November 7th, 2008 1:47pm
Some folks equate sailing to a nice, leisurely activity planned for sunny Sundays in mid-July. Black Dog Tavern CEO Rob Douglas thinks of sailing as going 57 M.P.H. on a board attached to a kite — and yes, that’s considered “sailing.” According to the World Sailing Speed Record Council, Rob set the American speed sailing record with a 57 M.P.H. performance that took place off the shores of Lüderitz, Namibia, on the southwest coast of Africa.
So who’s the world's fastest sailor? Frenchman Alex Caizergues holds that title as he edged out Rob by a little less than one mile per hour at the four-week competition.
"It went back and forth for almost the full four weeks out there," said Mr. Douglas. "It was a lot harder to have the world record than to try to beat it. You find yourself kind of defending, versus going on the offense. It was a mental challenge for me. I knew I was up against the best guys in the world, and they weren't going to stay below me."
Thinking of challenging the record yourself? Well it turns out you’re in a great place to learn. Martha’s Vineyard has an avid community of about 20 kite sailors who regularly gather at Sengekontacket Pond, Cape Pogue Bay and Katama Bay depending on the conditions.
Read more from Steve Myrick’s article in the MV Times.
