Red Bull Lighthouse to Leighton – Kite Racing champion to race + Video

by Janine Pittaway on 27 Nov 2015 2015 Red Bull Lighthouse to Leighton – World Under 18 Kite Racing Champion Martin Dolenc from Croatia is confirmed to compete in the kiteboarding race next Saturday (5 December).

Dolenc will be racing against 115 local, national and international entrants, including two-time youth world champion and current European Kite Race Champion Olly Bridge. Bridge won last year’s race and set a new race record in the crossing from Rottnest Island to Leighton Beach Fremantle in a time of 22 minutes and seven seconds – faster than the Rottnest ferry crossing!

At 19km, the Red Bull Lighthouse to Leighton is the southern hemisphere’s longest kiteboarding race, and marks its sixth year in 2015.

Rivalry is set to be fierce between Dolenc and Bridge with both gunning for the trophy, but there will also be three additional past winners nipping at their heels – 2013’s Marvin Baumeister (Germany), 2012’s Johnno Keys (WA) and 2011’s Dale Stanton (WA).

There’s a total of $8950 in cash prizes and $4050 in trophies for the taking.

There’s a great atmosphere at the Leighton Beach finish line on the day. Along with the thrill of watching the international champion’s sail to shore, spectators can enjoy a range of family friendly activities kicking off from 1pm. The fastest kiteboarders are expected across the finish line from approximately 2.50pm, weather permitting.

What: Competitors will race across the Indian Ocean from Phillip Point at Rottnest Island to Leighton Beach North Fremantle. Spectators can watch the competitors ride into the finish line at Leighton Beach. The event is made possible thanks to the State Government through Tourism WA, Red Bull, Fremantle Sailing Club, WAKSA, Rottnest Express, Kite Addiction and Cabrinha Kites.

Who: World ranked international kite surfers, including the Under 18 World Number one Martin Dolenc from Croatia, will compete alongside local, national and international entrants. Four of the past five winners are entered.

When: Saturday 5 December. Entertainment commences from 1pm, and the fastest competitors are set to arrive at the finish line at approximately 2.45pm, depending on weather conditions.
Where: Leighton Beach, Port Beach Road, North Fremantle