Derek Nielson 46 knots at Chinook, WA on Sailworks

billgfc · Joined: 20 Aug 2006 Posts: 148

Chinook County Park finally had an epic combination of wind and correct tide level to produce probable North American record times. the south winds were roaring just before dawn as the low tide approached, with measured gusts of 30 to 35. Good speeds were measured from the time Derek Nielson, his son Alex, and Keane Rogers rigged just after dawn until about 9 a when the wind shifted and they came in.

Unofficial on the beach readings produced 46+ knot peak and 10 second times from 42 to possibly 44+ by Derek Nielson. His 17yr old son Alex, on his first visit to Chinook, posted near best 38 knot peak on a wave sail. Keane Rogers looked great after a summer of training with an apparent peak over 43.

This is a job well done for all three guys. by the time they were on the water, measured winds at nearby Port of Chinook offices 200 meters inland were 40 gusting to 45. At times there was airborne spray on the water. It was enough to shake my van while watching, going out at that point not wise, maybe next time, for this 58 yr old choosing to keep limbs attached.

To see the course, go to Google earth or similar, type Chinook, WA USA

Congrads to Derek, Alex and Keane for some great sailing! You guys looked terrific from my safe beach haven! Personal bests for all? We look forward to seeing all three of you post later!

billgfc · Joined: 20 Aug 2006 Posts: 148

Here is his post.. should be official now

http://www.gps-speedsurfing.com/?mnu=user&val=55034&uid=2009

congrads Derek!

hammerton · Joined: 30 Jul 2007 Posts: 26

Almost got on a plane for that one! In the end I opted out as it seemed a long way to go and a lot of effort for what was likely to be 2 hours sailing!

Good job guys!

Maybe see you next storm!

deryck.w · Joined: 03 Jun 2008 Posts: 14

attaboy derek! sailworks are very fast sails, no doubt! oh and alex was not on a wave sail, a hucker is a no-cam slalom sail, Very Happy

jedi · Joined: 12 Jul 2003 Posts: 21

Thanks guys... I'm lookin forward to havin more speed sailors here Tom, i hope you can make it sometime.
We prefer to call the Hucker a pb&j sail..... power bump and jump... its surely faster than a wave sail...

Regards, Derek

hammerton · Joined: 30 Jul 2007 Posts: 26

I'd love to hear more about the day. Any chance of seeing the tracks Derek?

I look forward to sailing Chinook soon. Last attempt I ended up stuck in Portland and missed all the fun! Spent a week over there and never even unpacked my gear.

Can't wait to see and hear more about the day.

Congratulations on a good effort everyone who sailed!

Cheers,

Tom

jedi · Joined: 12 Jul 2003 Posts: 21

Tom, I pm'd you the track file and a few notes about the runs. Looking forward to sailing it with you someday. Cheers, Derek

billgfc · Joined: 20 Aug 2006 Posts: 148

oops! call a Hucker a wave sail and you will surely hear about it:)

anyway wind and tide look good Sat until 11 or 12a
anyone want to go?

You can also open tracks at http://www.ka72.com/
Derek's is the one that was 46, should stay on that page until a few others post

eastfork · Joined: 10 May 2007 Posts: 10

Cool Derek

Is this a starboard or port run?

billgfc · Joined: 20 Aug 2006 Posts: 148

jedi · Joined: 12 Jul 2003 Posts: 21

Its port on a southerly, but if the wind is more west than south you run it on starboard

thomas_tlusty · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 8

Nice work Derek! Kicking myself for missing it.

billgfc · Joined: 20 Aug 2006 Posts: 148

deja vous Monday tide good from 10 to 2 minus tidal surge?

jedi · Joined: 12 Jul 2003 Posts: 21

be there early

billgfc · Joined: 20 Aug 2006 Posts: 148

did not make it, but Alex and Derek did.

http://www.gps-speedsurfing.com/?mnu=user&val=55105&uid=2673

http://www.gps-speedsurfing.com/?mnu=user&val=55104&uid=2009

I love the sportsmanship, post times regardless, and how much fun it can be.