed channel?

500m vs 1851m

Go try it... come back and let us know how you get on

(Your legs will tell you to bugger off at about 250)

[longwhitecloud]

wow.. sooo fast! where is that groin?

[Baptiste_FR]

I don't understand why the speed record is not held by a rider on Hydrofoil.
I read an interview by Alex Caizergue talking about his record and he said that with his current setup he can reach a speed of 1.1 or 1.2 times the wind speed. Meaning that for his 58 knots records, he was riding with at least 50 knots of wind.

With an hydrofoil you can go faster than the wind (more than 2 times). So the potential for breaking speed record seems a lot higher. Furthermore, actual foil competitions are only focus on speed (it's a basic race between riders).
Is it a problem of stability, equipment... ? (I don't foil so any information is welcome).

[dave1986]

I'm no expert, but I get the feeling that control becomes a bigger issue at higher speeds. Perhaps its difficult to get the right control on a hydrofoil when the speeds goes above 40knots?

Or perhaps nobody has designed a hydrofoil for all-out straight line speed? The current hydrofoil designs need to go upwind and downwind well and in control... they're not specifically designed for straight-line speed.

[Foil]

I'm no expert, but I get the feeling that control becomes a bigger issue at higher speeds. Perhaps its difficult to get the right control on a hydrofoil when the speeds goes above 40knots?

Or perhaps nobody has designed a hydrofoil for all-out straight line speed? The current hydrofoil designs need to go upwind and downwind well and in control... they're not specifically designed for straight-line speed.

good point,
Just average to good foilers on freeride foil gear can achieve near 30knts with nothing super special in terms of kite or foil, and not designed for speed and not even on flat water, these guys who are not pro riders if given decent race gear could push much nearer 35knts, or more.
so what could a pro rider with top race gear get to on flat water,
and then on gear designed for speed runs???
blimey.
and finally at the end of that speed run send the kite