Windsurfer Jenna Gibson takes part in Weymouth Speed Week

Gibson, from Corfe Mullen, is a four time ICFA world champion in slalom racing, but is preparing a record breaking windsurfing speed attempt in Namibia in November. 

As part of her training, the Dorset athlete spent last week speeding across Portland Harbour during Weymouth Speed Week - the worlds oldest speed event - where sailors, windsurfers and kitesurfers gather to zip across the water.

The 27-year-old holds the record for the fastest woman at the long standing event at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy.

READ: Jenna Gibson looks to break Weymouth Speed Week record

Despite being unable to beat her record of 34.15 knots, which she set in 2019, Gibson was pleased with her speed of 29.56 knots and finished as fastest female windsurfer and fifth overall.

She said: "It was really good. We got on the water six out of the seven days when the wind was good enough - although it was not super windy.

"We can only go as fast as the wind allows us, but you can still enjoy doing the best you can in the conditions and you compere it to everyone one on the day."

(Image: Dave White Photography) Gibson's presence towards the top of the leader is a testament to her ability. Her fifth placed finish was fraction's off the British Speed Challenge 2024 winner Jim Crossley - a force of speed sailing for years.

She added: "I am aiming to compete with the best guys and to be a fraction of the 2024 British speed champion is amazing.

"There is a big difference between the men and woman and it is noticeable when we race against the guys. 

"The heavier and stronger you are the faster you go, so it is an up hill battle for woman."

READ: Dorset windsurfer claims fourth IFCA World Title in Denmark

Gibson's next challenge lies at the Luderitz canal in Namibia next month, as she aims to hit almost 60 mph to break the women's speed record, and is aiming to use her week on Portland to her advantage. 

She added: "Obviously anytime on the water is great, but having gone out on six days in a row, that really helped get my fitness levels up.

"Looking back at photos I can analyse my technique as well and of course, bouncing ideas off other people in the water and during the social events is really good as well so I have a lot to think about.

"Hopefully the next step is Namibia which is exciting."

Jenna Gibson with her fourth world championship title (Image: John Carter) Gibson is also looking at getting more women involved in the sport and was pleased to see more women across all three categories during Weymouth Speed Week and said that the 'numbers are growing'. 

With Namibia the final event of Gibson's season, the four-time world champion is also looking ahead to next year and potentially adding silverware to her trophy cabinet. 

She added: "Namibia is the final event of the season, so after that I will take some down time ahead of Christmas and the head away to warmer waters to train.

"World championship number five would be pretty and I want to improve my standings on the world tour where I ranked third last year.