Sebastien Cattelan yesterday did it again!! After writing history just over two years ago by being the first kiter to break the magical 50 knots barrier he has done it again. Yesterday he was the first person ever to reach a speed over 55 knots average over 500m.

Rob Douglas is the new Outright Record holder with 55.65 knots

They just have to wait for official WSSRC ratification now. That's pretty fast by anyones standards!

Al.

Amazing aint it. Enuf to tempt u back onto a kite?

Thats 64 mph! :-0

Why are kites faster than windsurfers? less board and fin drag?

just because their generally nicer people, and wind surfers get scared very easily! Tee hee,( reply awaited)

Maybe they have smaller brains and always go for the easy option!

Less drag will be part of it, but there are probably a number of reasons. Not only is there less drag from the board and fin, but they can generally go in shallower, flatter water which makes a huge difference.

Also, the kite is up in the air in cleaner, stronger winds not the turbulent winds close to the ground / water that windsurfers use.

On top of that, the power to weight ratio is much greater with a kitesurfer than a windsurfer. Anyone who has flown even a small power kite knows how much power they can generate, even in light winds as the move through the power-zone. Sails can't do this is quite the same way. Also, a kite and kitesurf board are very lightweight in comparison to a windsurf board and rig. More power to move less weight can only mean one thing - More speed.

Al.

Holly ......! Let's see who gets to 60 knots first..

By the way, the exact location of the world record spot can be seen on satellite imagery here http://bloosee.com/r/i3ezSfh