Lüderitz Speed Challenge 2025: Wind at last! Valkenaers and Asmussen with top speed
So far, the wind has not been sufficient for world records at the Lüderitz Speed Challenge 2025. the first runs right at the beginning of the contest period Only a few days remained with a few "warm-up" sessions on the canal and some sessions on the open sea at neighbouring Diaz Point.
Yesterday, however, the channel once again showed its potential, even if the wind did not yet allow any new world records to be set. The fastest man in Lüderitz was once again Vincent Valkenaers, who improved his top value from the beginning of November to 46.94 knots. Gunnar Asmussen is now very close behind in second place, clocking 46.92 knots according to the official timekeeping - just 0.02 knots slower! In the top speeds, both even exceeded 48 knots.
Youngster Brendan Lorho's 46.40 knots over 500 metres put him just behind the two top speedsters and ahead of the two legends Antoine Albeau and Björn Dunkerbeck. Nils Bach is ninth with 44.33 knots, Thomas Moldenhauer (41.96 knots) is currently in 13th place.
National record and hopes for Sunday
Heidi Ulrich is still the best lady, thanks to her top speed of 41.96 knots from the first week. Yesterday Jenna Gibson was faster, but with 41.90 knots she couldn't quite beat Heidi's best time. "The last two weeks have been stressful, we're waiting for good wind," she said in the Patrik team video.
But there was also a new record to report: Momar Diagne sailed 39.66 knots - a new national record for Senegal according to organiser Raffaello Gardelli!
The Lüderitz Speed Challenge is now looking ahead to the upcoming weekend: The forecast for Sunday is 35-35 knots for the channel, which could be the best conditions so far this year - perhaps even with a new world record!
All live results of the Lüderitz Speed Challenge can be found here: luderitz-speed.com/ranking-2025/!
