World Sailing Speed Record Council facts for kids
| Formation | 1972 |
|---|---|
| Website | http://www.sailspeedrecords.com/ |
The World Sailing Speed Record Council (WSSRC) is an important group that checks and confirms speed records for sailing. It was started in 1972. Their main job is to make sure that speed records set by boats, windsurfers, and kitesurfers on water are real and fair. They do not check records on ice or land.
When WSSRC first began, they mostly confirmed records at an event called Weymouth Speed Week. This event happens every year in Portland Harbor. At first, they only checked records for short distances, like a 500-meter race. But since 1988, they also check records for long ocean voyages. This change happened because there were some disagreements about the times for these long trips.
What WSSRC Does
The WSSRC makes sure that sailing speed records are official. They are the only group allowed to do this by World Sailing. World Sailing is the main organization for sailing sports around the world.
Checking Records
When a sailor or boat tries to break a speed record, they send their information to the WSSRC. Experts from countries like Australia, France, Great Britain, and the U.S. look at the details. They check everything carefully to make sure the record is valid.
Performance Certificates
Besides checking records, WSSRC also gives out "Performance Certificates." These are for sailors who want to have their speed officially timed over a certain course. They might not be trying to break a record, but they still want an official time for their performance.
Early Speed Records
Some of the very first records confirmed by WSSRC in 1972 were:
- Sir Timothy Colman's boat, Crossbow, set an "Outright record" (the fastest ever) at 26.30 knots. A knot is a way to measure speed on water.
- The boat Icarus reached 21.6 knots.
- Mayfly sailed at 16.40 knots.
- Lief Wagner Smitt, a windsurfer, reached 13.6 knots.
