Advance notice to Seabreeze Forum ….
After months of planning and development the Red Bull Lighthouse to Leighton returns in 2014 and the race website is open for nominations, in advance of the official opening day, Monday 29th September 2014. Read on!
Entries now open for Australia’s longest kiteboarding race - yay! www.lighthouse2leighton.com.au
Australia’s longest open-ocean kiteboarding race, the Red Bull Lighthouse to Leighton, is returning for 2014 and competition is expected to be fierce.
On 6 December, 110 expert kiters will take off from the pristine waters of Phillip Point on Rottnest Island and race for 19km across the Indian Ocean to Leighton Beach, Fremantle. Last year’s winner Marvin Baumeister has confirmed he will return to defend his title and record time of 23 minutes and 50 seconds and is aiming for back-to-back titles.
Race Director Tim Turner said there was huge anticipation for race applications to open on Monday 29 September. “I’m expecting strong interest from interstate and international kiters for this year’s race as its reputation grows around the world,” Tim said.
“This will be the fifth consecutive Red Bull Lighthouse to Leighton, and it’s very likely we will need a ballot for entry again this year. “There are only 110 race spots available and last year we had more than 200 applications so there is likely to be some strong competition,” he said.
Equal prize money for male & female racers: 1st $1,500; 2nd $750; 3rd $500 each gender and with prizes continuing to 10th.
Twin Tip Division: 1st $750; 2nd $500; 3rd $250.
The Red Bull Lighthouse to Leighton is the first kiteboarding race to offer equal prize money to male and female racers.
The fastest competitors are expected to cross the finish line at Leighton Beach at around 2:45pm to 3:00pm depending on wind conditions and spectators are encouraged to join in the festivities.
As well, post race, Red Bull and Fremantle Sailing Club will host an awesome After Party for Competitors, Volunteers and Friends.
Arrive early to the beach to enjoy a carnival atmosphere thanks to Red Bull. Awesome family activities will include a beach volleyball competition, water safety activities, freestyle kite demos, and Learn to Kite sessions. ‘Frankie’ the Red Bull Events Vehicle will be pumping out the music to create a party vibe. Look out for the huge Red Bull Wig Wams on the beach.
Its disappointing that they are only allowing up to 110 people in the race, given over 90 missed out last year, not as if 200 couldn't be orgasnised.
Select to expand quotedachopper said..
Its disappointing that they are only allowing up to 110 people in the race, given over 90 missed out last year, not as if 200 couldn't be orgasnised.
Yeh sounds simple... why not make it a nice even 1000 that way NOONE will miss out.
The trouble was last year lots of people couldn't get a big enough kite for the event.
maybe specify that if they cant supply say a kite 15m and over that they can enter... as its unfair for the people who do have large kites that cant enter!
Awesome work from Tim and the organisers to run this event. Great to see Red Bull back on as a sponsor too
Select to expand quoteWillyO said..
dachopper said..
Its disappointing that they are only allowing up to 110 people in the race, given over 90 missed out last year, not as if 200 couldn't be orgasnised.
Yeh sounds simple... why not make it a nice even 1000 that way NOONE will miss out.
Why would they make it open for 1000 people, when they only had 200 apply last year.
If you run an event for people, you know 200 people are probably going to apply, you know 100 missed out last year and probably the year before that.... or you can copy exactly what was done for the last 2 or 3 years, it will work, and a hundred or so will miss out .... again.
What do they need to do anyway, change the number on the risk management plan, increase the insurance coverage, increase the support vessel number, can be covered by the extra 100 people times of the entry fee .....
Just my opinion , I have no idea what the event is like as I missed out last year.
Probably got everything to do with risk and insurance. Anyway keeping numbers low beefs up the demand.
It's going to be an awesome event.
Select to expand quotesuniboy21 said...
The trouble was last year lots of people couldn't get a big enough kite for the event.
maybe specify that if they cant supply say a kite 15m and over that they can enter... as its unfair for the people who do have large kites that cant enter!
I completed the race last year on a 13m
Select to expand quotebillykiter said..suniboy21 said...
The trouble was last year lots of people couldn't get a big enough kite for the event.
maybe specify that if they cant supply say a kite 15m and over that they can enter... as its unfair for the people who do have large kites that cant enter!
I completed the race last year on a 13m
Plenty of wind last year flew across on a 11m kite and 128cm tt.
The L2L is an open ocean race and all that implies re: safety equipment.
The distance is 19k.
The lightest wind allowed to run the race is 13 knots to date.
The strongest wind strength allowed???? Tim could answer …………
So register if you have the appropriate equipment, if your kit quiver is limited you could still enter but accepting that if the wind is light (13 knots) and you don’t have the correct size you go back on the ferry!
IMHO we accept the conditions of the race when we enter and not expect to get an automatic place the following year because of our lack of equipment.
Clearly there will be fewer places this year given the 110 starting line-up.
This will lead to many more disappointed riders than in previous years.
Cheers to Tim and the crew always do a very professional job.
Best of luck to all those registering for the race.
Will definitely be making the trip over to WA for what is always a very well put together race! As always great job Tim and the crew for making it happen and see you on the start line
Select to expand quotejordangirdis said...
Will definitely be making the trip over to WA for what is always a very well put together race! As always great job Tim and the crew for making it happen and see you on the start line
Hope you get a spot
Select to expand quotepilotpete said..
The L2L is an open ocean race and all that implies re: safety equipment.
The distance is 19k.
The lightest wind allowed to run the race is 13 knots to date.
The strongest wind strength allowed???? Tim could answer …………
So register if you have the appropriate equipment, if your kit quiver is limited you could still enter but accepting that if the wind is light (13 knots) and you don’t have the correct size you go back on the ferry!
IMHO we accept the conditions of the race when we enter and not expect to get an automatic place the following year because of our lack of equipment.
Clearly there will be fewer places this year given the 110 starting line-up. This will lead to many more disappointed riders than in previous years.
Cheers to Tim and the crew always do a very professional job.
Best of luck to all those registering for the race.
Per Pete's request, the acceptable wind range is approximately 15 to 30 knots in a S/ SW direction, as per our detailed risk management plan.
Re: other queries around * why we run the race with the numbers that we do * the two main reasons are:
1/ Risk reduction and the management thereof. That’s to say the required # of support (read rescue) boats increases with the # of competitors. So, to get suitable support vessels, staffed with qualified skippers/ doctors/ lifesavers, whilst not impossible, is manageable with 110 competitors. As well for the race to be run safely and successfully within Department of Transport guidelines, 110 is a magic # that * just works * believe me!
2/ The size of the launching beach at Rottnest. Anyone who has raced in the L2L will tell you it is a squeeze to get everyone launched and up and kiting in a 30 minute window. The beach is not huge and 110 is the maximum # and that is a push! Yes, you could run a second start, but that's not in the spirit of the Southern Hemisphere’s biggest and best kite boarding race where it is one start, one race, fastest wins.
Typically, WAKSA will auction off for charity a few spots after the ballot, so for those who may miss out, yet, really, really want to race, there is a way to * buy * a spot. Last year I recall these went for around $400 per entry, so all up a great result for local charities and competitors. If the race could be run as successfully and as safely with higher # it would be happening!
I do not understand how when people enter into a race, and are not prepared on the day, they get another chance, simply because they are "voluntarily agreeing not to race".
This is straight off the web site.
NB: As well, a limited number of competitors from the 2013 race are guaranteed a non-transferable entry as part of voluntarily agreeing not to race in 2013 due to low winds. These competitors have already been contacted directly and offered a place.
I feel if you are not prepared or don't have the right gear, don't sign up. It's a "race" isn't it? If there was zero wind, and no-one could take part, fair enough.
End of rant.....
Run two divisions, back to back, with no more than 110 ppl on the start line or racetrack at once, space the starts an hour apart.
How many spots are actually left in the ballot after the guaranteed spots for the top 10, riders who pulled out last year, sponsor spots, charity spots, female spots ect?
Would love to make the trip over and race :D
Do you have to be an AKSA/WAKSA member to participate?
I will join now if it gives me a chance.
Select to expand quotewishy said..
Do you have to be an AKSA/WAKSA member to participate?
I will join now if it gives me a chance.
Yes Wishy you need to be a member, its a required field on the nomination form.
Will we need to provide our own epirb as per the new WAKSA regulations or will this be included/does the race tracker count/special rules for the race and we dont need one? It states we get flares for the race..
being an aksa member simply enables you to go into the ballot , is does not make your chance of getting a spot any better once you have entered the ballot .
Cherub the race will have an exemption from those rules as you can apply for exemptions from DOT .
Select to expand quoteL2L said..
Advance notice to Seabreeze Forum ….
After months of planning and development the Red Bull Lighthouse to Leighton returns in 2014 and the race website is open for nominations, in advance of the official opening day, Monday 29th September 2014. Read on!
Entries now open for Australia’s longest kiteboarding race - yay! www.lighthouse2leighton.com.au
Australia’s longest open-ocean kiteboarding race, the Red Bull Lighthouse to Leighton, is returning for 2014 and competition is expected to be fierce.
On 6 December, 110 expert kiters will take off from the pristine waters of Phillip Point on Rottnest Island and race for 19km across the Indian Ocean to Leighton Beach, Fremantle. Last year’s winner Marvin Baumeister has confirmed he will return to defend his title and record time of 23 minutes and 50 seconds and is aiming for back-to-back titles.
Race Director Tim Turner said there was huge anticipation for race applications to open on Monday 29 September. “I’m expecting strong interest from interstate and international kiters for this year’s race as its reputation grows around the world,” Tim said.
“This will be the fifth consecutive Red Bull Lighthouse to Leighton, and it’s very likely we will need a ballot for entry again this year. “There are only 110 race spots available and last year we had more than 200 applications so there is likely to be some strong competition,” he said.
Equal prize money for male & female racers: 1st $1,500; 2nd $750; 3rd $500 each gender and with prizes continuing to 10th.
Twin Tip Division: 1st $750; 2nd $500; 3rd $250.
The Red Bull Lighthouse to Leighton is the first kiteboarding race to offer equal prize money to male and female racers.
The fastest competitors are expected to cross the finish line at Leighton Beach at around 2:45pm to 3:00pm depending on wind conditions and spectators are encouraged to join in the festivities.
As well, post race, Red Bull and Fremantle Sailing Club will host an awesome After Party for Competitors, Volunteers and Friends.
Arrive early to the beach to enjoy a carnival atmosphere thanks to Red Bull. Awesome family activities will include a beach volleyball competition, water safety activities, freestyle kite demos, and Learn to Kite sessions. ‘Frankie’ the Red Bull Events Vehicle will be pumping out the music to create a party vibe. Look out for the huge Red Bull Wig Wams on the beach.
I heard some big names from OS are coming and far over 100 regos are already in. Going to be an epic race with a big after party!
Select to expand quotedoycle said..
How many spots are actually left in the ballot after the guaranteed spots for the top 10, riders who pulled out last year, sponsor spots, charity spots, female spots ect?
Would love to make the trip over and race :D
Bump?
Select to expand quotedoycle said..doycle said..
How many spots are actually left in the ballot after the guaranteed spots for the top 10, riders who pulled out last year, sponsor spots, charity spots, female spots ect?
Would love to make the trip over and race :D
Bump?
Are you going to ride old Pinky for the L2L??
KFA foil or sl63 for me. Maybe the saying ' never change a winning team' is true??
I know this has now developed into a really serious race event. Really i recon as this is a WAKSA organised event and plenty of people including myself who are yearly members of WAKSA just enjoy a nice cruise across-not trying to break any records. Why not have a few spot prizes or novelty prizes. It would then keep the event more interesting for everyone.
Select to expand quotebillykiter said..
I know this has now developed into a really serious race event. Really i recon as this is a WKSA organised event and plent of people including myself who are yearly members of WAKSA just enjoy a nice cruise across-not trying to break any records, why not have a few spot prizes or novelty prizes. It would then keep the event more interesting for everyone.
Haha Patto I wish! Thinking of designing and making some sppeeedd wings for the new foil if there is enough time :D
Select to expand quotebillykiter said..
I know this has now developed into a really serious race event. Really i recon as this is a WAKSA organised event and plenty of people including myself who are yearly members of WAKSA just enjoy a nice cruise across-not trying to break any records. Why not have a few spot prizes or novelty prizes. It would then keep the event more interesting for everyone.
this isn't a WAKSA organised event . It is an event run by tim turner of yellow jersey . WAKSA has nothing to do with the race in terms of organisation or running apart from providing volunteers on the start and finish beach
Select to expand quotedusta said..billykiter said..
I know this has now developed into a really serious race event. Really i recon as this is a WAKSA organised event and plenty of people including myself who are yearly members of WAKSA just enjoy a nice cruise across-not trying to break any records. Why not have a few spot prizes or novelty prizes. It would then keep the event more interesting for everyone.
this isn't a WAKSA organised event . It is an event run by tim turner of yellow jersey . WAKSA has nothing to do with the race in terms of organisation or running apart from providing volunteers on the start and finish beach
Maybe i should pay more attention. Anyway, its a great event that i recon could be improved for the average joe blo.
Select to expand quotebillykiter said..
I know this has now developed into a really serious race event. Really i recon as this is a WAKSA organised event and plenty of people including myself who are yearly members of WAKSA just enjoy a nice cruise across-not trying to break any records. Why not have a few spot prizes or novelty prizes. It would then keep the event more interesting for everyone.
I have heard rumours of such an event being organised.
Just a reminder … entries close midnight THIS Friday.
I'm sure I'll be asked, so as @ now we have 170 people in total entered, so bodes well for securing a spot.
Dont forget, we have made the event hugely more inclusive this year with a doubling of the prize pool to include equal prize money for the top 3 female places as well as an awesome new division for Twin Tip Racers. Total cash prizes $9,625.
As well don't forget the first WA Racer will win the Marc Sprod Memorial Trophy.
Super cool new design lycras for this year | Epic after party planned at Fremantle Sailing Club | And, yes, we've ordered a solid 22 knots from the SW.
BBQ at Kite Addiction on this Monday from 5pm to 7pm. Ballot takes place at 6pm.
Select to expand quoteL2L said..
Just a reminder … entries close midnight THIS Friday.
I'm sure I'll be asked, so as @ now we have 170 people in total entered, so bodes well for securing a spot.
Dont forget, we have made the event hugely more inclusive this year with a doubling of the prize pool to include equal prize money for the top 3 female places as well as an awesome new division for Twin Tip Racers. Total cash prizes $9,625.
As well don't forget the first WA Racer will win the Marc Sprod Memorial Trophy.
Super cool new design lycras for this year | Epic after party planned at Fremantle Sailing Club | And, yes, we've ordered a solid 22 knots from the SW.
BBQ at Kite Addiction on this Monday from 5pm to 7pm. Ballot takes place at 6pm.
L2L...so how how many are in the draw for tonights ballot!? 
and will you be posting the successful nominees be up here tonight or is it email notification only?
At this stage those who secure a spot in the ballot will be notified by email. Sponsored and guest spots are WIP / being finalised. A full list of competitors will be provided closer to race day.
For those who may miss out, I am aware that Rottnest Express will be conducting a competition and * typically * WAKSA will auction off some of their 5 spots... All will not be lost if you are not successful in securing a spot. Fingers crossed, crew!
198 entries received, interestingly exactly the same # as last year!
