Antoine Albeau, the interview
Winner of the 2025 Lüderitz Speed Challenge with 52.25 knots, Antoine Albeau added artistry to his performance, beating his closest rival, Belgian Vincent Valkenaers, by nearly two knots. Although this more disappointing edition did not allow him to reach 100 km/h, FRA-192 is satisfied with his campaign in Namibia and talks about it to Windsurfjournal.com.
Windsurfjournal.com: You may have missed several magical gusts... How do you mentally cope with days when success sometimes depends on a few seconds of wind?
Antoine Albeau: I don't think I missed any gusts during the two windiest days. Maybe a little more in light conditions, but that's normal, that's how days are. There were a lot of us this year and, it's true, on the first few days when the wind arrived, everyone was on the lookout and doing run after run. So on the first day, there was quite a bit of waiting between runs, and that's when you need to have a good mental attitude: if you see the best half hour of the day passing by while you're waiting, it can be tough. The following days were a little easier.
WJ: We know that you analyse wind angles very carefully... What enabled you, on 23rd and especially 29th November, to immediately sense ‘the right moment’?
AA: Normally, even though no two days are ever the same, there are always moments that are a little better than others. When you're in the queue to start, you don't have much choice: you have to try to get in as many runs as possible during the day. There's also a rule for men: if you exceed 51 knots, you get a ‘fast pass’, and for women, it's 46 knots. This means you can move up to second or third place in the queue to set off again as soon as you get back up for a new run. I did 51.05 knots on the 23rd and 52.25 on the 29th, so I was able to do more runs. My runs didn't necessarily improve, but it allowed me to try more things than I had planned. When it gets really windy, fewer people attempt runs because it becomes more technical to start and stop. So it's easier to do more runs.
WJ: On 29 November, you reached 52.25 knots, while many others were hampered by choppy seas. What adjustments or approach enabled you to maintain control?
AA: Yes, there were quite a few runs with heavy chop in the second half, but it wasn't impossible to get through. In choppy water, sailing is different: you have to adapt and adjust your equipment properly to get through the end of the run with less difficulty. You have to engage the fin a little less to avoid cavitation.
WJ: Youngsters like Brendan Lorho weigh 20 to 30 kg less than you and make multiple starts. How do you stay competitive against these new profiles?
AA: Yes, Brendan makes a lot of runs, but I think I'm still among the best at jump starts. In fact, I was the one who started this technique in 2012. Brendan is our benchmark: he'll do runs from start to finish. For my part, I prefer to manage my day well and not miss out on the good moments. I don't need to do runs all day long. I have a different approach to optimise my chances. If one day we have a real record-breaking day, you'll see that I'll have a lot of runs under my belt. In 2015, I did 32 in a single day: 30 above 50 knots, 13 above 52 and 3 above 53. Over the next three days, I did 108 runs... After that, I slept for four days!
WJ: Zephir Project equipment was very much in evidence this year. How did your 2025 quiver help you, or sometimes limit you?
AA: I had quite a few things to test. I did some runs with our inertial measurement unit: it wasn't easy, but at least we have data on my runs and on Diaz Point's, and that's going to be very useful for our engineers. I also had my streamlined helmet, which we had already tested in the wind tunnel and in real conditions in Lüderitz. I wasn't able to test my wetsuit because it's not easy to do in the heat of the moment: you don't want to miss the right wind conditions. But it's only a matter of time. We know that aerodynamic improvements are a real plus anyway. I also had quite a few fins developed with Olivier Ponrouche from UFO Fins and the engineers at Alten, our partner. I tested and validated the fins extensively, completing my best times over the course of several days. So Lüderitz 2025 is neither a disappointment nor a regret: I set the best time, 2 knots ahead of the second-placed competitor, which is no mean feat. I also arrived with new boards and sails after changing sponsors to Severne. Cédric Bordes and I worked extremely hard to get everything sorted and improve our performance. It paid off, and I'm delighted. My 2024 record wasn't beaten by any other rider, and I still posted the fastest time. So it's a real success. Yes, I regret not reaching 100 km/h, but it's only a matter of time. I had a good group of partners with me to help me achieve it. The adventure isn't over. I have the World Speed Championship in April, then Lüderitz 2026 to try and break the 100 barrier.
WJ: Many describe you as ‘imperial’ on 29 November, with a knowledge of the channel that really makes the difference. What do you think is the key: technique, experience, equipment, instinct?
AA: Yes, perhaps. In 2023, I returned to Lüderitz after eight years away, and from my very first runs, I felt at home. It's amazing how a spot can stay with you and you never forget it. I also think I'm very technical and able to adapt very quickly. I really feel the channel. The 500 metres is one thing, but you also have to master the start and finish, which I do very well. That's my strength.
WJ: The overall level has exploded this year. Is the absolute record still achievable?
AA: Yes, the level has risen significantly, but the equipment we are developing is much more efficient. It allows us to reach 50 knots in less strong winds, so the other riders naturally go faster too. The record is achievable. So is 100 km/h. I know I can do it. But then you need the right conditions and the courage to go down the run and, above all, to stop. Because stopping is going to become more and more difficult as speeds increase. So fewer and fewer of us will be setting out in record-breaking conditions. But that's what high-level sport and extreme sport are all about! With the Zephir Project, we're making progress, and that's what matters.
Source: Antoine Albeau
Photos: Peter Davis Photography
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