Aug 26, 2010
Matt and I got the phone call, we were needed to help with the crossing. Richard Branson and 14 others were attempting to break the world record for a group channel crossing. After a brief 4.5 hrs drive we arrived in Dungeness; near Hastings where we spent the night in a hotel.
A prompt 6am breakfast was planned then off to the beach for our morning briefing. When I arrived I was introduced to a few people as the Beach marshal for the day, they seemed relieved when they were told this and began to tell my how hard it was yesterday and how thankful they were to have someone in control of the beach.
After the brief we headed to the launch area and were greeted by the sight of 30 white and red Virgin branded kites, it looked amazing. It was brilliant to see kitesurfing getting this much publicity as the hordes of photographers and media swarmed in and out of the kites, “They need controlling” I though…oh that was my job.
We setup the kites and started to get people in to the right place for the launch, this wasn't helped by the cross offshore wind creating some very gusty conditions. Matt was in charge of Richard, tightening harnesses carrying kites and getting him launched while Richard smiled and waved for the cameras. 10 Ribs hovered offshore filled with press while the helicopter flew over head with more cameramen.
After trying the conditions Richard decided that there was not enough wind and we decided to wait for a while. Steph suggested that we get hold of some bigger board to make it easier so Richard gave the nod and before we knew it 10 Ben Wilson pro surfboards arrived at the beach, half kitted up and half still in their boxes and wrappers, this is no problem if you own Virgin Atlantic.
After a few more attempts it was decided that the conditions were not good enough to complete the trip, so it was cancelled. We posed for some more photos and then everyone began to leave the beach to go to the pub, Matt and I then looked at the beach and looked at each other and realised that these 30 kites and 15 bars and countless boards were not going to pack away themselves.
After some time we finished and met the rest of the team in the pub, spirits were high and another attempt was planned for a few weeks time. It was brilliant to meet the whole team and I got some good contacts, I also met another Ned which was a bit odd, this doesn’t happen very often. We said goodbye to Richard and are looking forward to helping out again, let’s hope they make it this time!
Ned
