The wind window for the crossing is 21-24 August.

“Kitesurfing is one of my favourite sports,” says Sir Richard.  “I can’t think of anything I’d rather do with my family and friends to  celebrate turning 60!”

BVI Kite Jam co-founder and friend, Charlie Smith, will be joining him on this six-hour challenge and as they prepare for the crossing this month, they are also gearing up for the Billabong BVI Kite Jam 2011, to be held from 26 February – 4 March.

“He’s such a huge a supporter and fan of kiteboarding, it’s the perfect way for Sir Richard to celebrate his birthday,” says Smith. “Up next, we’re both looking forward to the Billabong BVI Kite Jam in February. Last year was fantastic and we are positive this year will be even better.”

The Billabong BVI Kite Jam 2011 will be a world-class kiteboarding event held in the beautiful British Virgin Islands open to pros, amateurs and spectators alike. Participants can expect a week of freestyle, big air, races, equipment demos, clinics and nightly
festivities in spectacular locations around the BVI, including Sir Richard Branson’s Necker Island, Anegada and the Eustasia Sound. In fact, the idea for Kite Jam came about when Sir Richard and Charlie were kiteboarding together in South Africa, commenting on the ideal kiting conditions in the BVI.

After the overwhelming success of BVI Kite Jam 2010, next year’s event is expected to attract even more kiteboarders, pros, and spectators from around the world and is presented by Billabong.