1,852 metres is the length of a nautical mile, and this distance is currently the focus of the Prince of Speed in La Palme (by way of comparison: the measuring course on the canal in Lüderitz is only 500 metres long). Yesterday, everything came together to make 29 June a record-breaking day: Cedric Bordes set a new men’s world record over this distance on the open sea, clocking 44.42 knots. The women’s record was broken twice: first, Heidi Ulrich set a new record of 39.68 knots, and in the final run of the day, Jenna Gibson improved on this figure once more to 40.11 knots. The British sailor has thus made history as the first woman to break the 40-knot barrier over a nautical mile. All figures are provided by the organisers and are yet to be officially ratified.
“We didn’t arrive until just after midday – our van needed repairing, the ferry was delayed, and we were already worried we’d miss the good conditions,” Gibson said afterwards. “When we arrived, Heidi had just set her record, and Cedric had also set a record, but everyone was back on shore because the water was too shallow and the wind had dropped a bit.” She was then simply glad to get out on the water for a short while after spending the night on the motorway, Jenna continued. “I then got on Principe (the organiser, Editor’s note) asked if they could have another go – and that turned out to be a new record straight away!”
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National records and personal bests
A number of national records and personal bests were also set yesterday at La Palme: Vincent Valkenaers reached 43.81 knots over the 1,853-metre distance, setting a new Belgian record. Gunnar Asmussen secured the German record with a speed of 41.88 knots. Simon Pettifer surpassed Dave White’s previous British record with a speed of 40.43 knots. Thomas Moldenhauer, aged 63, put in a remarkable performance: his 41.31 knots over the nautical mile marks his personal best. And the competition isn’t over yet – Antoine Albeau is also due to arrive in La Palme on Wednesday.
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