First attempt at kite-surfing across the Atlantic launched

Kite-Surfing.

First attempt at kite-surfing across the Atlantic – a new challenge for Manu Bertin

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 22 April, 2006 : - - At the age of 43, Manu Bertin, the founding father of kite-surfing has lost none of his enthusiasm for a challenge. He will be setting out in mid-April from the island of La Gomera in the Canaries to kite-surf across the Atlantic. It was from this same island that Christopher Columbus set out to discover the new world.

To succeed in this new campaign and to continue to evolve, Manu will be using three different means pulled along by a kite one after the other:

- the kite-surfing board with which he has already crossed the English Channel, the Mediterranean and the Straits between Maui and the main island of Hawaii (with a wing kitesurf mast / upright position),

- a catamaran whose floats are large surf boards (with a wing kitesurf mast / seated position on a cradle in the middle) ,

- an inflatable longboat - named Cochise – for the periods of rest and eating (kite-surfing with one cord / laying down).

The 50-foot catamaran "Baies du Monde" will help him with the logistics and supplies (going from one means to another). Manu Bertin will not go on board during the attempt. This rapid TS 50 yacht is skippered by Pierre Corriveaud, the winner of the Jules Verne Trophy on the Geronimo trimaran in 2004.

The crew is made up of 4 people, including the owner Didier Courant, who will also be in charge of photography.

The sporting goal for Manu Bertin is to go as far as possible towards the Caribbean, which is some 3000 nautical miles to the west.

He is tackling this long ocean voyage with great humilility.

It is a daring challenge, as the environment is hostile, there are many innovations, but if the northh-easterly trades blow, he will make good headway. Indeed, the desire to win and his determination are very strong. In addition to the physical preparation he has 11 years experience of kite-surfing behind him.

This experience will prove very useful as a preparatory stage for another objective lined up for a second attempt at crossing the Atlantic.

To follow his progress: www.manubertin.com

More information at www.kiteboarding.be

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