10th April 2006
It's Official: Andreya Wharry's double world record confirmed by The Guinness Book Of World Records as she announces her new challenge.
The Guinness Book of World Records today acknowledged Andreya Wharry’s incredible feat of kitesurfing 132 miles non-stop from the Extreme Academy at Watergate Bay to Ireland on The Veuve Clicquot Kite Crossing by granting her double world record holder status.
Dreya kitesurfed a total of 115.4 nautical miles (132.71 statute miles) in 8hrs 6mins from Watergate Bay in Cornwall, to Dungarvan, County Waterford, Ireland, on 7th September 2005. In doing so she set two new world records for the ‘Longest Journey by Kitesurf’ and ‘Longest Journey by Kitesurf by a Woman’.
“At last, it’s official! It’s taken a long time to get the records ratified but I knew we’d done everything right with the record application, we followed the rules to the letter - but you never quite believe it until you get the phone call saying ‘yes’,” said Dreya, 34, from Newquay.
“The Veuve Clicquot Kite Crossing was just a fantastic experience. I remember being incredibly stressed waiting for the right weather conditions to make the attempt, and then being so relieved when I set off - the feeling when we finally water-launched the kite out to sea was fantastic.
“I remember the first record [Dreya’s 2004 crossing from The Isles of Scilly to Watergate Bay] going very quickly in about three and three-quarter hours. The speed I was getting was brilliant, and the wind was picking up and up and things were going well.
“When I broke the last record I was so relieved, but after that the last hour seemed to take forever because I’d kind of done the job. I kept thinking about changing to a smaller kite because I was overpowered for the last three hours as the wind got stronger and stronger, but I kept seeing blue sky ahead and thought the wind would drop off towards the evening, but it didn’t. The strains on your body are immense and fighting the kite for eight hours really takes it out of you.”
The achievement has earned Dreya admiration throughout the kitesurf community and beyond, with Dreya being honoured alongside Dame Ellen MacArthur by National Geographic Adventure magazine as one of their ‘11 Adventurers of 2005’, as well as being short listed for the BBC’s South West Sports Personality of 2005.
The challenge wouldn’t have been possible without the backing of the principal sponsors, Veuve Clicquot, whose involvement guaranteed the availability of the safety boats and support crew.
“We are delighted that Dreya’s achievement has been recognised by The Guinness Book of World Records,” said Andrew Notcutt, Brand Manager for Veuve Clicquot. “ What Dreya achieved was a truly incredible feat - The Veuve Clicquot Kite Crossing was a challenge that pushed Dreya to the limits of her mental and physical endurance, and I’m sure her records will stand for many years.”
Dreya is no stranger to challenges. The Veuve Clicquot Kite Crossing was her second kitesurf endurance record; she has also won three national and international Gladiators titles, and worked as a wing-walker on the Cadbury’s Crunchie flying circus.
And Dreya also announced details of her latest challenge: to take part in three-time world kitesurf champion Cindy Mosey’s Island Odyssey, a nine-day island-hopping endurance race in the Pacific islands of New Caledonia, in November.
Set amongst the stunning backdrop of a South Pacific island archipelago, the Island Odyssey will see Dreya race the world’s top 12 women kitesurfers from island to island each day, their scores being combined as part of a team championship over the course of the week as they navigate along the entire island chain.
“Cindy’s come up with a fantastic event in the Island Odyssey, I think it’s going to change a lot of people’s ideas of what kitesurf events should be,” said Dreya.
“It’s a whole different concept to kitesurf competitions. The island-hopping aspect will be familiar to me but over shorter distances than The Veuve Clicquot Kite Crossing - it’s a different kind of endurance, keeping motivated and in good physical condition over nine days. Also having two other girls on your team will give a whole extra dynamic to the event. It will be a very interesting event and also a mind-blowing environment to be in, I can’t wait.”
ENDS
Notes For Editors
Andreya Wharry is a former national and international Gladiators champion, wing-walker and world top ten kitesurfer. In September 2005 she set a world distance record by kitesurfing 134 miles from The Extreme Academy, Watergate Bay in Cornwall, to County Waterford in Ireland - a feat that saw her recognised by National Geographic Adventure magazine as one of their Adventurers of 2005.
The Extreme Academy, Watergate Bay is one of Britain’s leading venues for beach sports. Founded in 1999, the Extreme Academy comprises specialist schools for surfing, kitesurfing, waveski and mountainboarding; technical equipment hire; and the Extreme Store, stocking a wide range of clothing and technical equipment. The Beach Hut, newly refurbished and now located on the ground floor of The Extreme Academy, is well known as Cornwall’s coolest beach hangout, and a great place to eat.
The Hotel, Watergate Bay. After an extensive programme of refurbishment and a merger with the Extreme Academy, The Hotel, Watergate Bay offers an unique contemporary beach lifestyle on the north coast of Cornwall. Still family owned and run, The Hotel features a fresh modern look, AA Rosette dining and a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Facilities include 70 bedrooms, two restaurants, two pools and a tennis court.
White Stuff, the fashion lifestyle clothing label, was founded in 1985. They currently have 35 White Stuff shops and over 100 wholesale outlets throughout the UK as well as a website and mail order business. The brand is definitely fashion for lovers not victims – and this is reflected in the relaxed styling, lovely detailing and discreet branding on their quality clothing. White Stuff customers are 25-40 ‘something’s’ who know the fashion trends but have their own sense of style.
Media Contact - PR on behalf of Andreya Wharry.
For more information and images contact: Jim Michell at Barefoot Media.
Telephone: +44 (0)1208 895089 Email: jim@barefootmedia.co.uk |
