YACHT Speeeeed Challenge: Class 40 skipper Simon Koster breaks the 20 knot barrier

It was actually more of a booze idea. Without booze, of course! But sometimes it's the craziest ideas that produce the most beautiful results. And that's exactly what the unofficial YACHT Speed Challenge, which is all about entertainment and fun speed sailing, looks like.

The 16.6 knots we set when testing the First 36 lasted less than two weeks, when Wolle Heibeck immediately increased it to 17.4 knots. But even the record was not granted a long life. Because last weekend, several crews sounded the call.

JPK skipper Rasmus Töpsch "only" had 15.36 knots on his NKE multigraphic display in the end, but at least he sailed at night. In the vague hope that nighttime counts double, he posted a photo on Facebook and Instagram to prove it. Accompanying text: "Give everything ... just don't give up". We're sure there's still room for improvement!

The crew from the Bocholter Yachtclub logged a value just above Wolle Heibeck's "Black Maggy" level at the German Sailing League in Hamburg: 17.7 knots - and that on the Outer Alster. Although this is still a long way from the maximum potential of the J/70, it is still quite official. Especially as the boys are peppered around the tonnes, not just on an ICE track towards top speed. So without any ifs and buts: Chapeau!

Of course, the real, interim, current until-further-notice hero is Simon "Simi" Koster. And perhaps his record will remain untouched for a few more days after all. After all, the Swiss pro has made quite a good showing off Lorient on his Mach 40.4 "Banque du Leman" designed by Sam Manuard.

Two "speed runs" were enough for him to easily make it into the twenties under full main, staysail and code. In the first run, his Adrena programme registered 20.27 knots over ground, in the second even 20.58 knots. A demonstration of what the current generation of the Class 40 is capable of - and its solo skipper, who has already set many an ocean record.

Simon even took the time to document his attempts on video when he set sail. And when the Speedo was already travelling at around 20 knots through the water, he took his camera to the foredeck to give the YACHT community an impression of the boat and the impressive stern sea. New standards - not only in terms of speed, but also in transporting the attempt in moving images. Thank you, Simi! And congratulations!!!!!

20, 58 knots ...! So, folks - now it's getting sporty. But don't let them take your nerve. The author dimly remembers having logged 16.2 knots in the angry Baltic Sea on a regular Hanse 370 with a second anchor and an on-board bicycle in the forecastle, or 20 knots on a Comfortina 42 in the Atlantic, thanks to the Gulf Stream.

We also know a few wild Dehler 30 acrobats, J-Boat owners, JPK virtuosos, Sunfast drivers, pogo conquerors and the whole gang of Stollergrund ultras, who have already travelled in double figures. So let's go! Skagen Rund, Brassfahrt - there's still time!

At the latest, when Boris lets his new "Malizia" off the line in earnest in August, the 30! Until then, mere mortals still have a chance - unless Simi goes out in 30 to 35 knots of wind next time. But then we want to be there.

In any case, we are already looking forward to the following reports. And we promise that we will have come up with a worthy prize for the next record. Dig in!