Brand new British Kite Race Series launched for 2018
by Jack Ridel 29 Jan 2018 10:08 GMT
British CR:X Kite Race Series 2018 © Jack Ridel
The expected announcement that the Paris 2024 Olympics Games will include Kite Racing for the first time has put significant focus on this newest Sailing discipline. Kite Racing involves competitors following a course around buoys marked out on the sea in an easy to follow, first across the line format. The UK has a strong history in the sport boasting several world champions racing at the highest level. With the introduction of CR:X there is now a grass routes option for aspiring Olympians to compete on a level playing field with matched equipment ensuring the winner is the best sailor. CR:X racing class is perfect for any existing kite boarder, windsurfer or dingy sailor wanting to start their journey into Kite Racing. Competitors will race in 3 different formats; Twin Tip Course Racing, KiteCross (which has its routes in the winter sport of Boarder Cross) and Hydrofoil Course Racing.
"CR:X is unique as the board converts from a traditional Twin Tip into a Hydrofoil. The class is truly universal and allows anyone to go from their first steps in kite boarding to Twin Tip Racing and KiteCross all the way though to high performance Hydrofoil racing with just one set of equipment."
Jack Ridel – Chairman British CR:X Class Association.
The British CR:X Class Association this week announces dates for the 2018 series. Five races across the country will allow as many people as possible to have a go at racing and bring the sport to the public at fantastic venues. By the end of the Series a new British Kite Racing Champion will be crowned, with the winner being the best rider across all three racing disciplines at all five locations. With up to 30 competitors at each event including a youth division, the racing is expected to be tight and highly competitive. Racers do not have to purchase the equipment before the racing, as all equipment will be provided. The dates for the 2018 Series are:
- 14-15 April - Hill Head, Hampshire
- 12-13 May - Poole, Dorset
- 16-17 June - Southend on Sea, Essex
- 29-30 September - Hayling Island, Hapshire
- 20-21 October - Daymer Bay, Cornwall
"We are proud that racing will take place from Southend in the East all the way to Daymer Bay in West Cornwall, bringing CR:X to many people across the country at some truly world class locations. Much work has gone into the series so far and we are very excited about today announcement."
Competitive racing can happen from as little as 8 Knts of wind ensuring that even with the UK changeable weather, exciting action is expected to take place at every event. Working closely with the British Kitesports Association (BKSA) and Royal Yachting Association (RYA), the races are run to the World Sailing rules book, meaning all races are officially recognised. The goal of CR:X is to foster a new generation of Kite Racers who will go on to represent the UK on the international stage in the future.
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