June 2010 will see the launch of the inaugural inter-services cross channel kitesurfing race. The concept is simple; 3 teams of six kiters representing the Royal Navy and Royal Marines, the Army and the Royal Air Force will set off from the coast of Alderney and race each other the 70 nautical miles to an anticipated landfall at Poole. Success will depend on the selection of team and equipment as well as the strategy employed throughout the crossing to make best use of the conditions. All teams will need to demonstrate physical robustness, kitesurfing ability and teamwork to complete this arduous challenge.The goal is to raise as much money as possible for Help for Heroes. This amazing charity offers practical, direct support for the wounded, which is close to the hearts of all those involved with Kite for Heroes.
official website: www.kite4heroes.co.uk
The RouteThe race is a direct route from Alderney, Channel Islands to Sandbanks, Poole UK. The crossing is approximately 70 nautical miles will take place in June. We have identified 3 race windows which would be appropriate for the race. These dates provide a slack high tide during the morning of the race day. It should give us enough days to pick a good wind from the prevailing South West direction. They total about 18 available days for which we will take the first opportunity. We are looking for a South West wind with a predicted strength of over 12 knots. We will issue a 5 and 2 day 'warning' to the teams and then give the notice to move 24 hrs before the race. We will meet at Poole harbour where all the competitors will board the RIBs and make the crossing to Alderney the night before the race day. We will then start the race on the Slack high tide in Alderney and make our way to Poole throughout the day. We expect the race to take about 4-5 hours. Each team is required to race all 6 of their competitors making the changes of racers and kites a critical part of the challenge. We will issue the notice to move on the website so any interested parties can follow our progress
