24/08/2018
Speed records fall in ideal Masirah Island conditions as US kiteboarding star wins third world title
American kiteboarder Rob Douglas took his third Kite Speed World Championship crown after racing in perfect conditions at the Masirah Island event in Oman.
The only racer to reach a top speed of over 50 knots in ideal conditions on the island’s flat and shallow lagoon, Douglas pipped French defending world champion Alex Caizergues to the title, with British rider Dave Williams repeating his third-place finish of last year.
Robert Harding (USA) and Enrico Giordano (ITA) completed the top-five positions in a competitive international field. Douglas’ US compatriot Mandi Browning won the women’s class ahead of Britain’s Anna Weld.
A delighted Douglas – who also posted the fastest port tack run ever recorded in competition – said: “It started with a plan: get a great coach, get a fast kite, train, travel to Oman and win the 2018 IKA Kite Speed World Championship. Mission complete!”
The world’s fastest kiteboarders competing in the annual IKA speed circuit had gathered in Oman for the high-adrenaline event, which again built on the Sultanate’s growing reputation for ideal kiteboarding conditions.
Hosting the championship for the second successive year, Masirah Island also saw riders from Sweden and New Zealand among the entries.
“Once again Oman has demonstrated that it can produce perfect conditions for this high-speed and exciting sport,” said Salma Al Hashmi, Chief Marketing Officer at event organiser Oman Sail.
“Great racing and new speed records have made this Kite Speed World Championship an event to remember, and all who took part will take away enduring memories.”
Competitors and organizers alike are looking forward to welcome the world’s speed elite back on the island next year in July, when conditions should be even more favourable and new records could be set.
