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11 October 2005, 04:03 pm

Aiming For 50 Knots

WSSRC Record Attempt

Saintes Maries de la Mer, France

After two years of individual world record attempts, multiple World Champion Bjorn DUNKERBECK (DEN) and current world record holder and nominee for the ISAF Rolex World Sailor of the Year Award Finian MAYNARD (IVB) will finally clash for the coveted sailing barrier of 50 knots at one of the world's premier speedsailing locations in Saintes Maries de la Mer, France.

The event is slated to run from 26 October-20 December, in the hope of capturing the perfect day to extend windsurfing's current hold on the outright world record which currently stands at 48.70 knots or 91km/h, an average speed over 500 meters.

Other notable sailors in attendance include British record (44.03) holder Dave WHITE, French record (45.51) holder David GARREL and Women's 2004 PWA racing champion Allison SHREEVE (AUS), who is aiming to surpass Karin JAGGI's (SUI) 41.25 knot world record set in April this year.

Also looking to make an appearance between his other autumn commitments is Antoine ALBEAU (FRA), who will be a force on the Canal. The returning sailors include Martin VAN MEURS (NED), Francesco D'URSO, Henrik KLAGGES (GER) and Jean-Baptiste GAUTIER (FRa), all keen to continue their Canal legacies. Newcomers Massimo MASSERINI (ITA) and Markus POELTENSTEIN (AUT) are searching for national record glory.

The final three places we are awaiting confirmation from several sailors and we will release their names once they have committed to the event.