Red Bull Storm Chase - Action!

02.11.2006

October 31st & November 1st: A massive Atlantic storm hit the Northern European coastlines with ravage!

Heavy storm with up to 157 km/h howled over Germany and most parts of Northern Europe. 23 Red Bull Storm Chaser in 9 countries were on their way to chase the biggest storm of the year!

12 Beaufort, sun, heavy rain and hail, dark clouds. Up to 17 meter high waves on open sea, the highest max ever measured in the North Sea. Reports of the heaviest storm since fifteen years. Ferry transport to Norderney was closed, Oil Platforms floated „anchorless“ – these are the conditions the Red Bull Storm chasers in all participating countries were waiting for – they all had one goal: to chase it! And they did! This spectacular and unique windsurf action was documented by professional camerateams.

The Red Bull Storm Chaser were going out on the water and having their most extreme battle against hurricane like gusts, nailing spray and hail showers – they all proved that it was worth waiting with eagerness for the battle with the heaviest autumn storm of the year!

6 out of 24 chasers were Fanatic riders:

Fanatic rider Klaas Voget/Team Norderney/Germany North Sea: „These conditions were the roughest I´ve ever sailed in. I´ve never felt as much wind in my sails before. Even the smalles sail was overpowered. A storm like this comes once in two years I presume.”

At the Baltic Sea (west) Storm Chase team Matze Bade (Fanatic) had a tough fight with the nature with full force up to 13bft and 4 degrees!

On Rügen/ Baltic Sea East, Fanatic rider Oskar Hollmann confirmed massive waves. “Right from the beginning I was overpowered, I´ve never sailed in conditions with 40kn, it was sick!”

In Sweden Fanatic chica Ema Johanson chased the wind and waves with her AllWave 75 and Mads Bjorna was “enjoying” rough conditions in Denmark..

Last but not least Ben Proffitt has had a really good day in Rhossy/UK.: We were on 4m² sails and managed to get 2-3hrs of good wind and waves…”


More info and pics:
www.redbullstormchase.com