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In its third edition, Sertões Kitesurf- the long-distance challenge will cross the Ceará coast from 11 to 16 September, linking Cumbuco to Camocim in five stages, with different routes depending on the technical level, as well as beautiful landscapes as backdrops. SAS Brasil’s social action is expected to benefit 3,500 people.
Between 11 and 16 September, XP Sertões Kitesurf will once again take the DNA generated in the dust to the sea, with the expertise of 31 years organising the Sertões Rally. A challenge in a region with ideal conditions for downwind sailing that will demand technique, skill, physical endurance, navigational ability and the ability to read the conditions. And it will bring together not only Brazil’s best, but also stars from seven other countries.
This year’s itinerary is centred on Ceará. More precisely on the coast of the setting sun, with its beautiful scenery. Cumbuco Beach in Caucaia (Greater Fortaleza) will once again be the starting point. After the first three days on the line, with arrivals in Trairi, Itarema and Cruz, the fourth will test the competitors with a loop course – start and finish at Preá Beach, considered one of the meccas of the sport. Camocim will honour the winners in all seven categories, male and female.
One of them is new to XP Sertões Kitesurf 2023: Wing Pro, contested on boards equipped with Foil, a wing-shaped keel that keeps the sailor above the water and is propelled by a sail (wing) held directly by the athlete, without cables. This is a discipline for those with more experience and is considered even more radical.
There is room for all levels of fitness… The professionals will be competing in the Elite category, which will cover the longest routes, as well as the Pro category, which is aimed at high-performance amateurs. Over the five days, they will cover around 460 kilometres, many of them upwind, which is always a complicating factor. Pro Jr, Adventure, Master (45 to 54 years old) and Grand Master (55 years old +) will cover around 330 kilometres along the Ceará coast.
The Experience will bring together participants who can’t do the full race and will have the chance to take part in the last two, or just the last day.
As has become tradition, XP Sertões Kitesurf will promote a showdown between experts from different kitesurfing disciplines: from freestyle (freestyle manoeuvres) to big air (big waves), passing through race (regattas) and, of course, downwind, which is widely practised, even non-competitively.
The fun and experience will not be limited to the water. Every day there will be a Sunset, a moment of interaction framed by the region’s beautiful sunsets. And a luau will take place on the second day in Itarema.
Just like the Rally, the Sertões is committed to making a difference wherever it goes. Once again it will leave its legacy through SAS Brasil. In the 3rd XP Sertões Kitesurf the medical service base will be in the cities of Cruz, Acaraú and Camocim (CE), with a focus on zeroing the SUS queues for the following medical specialities: paediatric ophthalmology, dermatology, endocrinology, gynaecology, otorhinolaryngology, allergology, clinical medicine, nutrition and paediatric dentistry, with the expectation of benefiting 3,500 people.
“This year we implemented a new concept in kitesurfing competitions, Endurance. It’s not enough for an athlete to be good at downwind and be fast. Now physical preparation, strategy and tactics are also a key part of the race.” – Marcelo Gervini – Technical Director
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