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Sailboarder sets new world record

Tuesday, 16 June 2009

A Southside sailboarder has set a new Irish record. The water speed record of 40.85 knots (75 kilometres) over 500 metres by a wind-powered machine was recorded on Burrow beach, Sutton, by Lucan sailboarder John Kenny (35) last Saturday week (June 6). John, who described the conditions as being “nearly perfect”, now intends to push the Irish record towards an incredible 45 knots. “Conditions at the Burrow were very good as the tide had begun to go out and the water became very calm with the wind coming from the northeast,” John told Southside People. “It was incredible to go that fast. The only time an Irishman managed to go over 40 knots on water before happened in England. “But everyone who was out on the Burrow on Saturday actually recorded personal bests which goes to show just how good conditions were. “I'm sure if we had more wind we would have seen some truly record breaking speeds which would put Ireland even further up the world rankings.” John’s feat was recorded by means of a satellite and he wore a GPS tracking device on his arm. His speed achieved was then verified and uploaded onto a worldwide website www.gps-speedsurfing.com Married with three children, John believes Burrow beach could become one of the best locations in the world to attempt speed records. “We don’t realise what we have right on our doorsteps in Dublin,” he stated. “The Burrow is perfect from a number of angles. “When the tide goes out, you’re left with a nice channel with two banks either side that makes it very safe. “When the tide isn’t too choppy with the water relatively shallow and the wind coming from the north or northeast, you’re left with an ideal venue.” John pointed out that sailboarders are prepared to travel nearly anywhere to get the right wind conditions. “The Burrow beach being so close to Dublin Airport is an ideal venue for people from around Europe to head for now that the record has been broken there,” he said. “I believe that more effort should be put into promoting the Burrow and beaches like it.” John is now appealing for a sponsor to come forward and allow him to push for an even faster Irish record. “My goal is to go after a faster time,” he stated.  “I would like to get a sponsor to help me get to one of the big events like ‘The Masters of Speed’ or ‘Driver By Wind’ where I know I can push the Irish record over 45 knots. “A sponsor would really help with things like travel expenses and also the cost of actually buying the sailboard gear. “You can pay up to e1,400 per board and you would need three or four boards. “There are other expenses as well. You could have as much as e20,000 worth of gear with you when you go sailing.” John has been sail boarding for the last 16 years but only got into speed sailing last year. What does he put his success down to? “I don’t know,” he replied. “I used to be into racing motor bikes and I’m pretty fearless on the water. “That helps. You can get injured quite badly if you come off your board at speed. “I recently saw two guys receive dislocated shoulders when they came off their boards.”