Race across the Wash

The Wash Crossing from Skegness to Hunstanton and back again is set to
happen between 5th and 10th June and we can now confirm competitors:

Kitesurfing

Kirsty Jones
Andreya Wharrey
Danny Seales
Marcus Damsel

Windsurfing

Matt Wemms
Dion Hunt
Andy Bell

The crossing, which has never been done before, will cover a distance
of 13 miles each way, the race is anticipated to take 2 hours.

The 14 mile funnel of sea known as the Wash stretches between North
Norfolk and Lincolnshire. It is subject to rushing, surging tides and
sandbars with heavy seas throughout the middle in areas known as the
‘Roaring Middle’ and the ‘Deeps’. There is also a risk on a warm
summer day of sea mists which can build within minutes and decrease
visibility to less than 3 miles. To protect the participants, 3
special support and safety vessels will be monitoring the race
carefully every mile of the Wash.

In addition to natural challenges race participants will face, the Wash
is a busy shipping lane. Boston and Kings Lynn are major ports and
see a regular traffic of 300 tonnes+, 150ft long container ships
carrying steel and wood from Scandinavia and Europe.

John Irvings, Coxswain mechanic at Skegness Lifeboats is concerned
mainly about the weather closing in during the race and is reassured
at the safety measures already deployed by Windfest. ‘ There’s no
doubt in my mind this will be a big challenge for those participating,
but the RNLI will be on hand to help the Windfest team with all safety
aspects and navigation. We wish the participants all the very best’.

It will not only be a test of speed, skill and endurance but will also
raise vital funds for the RNLI, to support the invaluable job they do
every day saving the lives of water sports enthusiasts around the UK.

The supreme Cross the Wash victor will be the first kitesurfer or
windsurfer to make it back to the Butlin’s Resort Beach. The race
involves a running start from the beach, heading out across the bay

towards Hunstanton, following the course mapped out by the Red Bull
Buoys. Once at Hunstanton, a marker buoy will dictate where the
athletes will turn to start their return leg

Tickets for the Friday night All Live and Saturday Extreme Dance
parties are selling fast and furiously. so get in there quick and call
Coogees on 01754 898202 to reserve yours