THE VIRGIN KITESURFING ARMADA SETS SAIL ONCE AGAIN
On Saturday 11th October the Virgin Kitesurfing Armada once again launched from Hayling Island and took to the waters in an attempt to break the Guinness World Record™ for the ‘Largest Parade of kitesurfers’ ever assembled. Although it was extremely close, unfortunately the record wasn’t broken, but spirits were still high with an incredible number of kiters showing up to take part and raise money for the Armada’s three charities; Snow-Camp, Virgin Unite and the RNLI.
Weather-wise, Saturday was forecast overcast with grey skies and 15 knots, however after a few hours the sun shone through and the wind picked up to 18 knots. The event was given a big green light for Saturday by Dan Charlish, director at Snow-Camp and the Kitesurfing Armada and kitesurfers assembled for registration bright and early at 7am, before departing at 3pm to give them the optimum weather conditions to complete the course. Each participant raised or donated at least £100 towards the cause with 100% of proceeds going to charity.
At three pm, 344 kitesurfers successfully completed the one-mile downwinder from CBK beach. There were kiters from all walks of life, with ages ranging from 11 to 73. Notable participants included professionals Lewis Crathern and the Bridge family (Steph, Eric, Tom and Guy), along with kitesurfing enthusiast and Olympic windsurfer Nick Dempsey.
Dan Charlish, Director of Snow-Camp and the Kitesurfing Armada, said: “It’s been phenomenal to see the response of the kitesurfing community coming together to support the Virgin Kitesurfing Armada. Although we had enough kitesurfers on the water (362), due to disqualifications the official result was 344, a fantastic result nonetheless!”.
The oldest participant was Judy Tonkinson, 73, who said, “I’m here for the charities involved, that’s what the Armada is all about. Having fun on the day and beating the youngsters is just an added bonus!”. Adam Farrington, 11 years old, was the Armada’s youngest participant, who kited with his father Russell, a Kitesurfing enthusiast who said; “It’s so much better now Adam can kitesurf with me, he doesn’t have to just watch or sit on my board. It’s important to keep young people coming through the sport”.
Kiters from all over the world came to participate, Jonny de Trafford flew in from Italy and said; “Flew in from Italy this morning, we heard about the Armada and wanted to raise some money for charity and break a record. Came close but happy to have joined in for a fantastic cause”.
Snow-Camp launched the event with UK Pro kitesurfer Lewis Crathern. When the Virgin Kitesurfing Armada was launched in 2013, Virgin announced themselves as the Title Sponsor for the event, stating that they were proud to put their global brand behind such a promising and positive cause and sport. The decision for Virgin to back the Armada was met with purely affirmative responses.
This year upon the kitesurfers return a festival awaited, with participants and their families and friends celebrating in style. With live music, DJ’s and entertainment, the festival will keep the party going for hours. Alongside the entertainment, several kite brands exhibited their new and latest gear, whilst a chill out and talks tent (sponsored by Hayling Kitesurfing Association) featured Team Bridge, Lewis Crathern, Windguru, Chris Bull, Rou Chater (IKSURF), Craig Sawyer (Kite Show) and British Kitesports.
For more information on the event please visit www.kitesurfingarmada.org.uk.
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