Weymouth Speed Week attracts Women's World Speed Record Holder
by Cailah Leask 9 Oct 2013 20:05 BST
12-18 October 2013
The Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy (WPNSA) will be a mecca for world speed sailing this month. Weymouth Speed Week, the oldest and longest-running global speed sailing event, will run from the 12th to the 18th October. Held annually since 1972, this year's edition has attracted, Zara Davis, the double women's world speed record holder to compete.
UK national, Zara, will take to the waters of Portland Harbour as part of time trials over a distance of 500 metres. Participants will use a wide variety of wind-powered craft providing an amazing spectacle, final speed is recorded as the average speed over the set distance. The flat, unobstructed waters of Portland Harbour and legendary strong winds of the South West offer ultimate time trial conditions coupled with excellent spectator viewing potential from the WPNSA's balcony.
Speed windsurfing is a passion for the UK based osteopath who has enjoyed this sport since she was 13 years old. Zara as well as being the only woman in history to hold two World Speed Sailing Records at the same time is a three time European Champion and eight times British Champion. Zara's current record stands at 45.83 knots breaking the previous record which stood for nine years and is now nominated for ISAF Sailor of the Year 2013.
Zara Davis will be using her event at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy as a final tune up before her upcoming trip to Namibia for the BSI Steel Luderitz Speed Challenge from the 7th October to 17th November.
Weymouth Speed Week (12 – 18 October) will be available to the public for viewing from the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy, free car parking and entrance to the WPNSA.
www.zaradavis.co.uk