Rob Douglas Jr., a 54-year-old Vineyard Haven resident, returned to Martha’s Vineyard last week as a world champion for the second time in three years after he broke his own kite-surfing world speed record and set three U.S. speed records on a wing-foil at the Prince of Speed competition in La Palme, France.
It’s the second time in three years that Douglas has broken world records in international competition for his speed and skill, just barely missing 50 miles an hour.
Douglas, who has been earning speed records at the event since 2018, said he dedicated his new records to his father, Robert Douglas — an Island legend and founder of the Black Dog — who passed away in April.
“It was a big motivation to go back there this year, and I dedicate it to him,” said Douglas. ”He’s the guy who was responsible for my interest in sailing at like 2 weeks old.”
For members of the tight-knit wind sport community on the Island, Douglas’ accomplishments put the Island on the map.
“It’s pretty cool that our little Island has a posse of high-level windboard talent, arguably with more achievements than any other location on the East Coast,” said Nevin Sayre, Island resident and recently inaugurated member of the windsurfing hall of fame.
Last week’s event ran from June through the beginning of July on the Plage du Rouet, a long, straight beach in the South of France. Douglas, while kitesurfing, kept up an average speed of 42.73 knots (49.13 mph) over one nautical mile, surpassing his previous record set in 2023 of 41.49 knots (47.7 mph).
On the wing foil, a detached hydrofoil board that lifts above the water, Douglas also set the U.S. record for top speed over one nautical mile, sailing.an average speed of 29.43 knots (33.86 mph). He then set two national records for the 500-meter distance, first clocking at 31.18 knots and then breaking his own record in a second attempt, hitting an average speed of 32.47 knots (37.34 mph).
Douglas said the Plage Du Rouet’s unique conditions make it a prime location for speed sailing.
“People travel from all over the world to go there. For over a mile it’s a very straight beach. It’s also a pretty consistent place with wind speed,” said Douglas.“I knew the forecast was good, and I know the place has the potential to do it. Whenever you have 45- to 50-knot gusts there, it can be a special day.”
To prepare for the event, Douglas trained by spending a lot of time in the water, and mountain biking to prepare his legs, but he was wary of how he would physically handle the powerful conditions.
“Other than preparing the equipment and maintaining some physical shape, I felt pretty good,” said Douglas. “I am getting a little on in age, and I wasn’t sure how I’d respond to those conditions, but I felt, surprisingly, as good as I have felt over the past 15 years of competing.”
Equipped with a GPS for immediate feedback, Douglas knew he had performed well, but had to wait about an hour for video confirmation.
“I knew I did good; I didn’t know how good they were, so it was a wait-and-see moment for an hour or so,” he said. “But I knew we had a chance based on what the GPS was telling me.”
Reflecting on his achievement Douglas said he felt proud of the milestone. “It’s a great emotional experience to be able to do something that I have been passionate about for what’s coming up on 20 years, and to be the first kitesurfer in history to do 42 knots on the mile is great,” said Douglas. “It’s a pretty special feeling.”
Sayre said he was also impressed by Douglas’s speed and new world record.
“He is amazingly fast, no question about it,” said Sayre to The Times. “I’m sure there were some other really good competitors there who were all super-fast. It’s impressive that he got that.”
“You have to be the right person with the right specialized equipment, in the right place at the right time,” added Sayre. “Rob Douglas has dedicated himself to this, and is that person.”
Douglas also credited Edgartown resident Bill Lynch, who has sponsored all his record attempts since 2008. “Without him, I’d be sitting in the office more,” Douglas said.
As far as maintaining his records down the line, Douglas said it all depends on how he holds up physically.
“If I stay healthy and am feeling good, then I will continue this pursuit, God willing,” he said.
All speeds are subject to World Sailing Speed Record Council approval.
Amazing, Great achievement Rob!!
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