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Thursday, May 24 2012

Video & Pictures: Richard Branson makes second attempt to kitesurf the Channel

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By Dan Bloom

dbloom@thekmgroup.co.uk

Sir Richard Branson has called off his second attempt to kite-surf across the Channel.

The billionaire tried yesterday when he left Dungeness lifeboat station ahead of schedule after winds began to pick up at 9.30am.

But he had to call off his team's four world record attempts after one hour 10 minutes when winds became too strong.

He was making the attempt with his family, including his 15-year-old nephew Ivo, to celebrate his 60th birthday.

Video: Richard Branson's record attempt

His second bid earlier today was postponed - because the winds were too light - then finally cancelled because Kent had a severe weather warning!

It's not known if another attempt will be made soon

Hundreds of locals turned out yesterday, with Princess Beatrice on the shingle to watch her boyfriend, 28-year-old Dave Clarke, who was in the team.

The billionaire told KentOnline before he set off: "It's impossible to say whether we'll make the record as the wind conditions are strong.

"But I'm feeling fit and healthy so obviously I'm hoping to make it the whole way across.

"I've filled up on lots of carbs so that always does a lot of good!

"We've been here before - we did the aqua-car which was great fun. It's good this time to be able to bring my children.

The entrepreneur, who actually turned 60 last month, says his wife reckoned he was growing more crazy with age.

How did you celebrate your 60th birthday? Did you take part in a wild adventure like Sir Richard? Did you go up in a hot air balloon?

Tell us how you marked your big Six-Oh or, even better, send us in a picture to countynews2@thekmgroup.co.uk

Tuesday, August 24 2010

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  • Jim wrote:

    Well Richard Branson proves one thing......you don,t have to be bright to be a multi millionaire chance for me yet.

    24 Aug 2010 5:12 PM

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