Who will be 1^st to break 50 Knots?

The World record for speed sailing currently stands at 48.7 knots. But it won’t be long before one of the contenders breaks the 50 knot barrier and will be immortalised by the sailing world.

To achieve 50 knots over a fixed 500 metre course will take some doing and will require the right conditions and location and not to mention a colossal amount of courage. Up until now the French have had the golden spot “The Trench” at Saintes Maries de la Mer. A purpose built canal 1000 metres long cut into the French countryside at an angle to the prevailing Mistral winds.

An audacious group in Great Britain have other Ideas… The Group headed by David White and Pete Davis are planning an attack on the record this January at a spot well known to many UK speed junkies, “The Ray “at Southend on Sea.

 A natural speed strip in open water, capable of some amazing speeds on its glassy flat waters. With a unique choice of two strips it is well capable of knocking the French trench into touch. The Ray has been tested recently using modern Garmin GPS and has produced speeds of over 48 knots. Clearly it has the potential!

The Gladiators from around the world are amassing for the attempt including the most successful windsurfer that has ever lived. Bjorn Dunkerbeck, holder of 38 world windsurfing titles. Together with Bjorn and David will be 30 other amateurs and professionals from around the world who will be hoping to break their own national records and ultimately claim the crown of the 1^st to break 50knots.

The event is being launched at the London boat show this week at Earls court and will be backed up with a comprehensive marketing and PR campaign. It will start on the 14^th of January 2008 which historically is the windiest time of the year with an open event for one week. It will then go straight into a four month standby to give the best chance to achieve the ultimate goal – 50 knots

The event is called

Driven by Wind