Subject to ratification by the World Speed Sailing Record Council (WSSRC), the outright sailing speed record has been smashed in Namibia at the Luderitz Speed Sailing Challenge. In 45 knots of breeze and flying an 8m2 kite, Alexandre Caizergues clocked an impressive 54.10knots down the purpose built speed sailing ditch.

Although I take my hat off to those who’ve mastered this bizarre form of sailing, I’ve never really been that taken by the prospect of kite board sailing. I’m not even sure it really should be placed in the same category as ‘conventional’ sailing, but that’s a whole different debate.

What did impress me was this stunning video of kite-board sailor Sebastien Cattelan scorching down the ditch and catching windsurfer Anders Bringdal on his way.

Watch and then tell me that you don’t fancy a bit of this!