Francisco Lufinha just started the ultimate odyssey over a journey of more than 1500 km between the Azores and mainland. Lufinha left today at 2:00 p.m., from Ponta Delgada, on the island of São Miguel, with his team and also the German record holder Anke Brandt, with whom he will share miles in intercalated shifts.
This departure was followed by many Micaelenses who gathered in the Marina of Ponta Delgada to watch this moment that is predicted to set a historical mark in the nautical sport world.
Moments before departing Lufinha was very confident “I’m looking forward to lifting the kite and starting the biggest odyssey of my life. It’s not going to be easy, it never is, but we will make it. “Anke Brandt said she was dazzled by the Azorean islands. “Visiting the Azores was an unbelievable experience. All the sea life I encountered during the days when we were training on the islands gave me extra energy to overcome this challenge, “said the German record holder.
In addition to the most varied obstacles (variations of wind, waves and clouds), the Azores – Mainland connection requires even more bravery from the athletes, since, for example, in case of rescue and given the great distance of land, a ship may take between 1 and 2 days to rescue them.
To escort Lufinha and Anke will be a support boat (sailing and environmentally friendly) with a doctor, a physiotherapist, four skippers and a cameraman.
This odyssey, which will be carried out by the two world record-players, is the final step of the project “Portugal é Mar”, which aims to link the Portuguese territory by sea kitesurfing.
This odyssey has the support of Docapesca, CCL, Azores Tourism, Visit Portugal, Oceano Azul foundation, Lisbon Oceanarium, MINI, among other partners.
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