SURF

: MASTERS OF SPEED : Albeau makes 49.09 knots and breaks World Record in Saintes Maries de la Mer

Antoine Albeau (FRA, Starboard) and Patrik Diethelm (ITA, F2, North) have broken the existing speed sailing records today in Saintes Maries de la Mer, France. After months of waiting for the big mistral winds, the speed canal at the shores of the mediterrean sea came to life again.

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.

At 9:30 hours Patrik Diethelm was the first one making waves, setting a new world production speed record with his F2 Missile XS at 46.51 knots, subject to WSSRC ratification. Around noon, 12:29 hours exactly, 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.

Antoine Albeau, FRA

 Sail: F-192
 Height: 185 cm
 Weight: 95 kg
 Birthdate: 17.06.1972
 Nationality: French
 Residence: France
 www.antoinealbeau.com

Antoine started windsurfing at the age of 5 on the island of Ré (west coast of France).Guided by his father Antoine became a professional windsurfer in 1992. Since then,he has accumulated many national and international titles and is now considered as probably the best windsurfers in the world.

Best Results :
 Speed World Champion 2007
 Speed Sailing world record holder at 49.09 knots

Sponsors: Starboard, Ford Lease, Deboichet, NeilPryde, ATAN, Quiksilver

Patrik Diethelm, ITA

 Sail: ITA-120
 Height: 183 cm
 Weight: 84 kg
 Birthdate: 03.03.1972
 Nationality: Swiss
 Residence: Switzerland
 www.patrikdiethelm.com

Currently living in Italy, Lake Garda, the F2 Shaper is always trying to push his equipment to new limits.

Best Results :
 Speed Production World Champion 2006, 2007
 Production Board World Record Holder

Sponsors: North Sails, F2, Circolo Surf Torbole

Press info Speed:World:Cup / www.speedworldcup.com