Atlantic Kite Challenge and Turks and Caicos
Christopher Columbus was alleged to have made first landfall in the Western world in 1492 on the shores of the Turks and Caicos Islands. While this fact has not been proven, the six riders of the Atlantic Kite Challenge will leave no doubt once they arrive at Blue Haven Resort and Marina in the Turks and Caicos Islands over 500 years later.
In late 2013, between November 20 and November 25, the six kite-boarders will soar from the port of Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands. They will embark on the first-ever non-stop crossing of the Atlantic Ocean, bound for their official arrival destination, Turks and Caicos Islands in the Caribbean.
Following a South Atlantic route, their arrival in two to three weeks later (estimated between December 7 and December 15) coincides with the grand opening of the Blue Haven Resort and Marina. The new property is the ‘official arrival destination’ hotel for the Atlantic Kite Challenge. The kite-surfers will be welcomed and feted with a three day celebration that will include beach volleyball competitions, cultural exhibitions and fairs, the music of local bands, delicious cuisine and the enthusiasm of regional kite boarding groups, resort guests and locals.
“Our Beautiful by Nature islands have long been an incredible destination for kitesurfing and other adventure sports” said Turks and Caicos’ Premier Dr. Rufus Ewing. “We have such incredibly clear waters around us, and our Tourism industry has grown to accommodate discerning travelers of all walks of life with leading hotels in the Caribbean. We are thrilled to be the final destination of the Atlantic Kite Challenge. We look forward to greeting the team soon and celebrating this milestone for the kitesurfing sport.”
“What a stunning example of adventure, we will have right on our doorstep” said Roland Rutjens, Corporate General Manager of Blue Haven Resort and Marina. “We share the same belief in passion that this team has: passion for the islands and their people, outstanding hospitality and for our guests. We wish all of the kitesurfers the very best on this epic journey and look forward to welcoming them at Blue Haven. Together with the Turks and Caicos community we will embrace them with a special celebration and provide them with much needed relaxation after their arrival.”
During the crossing of the Atlantic Kite Challenge, which will feature daily social media posts with photos of all six participants, the kite surfers will take over from one another every two hours during the 6000-km long journey, surfing both day and night. In this longest ever ‘downwinder’ they will be supported by a 50-foot catamaran, Lagoon 500 Double A, and its professional crew. A TV crew will also be on board documenting the crossing.
The Atlantic Kite Challenge is the brainchild of Netherlands-based Filippo van Hellenberg Hubar, founder of the Enable Passion Foundation. Filippo will be one of the six kiteboarders partaking in the Challenge along with Max Blom, also from the Netherlands. Camilla Ringvold of Norway, Bruno Sroka of France and Francisco Lufinha of Portugal. Eric Pequeno from the United States was chosen as the sixth kiteboarder through a social media competition on Facebook.
“The idea for the Atlantic Kite Challenge combined my passion for kitesurfing and business ventures” explains Hubar. “I wanted to find out whether something that initially looked so impossible could be achieved with the right motivation and dedication. The idea took form slowly and resulted in a team of committed people. All those involved are contributing in their own way to realize this joint goal.”
“We are so pleased to have found the perfect arrival destination for our venture. Turks and Caicos is a very well known kiting destination with stunning clear water. You can imagine that after such a long journey through the entire Atlantic Ocean, the warm waters around Blue Haven as well as its outstanding facilities will more than make up for the hardships of the actual crossing” Hubar said.
In addition to Blue Haven Resort and Marina, other sponsors include Mystic, Urge, Slingshot and GoPro who will provide equipment to the team.
The Enable Passion foundation is a non-profit foundation that strives to inspire people in realizing their passions, by organizing and carrying out extraordinary and pioneering projects. – Travel Feeder GO
About the Turks and Caicos Islands
The Turks and Caicos Islands consist of 40 islands and cays located 550 miles southeast of Miami, Florida and just below the Bahamas chain. The destination is fast becoming one of the most sought after vacation destinations in the Caribbean due to its award winning beaches and exceptional outdoor adventures. The World’s third largest barrier reef parallels Turks and Caicos providing superior scuba diving, deep sea fishing and fly-fishing. Turks and Caicos is easily accessible via British Airways, which offers a non-stop, eight-hour flight from London to Providenciales International Airport. Numerous non-stop flights depart daily from New York City, which is just a three-hour flight to Providenciales. www.turksandcaicostoursim.com
About The Author
Cecil Lee
The author is an avid traveler and photography hobbyist who loves to share with others his travel and photo-taking experience in many popular tourist destinations around Europe, Asia and Australasia. Read the exciting stories with many photos captured on his journeys.
