American kiteboarder Robbie Douglas has once again made waves in the world of speed sailing by setting a new world kitesurfing record for the fastest nautical mile, clocking an astonishing average speed of 42.73 knots at the prestigious 2025 Prince of Speed event in La Palme, France.
Riding powerful 40–45 knot winds, with gusts reaching up to 50 knots, Douglas pushed his limits on July 7, reaching a top speed of 50.65 knots (93.8 km/h or 58.28 mph) — a performance that shattered the previous record and marked his fourth world record over one nautical mile in six years.
Representing the North American Speed Sailing Project, Douglas credited his success not only to the perfect conditions but also to the memory of his late father, Captain Robert Douglas Sr., who passed away on April 23, 2025.
“This one is for my dad,” Douglas said after the record-breaking run. “He was the one who put me on the water and gave me the love for wind, speed, and the sea. I felt him with me out there.”
In addition to his world record, Douglas also set two new American national records in the emerging wingfoil discipline, achieving 32.47 knots on the 500-meter run and 29.43 knots over the nautical mile — further cementing his status as one of the fastest sailors on water-powered craft.
The Prince of Speed event, known for drawing elite riders and delivering record-worthy conditions, lived up to its reputation once again, with Douglas standing tall among its champions.
His achievements represent not only personal triumph but a continued evolution in speed sailing technology and athletic performance, inspiring a new generation of water sport enthusiasts around the world.
