Background for the trip.

In 2007 Stuart W, Andy W, Fraser D, Nigel and I crossed from Isle of Man to Whitehaven, a distance of 33 miles in around 2 hours in pretty light wind.

This year we are looking to be more ambitious and cross from Cloghy in Northern Ireland to Silloth West Cumbria.  Whilst not a record it will be the first time anyone has kited from Ireland to England. 

Kirsty Jones was the first to kite from Ireland to Wales and Andreya Wharry almost kited from Cornwall to Ireland (130 miles), however she launched 15 miles off the coast and did not make landfall.

The current record stands at 149 miles as far as I know. Kirsty Jones holds this from when she kited non stop from Lanzarote to Morroco.  Apparently a guy in Brazil did 400+km but I'm not sure its acknowledged and don't think it was non stop.  There is also currently an attempt to kite 2000km around the coast of Brasil.

Sir Richard Branson is also attempting to cross the Channel and create/beat some records.  Good luck to them all - good to see the profile of kitesurfing being raised.