Outright World Speed Record of 49.09 knots

The World Sailing Speed Record Council has ratified the Outright World Speed Record of 49.09 knots set by Antoine Albeau (FRA) on the purpose built canal in Les Saintes Maries de la Mer, France.

Strong mistral winds with 45-50 knots
After months of waiting for the big mistral winds, the speed canal at the shores of the mediterrean sea came to life again in March 2008. Strong mistral winds with 45-50 knots hit the speed strip in a perfect angle, and although the conditions were quite gusty several riders set personal best speeds. Already the first runs of the "big three" Antoine Albeau, Patrik Diethelm and defending world record holder Finian Maynard (BVI, F2) showed that this day would have the potential to become historic.

49.09 knots
Around noon, Frenchman Antoine Albeau hit a big gust and flew down the 1km man made canal. The scoreboard stopped at 49 knots, after extensive video checking with the observer from the World Speed Sailing Record Council, the speed was verified at 49.09 knots, 0.4 knots faster than the old record of Finian Maynard. The riders then pushed for the elusive 50 knots mark, the magical barrier in speedsailing around the world, but til the end of the day no one was able to increase the previous performances.

Record: Outright World Speed Record
Venue: Les Saintes Maries de la Mer. France
Name: Antoine ALBEAU (FRA)
Equipment: Custom Starboard. 4.8 Neil Pryde
Date: 5 March 2008
Course length: 500 metres
Elapsed time: 19.80 seconds
Speed: 49.09 knots

Source: mastersofspeed.com