Dunkerbeck Speed Challenge: Valkenaers and Gibson win Summer Edition - Benedikt Emser fastest foiler

La Palme in the south of France was the top spot for top speeds in the second of three sections of the Dunkerbeck Speed Challenge 2025. The best values were achieved in several categories at the legendary spot of the "Prince of Speed", above all the 47.96 knots of Vincent Valkenaers in the men's category. The Belgian was significantly faster than Jim Crossley and Damien Nico in second and third place.

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Laurent Fesquet (Grand Master 51-60), Pernille Sanderhoff (Grand Master Women 51-60) and Thomas Moldenhauer (Super Master 61-70) also won their categories with top runs in La Palme. One exception was Jenna Gibson, the fastest woman of the Summer Edition: the World record holder set her best time of 42.84 knots in West Kirby, a flat water and speed spot near Liverpool. German spots are also among the top three in the individual classes: Georg Nassauer put in a run of 35.64 knots in Suhrendorf on Rügen and won the Ultimate Masters (71-99), while Mika Henning took third place in the Juniors aged 11 to 14 with 27.81 knots in St. Peter-Ording.

The foil classification was won by junior racer Benedikt Emser with 35.54 knots in Malcesine on Lake Garda. Emser also regularly finishes on the podium at PWA junior events, most recently coming third in Aruba. A hot candidate for further top results!

The Dunkerbeck Speed Challenge 2025 enters the third phase of the season from 1 October to 30 November. Anyone around the world can take part at their home or favourite spot using a GPS device!

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