Midwest Speed Quest 2010
2010 has been a great year for the Midwest Speed Quest on Lake Okabena, Worthington Minnesota. This Windsurfing GPS Speed Sailing Event runs through October 15th. The Racing Schedule is open during this time, and the racer may choose the day he wishes to Speed Sail.
Each year we pay over $3000 in CASH PRIZES, yet there are no fees of any kind The racer may enter as many times as they wish. This has been a popular format. The racer with the Best Ten Second Speed will win $1000 CASH, 2nd is $500, 3rd is $250, 4th is $125, and 5th is $75.
The Best Alpha 500 Meter Speed (the average speed through a 500 meter jibe) will win $500 CASH. Second wins $250, 3rd is $125, 4th is 75, and 5th is $50. Alpha Racing is new in the USA, but is popular in other Countries. This is great way to recognize those Windsurfers with superior jibing ability.
Thank to the generosity of our Sponsors, we have also been able to provide demo gear to all visiting Racers. This includes KA Sails (WIndsurf Deal, California), two Carbon Art Boards (Carbon Art International, New Zealand), Vector Fins (Vector Fins Maui, Hawaii), and Gath Helmets (Murrays Sports, California), and DAKINE
On May 1, the lead was taken early by David Knight of Fridley Minnesota. He used the KA Koncept 6.6 Sail and Carbon Art SL62 Slalom Board and Vector 28 EX fin. He recorded a personal record with a Ten Second Run of 32.8 knots, and a Max 2 Second Speed of 33.52 knots. On the same day, Ed Melechson of Papillion Nebraska sailed into Second Place, entering a personal best of 30.8 knots sailing the KA Koncept 5.8 Sail. David won a Gath Helmet. Ed won a Gath Helmet and $100 CASH!
On August 29, Andrew Anderson of Oakland California took the lead, with new personal best 10 Second Speed of 35.4 knots, with a Max Speed of 37.64 knots. Andrew was sailing the Neil Pryde RS Sail, the Carbon Art SL75 Slalom Board, and Vector Rockit Fin. Arden Anderson of Fon du Lac Wisconsin is in 3rd place with a speed of 32.73 knots, and a Max Speed of 33.64. Arden used a Vector EX Fin. Adam Anderson is now in 4th Place with new personal best 10 Second Speed of 31.2 knots, and a Max Speed of 33.12 Knots, also using a Vector EX Fin. 5th Place is now held by Ed Melechson. Sixth Place is held by 15 year old Magnus Zaunmueller of Beaver Dam Wisconsin. He was sailing the KA Koncept 4.4 Sail, the Carbon Art SP53 Speed Board, and Vector EX 32 Fin. This was his first attempt at Speed Sailing, and using the Koncept Sail. The conditions were challenging with the gusty winds and heavy chop. He also set a new personal best 10 Second Speed was 27.12 knots; and a Max Speed was 29.33 knots! Magnus won $100 CASH and a Gath Helmet! Ken Gacke of Brandon SD hold 7th with a personal best of 26.88, and a Max Speed of 27.85. Jeff Hegwer of Mason City Iowa has 8th place, Jason Swanson is in 9th.
New personal best speeds were also recorded by Wayne Anderson, Piotr Waszczuk, Jim Magnuson, Arnie Cleveland, and Niels Zaunmueller. Congratulations!!!
Thank you US Windsurfing for supporting the Midwest Speed Quest year after year!
See our Web Site for complete information, more photos, and up to date Race Results.