Kite Surfing

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Zoom, Zoom, Zoom. New Speed Record......Maybe.

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From Kitesurfing

Sail World - New World Speed Record 50.26 knots

Unverified reports coming from Namibia. suggest that professional kite surfer Sebastien Cattelan (FRA) has finally broken the magical 50 knots barrier, the holy gral of speed sailing.

Thw Lüderitz Speed Challenge 2008 is being held in Lüderitz, Namibia, from 15 September 2008 to 13 October 2008. This is the second edition of the event, which is running on the wind blastred coast just a few hours from Capetown.

Accompanied by several high 49 knots runs from himself, Alexandre Caizergues and Jerome Bila (all France) he was the only sailor finally getting to 50.26 knots.

Special attendance was paid to the required water depth, and the organizer in cooperation with the WSSRC commissioner present clearly ensured that the rule was strictly applied.

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Kitesurfing Safety Rule Number 1: Don't Kitesurf Before, During Or After A Storm.

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http://www.wkrg.com/news/video_external/caught_on_tape_wind_blows_kite_surfer_into_building/17014/

WKRG.com Video

Can you say dumb? This hombre, caught on tape, got lofted and flew into a building during Tropical Storm Fay in Fort Lauderdale. OUCH! Pour me a strong one Barkeep, that had to hurt.

From Kitesurfing School:
"Getting lofted is one of the most serious dangers of kitesurfing. Due to the high power requirement of kitesurfing, a serious wind gust can send the kitesurfer upward if he/she has the kite park overhead. Getting lofted in the water is fun (it is normally called tea bagging). It is getting lofted on land that normally results in serious injuries or death."

Via Señor Miguelito.

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2 Hours Ago. A Short Kite Sailing Video.

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http://update.videoegg.com/flash/proxy.swf?jsver=1.4

Sorry, no hip hot beat or fancy graphics, just a very short video taken from East Beach in San Francisco.
Read all about the kite sailing racing scene in San Francisco by Kimball Livingston.

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Kite Power Part 3.

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For those skeptics out there, here a couple of old posts from version 1.

Speaking of Kites.
posted 12/08/04

Look Ma, no spinnaker!


Sean Langman’s 66-foot AAPT will use a kite instead of a spinnaker in this
years Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race.


Kite boarders can apply! The approach to Sydney Harbor.

The OutLeader™ kite flies in the stronger stable
wind well above the level of the boat’s masthead, providing enormous pulling power.
The kite looks like half of a giant parachute, but measures as a spinnaker. Unlike a
normal spinnaker, it is sheeted only from the deck, so it doesn’t contribute to heeling
the boat or burying the bow. This means that the risks of uncontrolled spinnaker
wipe-outs are almost eliminated.  

KiteShip rocks! I want one for my boat. I'll have to wait for them to build a
smaller chute for my little boat. :( When that happens I'll say, "See ya later spinnaker!"

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Outrigger Kiting?
posted 12/10/04

Here is a picture of our heros using a Robbie Naish kite on an outrigger
canoe. Damn, that's cool.

They launch near Mama's Fish House (excellent food and Mai Tais) on Maui and
head out into the very windy Pailolo Channel.


"Holy Shit...Take off!"

Via Wet Ass.
Photos from Kiteboat.

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What Was Once Old Is New Again.
posted 10/05/05

A return to sail power? Kite powered ships, no masts required!
The Economist has a nice article on the return of sailing ships in it's September 23rd issue.

Kites are popping up everywhere. Kite surfing, sailboats, outrigger canoes,
kayaks and now ocean going ships. I would like to get one for my Cape Dory
and one for my kayak.

Links: SkySails | KiteShip | KiteBoat | TopKayaker | The Economist

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