November 28th to Dec 12th
Hutchinson Enterprises and X-ratedkiteboarding is proud to present the first ever long distance kiteboarding race, from the US to the Bahamas. This is the first of its kind, setting it apart from the usual repetitive format of freestyle jumps and tricks. There will be a maximum of 50 athletes permitted to enter the event all of which will be starting together and racing to Bimini in the Bahamas. This format will make for very unique and exciting footage for magazines, video and television while making history in the worlds fastest growing sport. Dozens of kiteboarders racing forward as athletes surf into another country, through the Bermuda Triangle and across the blue waters of one of the largest currents in the world. This is sure to set the event apart from other more routine water sports events.
The distance between Ft. Lauderdale Inlet and the island of Bimini’s inlet is 49 nautical miles. This distance is approximately half the distance of the world distance record set in 2001 from Florida to Cuba.
There will be three possible starting locations ranging from Boca Raton to Miami. The event start location will be selected to allow kiteboarders to travel on a broad reach heading, cross downwind. The final start location will be decided the day before the event and will be communicated to all athletes, sponsors and media via e-mail and telephone.
The race will be run on the first day of conducive wind to complete the crossing. There will be a completion celebration on the island of Bimini followed by a closing and awards ceremony upon our return to the US.
Rules:
Two riders per team - Must have medical insurance. Riders can ride whatever kite/board brand they choose and do not have to necessarily ride for the same company. Each team can be male, female or both.
One rescue boat per team – Each boat must be open ocean capable and be able to handle rough conditions with wave heights potentially in the order of +/- 15 feet. Must have onboard a vhf radio, eperb, fist aid kits etc. Spare fuel for the boat to cover an extra minimum of 50 miles. Lights, Sea anchors and various other safety devices.
All boats must be properly registered, insured and meet all coast guard regulations.
All riders and boats will start at the same time from the designated starting area, and the finishing point will be at the same place (Bimini inlet) for all teams.
The team will not be registered as finished until all three parties reach the finishing point.
No rider can use their boat for a resting place at anytime without being disqualified.
Boats can supply their team with fluids and food at any time.
Teams can change equipment during the race with the help of their own boats.
All team members must be within visible distance of one another.
The team boat should stay within 500 ft. or less of both team riders.
If you and a partner are interested in entering this competition please contact me directly with a resume of your history of kiteboarding including your level of riding, contest results, kiteboarding accomplishments, age, location, access to a chase boat, sponsors and all contact information. There are limited spaces available and riders will be awarded places within the event on a persons riding level firstly and secondly on a “first come, first served basis.â€
