Cape Town kitesurfers have set a new world record.
Alan Winde, MEC of Economic Opportunities, announced today that Guinness World Records™ have officially verified that a new record was indeed set by the 415 kitesurfers who took part in the Virgin Kitesurfing Armada in Cape Town on 30 January 2016.
The record was judged on a one mile course that was marked out between Dolphin Beach and Doodles along the Tableview stretch of coastline.
After a three hour period, 415 kitesurfers had successfully completed the course and had been counted in by witnesses at the finish line.
All entry fees go towards a range of charities.
MEC Winde said setting this record was excellent for the promotion of Cape Town as a popular kitesurfing location. MEC Winde added that it was estimated that the industry generated R500 million for the city each year.
“We took the record with 415 kitesurfers and I’d like to thank the Kitesurfing Armada for their support of our province. Cape Town is fast becoming a leading destination for the sport, attracting kiters from across the world. I am confident this event will raise our profile even further. Successes like this one are excellent for our economy, in particular for our tourism sector,” said MEC Winde.
Sir Richard Branson, a keen kitesurfer and supporter of the event, said: “Huge congratulations to everyone who took part in the Virgin Kitesurfing Armada and achieved the Guinness World Record. I have participated in the event in previous years and experienced first hand the thrill of getting out there in the thick of the action, and riding together with a wonderful group of people. It’s a fantastic result and thousands have been raised for charity. There’s nothing better than doing good and having fun at the same time!”
Director of the Kitesurfing Armada, Dan Charlish, said: “We always hoped the Kitesurfing Armada in Cape Town would be spectacular – and it didn’t let us down. It was an amazing day, the wind couldn’t have been better and the view of hundreds of kiters together in front of Table Mountain was awesome. A huge thank you to everyone who came down, got involved and made the event such a success!”
Local promoter, Andre de Wet, said: “For something like this to come together it requires everyone to pull together. And after eighteen months of planning and preparation, with an amazing team of sponsors and supporters, it’s a fantastic feeling to know that we did it!’
The next Virgin Kitesurfing Armada takes place between 17-19 June on Hayling Island in the UK.
Organisers have also just released the official film of the event which can be viewed at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_zFoYpgd0CI&feature=youtu.be.
Enquiries:
Bronwynne Jooste
Spokesperson: Alan Winde, MEC of Economic Opportunities
Tel: 021 483 3550
Cell: 060 970 4301
Email: bronwynne.jooste@westerncape.gov.za
