Heya,
just a quick note in support of the Breast Cancer foundation as well as 5th element expeditions.
I was 1/10 kiters last year to attempt the Australia to PNG crossing. In short -we're doing it again and the title is still up for grabs
See below for the spiel if you need any more info contact Geoff
THE PINK TORRES EXPEDITION.
In support of the PINK POLAR EXPEDITION – this Torres Kite crossing will be dedicated to and raise funds for the McGrath Foundation. In recognition of Australian Women suffering from breast cancer and in support of Breast Awareness Programs nationwide.
Expedition Challenge : To cross the Torres Strait from Cape York at Latitude 10.43 South to Saibai Island 3.5 km from the PNG mainland at Latitude 9.23 South. Using wind power alone this distance will be crossed by a team of 15 Kite Surfers with vessel support. A total kite distance of 245 km of open water.
Route : The route makes use of prevailing South Easterly trade winds, currents and local knowledge to pass from the Tip of Cape York to Coconut Island via Kirkadie Reef. The second leg is from Coconut Island to Yorke Island. The final stage is a dead downwind run from Yorke Island directly to Saibai Island.
Exit Strategy : Charter Aircraft from Saibai direct to Cairns.
Aim : Each Kiter needs to pay for his/her costs in entirety pre expedition. $1100 deposit paid to hold spot and book flights immediately. In addition each Kiter is expected to try and “Think Pink” and to raise support for your mad mission in support of Australian Women, Breast Cancer and Breast Awareness programs run by the McGrath Foundation. We've set a minimum fundraising goal of $1000 per kiter. Voucher Booklets will be printed to assist in fundraising. 100 % of funds raised will go to the McGrath Foundation, and all giving will be tax deductable. These will help the PINKPOLAR expedition reach its $ 1 million fund raising target.
Our Kite Vests will be Pink and discussions re Corporate sponsors and Pink Kites etc… are in play.
However, this is a once in a lifetime adventure and I promise you once that your Kite is up, and you are flying through the exquisite Torres Strait you shall see its all worth the effort to get there.
Includes :
• Flights – Cairns – Bamaga/ Saibai – Bamaga.
• Camp Loyalty Beach
• Transfer from Bamaga to Loyalty Beach
• Transfer Loyalty Beach to Tip Cape York
• Full marine support and guiding for the crossing
• All Permissions
• Safety Gear including Satphones, Personal EPIRB, SPOT locator, flares, life vest, radio comms.
• Medical Evac.
• Accommodation/Tent.
• All Meals
• Public Liability Insurance
Does not Include
• Travel Insurance (recommended)
• Personal Medications
• Kite gear
Itinery.
Friday 12th July : Depart Cairns Skytrans 1.30 pm arrive Bamaga 3.35 pm.
4WD pickup and transfer to Loyalty Beach campsite for Expedition briefing, introductions and planning session. Dinner. Overnight.
Saturday 13th July : 4WD transfer to Tip Cape York to await wind and tide. Depart for Kirkadie Reef 51.8 km to the NNE. Free Kite, fish, spearfish Kirkadie Reef. Overnight bonfire and camp on Kirkadie Reef.
Sunday 14th July : Await suitable tide and wind and Kite 40 km NNE to Coconut (Poruma) Island. Local Council has allowed us to lodge in the village hall. Explore Island and free Kite. BBQ on beach.
Monday 15th July : Free day – Relax, repair gear, free Kite. Explore Island. School visit. Coaching Clinic with local kids after school. BBQ on Beach.
Tuesday 16th July : Walk to eastern end of Island and Kite from the eastern reef edge to Yorke 50.2 km away to North. Welcome by Tribal Council. Lodging in Yorke Cabins.
Weds 17th July : Free Kite Day. Kite Clinic midday. Explore Island. Relax. Recover. Island Council Banquet Town Hall.
Thursday 18th July Wait wind and tide. Kite towards Saibai – via rest break island 18 km NW of Yorke. Overnight on end of Mission Reef Sand Cay 42.8 km from Yorke.
Friday 19th July Kite remaining 60.20 km to Saibai. Entry to Saibai has its challenges – a long channel between it and the mainland similar to entry to Daru.
Overnight on Saibai – accommodation still to be arranged. Expedition celebration Dinner. Well earnt rest.
Saturday 20th July: Morning departure Charter Flights for entire team to Cairns. End Expedition.
This will really be a massive physical challenge, but one that will generate excited stories for years to come. I look forward to adventuring with you in the Torres Strait.
Geoff Wilson.
Any questions please email me at :
geoff@5thelementexpeditions.com
