‘Alex Caizergues’ © AQUATERRA / Beneteau Gregory – Alex on his 2014 bandit 6m
by Tanguy Blondel
On November 11, Alexandre Caizergues shattered the World Sailing Speed Kitesurfing Record over 500 metres with a blinding average of 56.62 knots in the ‘Salt and Speed’ Volkswagen Transporter Arena located in Salin-de-Giraud, France. In so doing, he has improved on the previous record set by American Rob Douglas by 0.97 knots. The Provençal rider once again makes history in his sport and in the domain of sailing speed records.
‘I’m delighted. It’s great, it’s remarkable!’ says a thrilled Alex Caizergues. ‘We’ve validated the capacity of our speed spot and the ‘Salt and Speed’ event. We’ve known for a while that this was a possibility and that we were capable of going very fast. Today, in a northerly wind of between 45 and 50 knots, I did at least 15 runs and each time I was doing over 50 knots. I made the most of a solid gust to accelerate and the result is immensely satisfying. Everything is set up in the salt marshes so that we can go even faster. The ‘Salt and Speed’ team has done a fantastic job in tough conditions so thanks to everyone. Rob Douglas opted to skip this particular attempt at the start but right now, the next gale can’t come soon enough’.
There are no words adequate to describe Alex Caizergues’ performance this 11 November. With an average speed of 56.62 knots recorded on the speed spot tucked away in the salt marshes of France’s Salin-de-Giraud, Alex has packed a powerful punch and in the process has earned himself the title of the fastest kitesurfer on the planet once again. He was also the first man to break the legendary 100km/hr barrier back in 2010. The ‘Salt and Speed’ team made the decision to open the racecourse yesterday evening, though the original plan was to open Act 3 of the event on Wednesday. It paid off and Caizergues was able to benefit from a perfect weather situation this 11 November to rack up a very, very fast performance and show off his talent as an extraordinary sportsman.
Christophe Simian, the WSSRC observer (World Sailing Speed Record Council) was on location. This record is now awaiting definitive ratification by the body.
‘Salt and Speed’ is an event that was first run last year.
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