telegamme 03/1985

QUIMPER - Ex French junior champions in 420 and 470, the 'Quimpérois': Bruno and Dominique Legaignoux have been long interested in high performance aerofoils and been fascinated by speed.

The kite seemed to them the best method to clock the best times in pure speed. So, they deliberated for a long time on its form (not less than 25 different models) to finally end up after a year of hard work with the perfect kite (they are sure of it). It is made up of an inflatable armature covered by 2 skins of a light material, which gives its rigidity. There are two versions: 7m² and 17m² (the second model weighting 4.5 kg).

Using it is very easy. Skis replace the boat. Bruno Legaignoux has two very short pairs (1 m and 1.5 m). He attaches a pulley to his harness, connects himself to the kite by means of two cords of 20 m, which allow him to direct it. The kite rises progressively to 5° vertically and pulls the skier out of the water, who shoots off rapidly at this moment. The result is guaranteed by winds of force 4 - 5 (by a good Force 2 it wasn't very conclusive). But "a lot of training is required to go fast". This is what may lack the most between now and the end of the week.

Gilles COLLAS