Lying: Camilla Ringvold (kiter), Sophie Cohen (team doctor)
If you’re looking for a watersports wonderland, then sail straight to the Blue Haven Marina, in the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI). That’s just what a team of six kiteboarders did in December when they completed the first-ever non-stop kiteboard crossing of the Atlantic Ocean. Many others, perhaps less dramatically, have also cruised to TCI to enjoy countless other seaside sports such as sailing, snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing and much more.
It was a beautiful midday on December 17, 2013, when a group of Turks and Caicos-based kiteboarders organized by local eco-adventure company, Big Blue Unlimited, launched from shore. Shortly thereafter they were kiting escort-style alongside the record-setting kiteboarders as the international team of relay riders completed the last mile of their 4000-mile journey and made their first landfall in over three weeks at the Blue Haven Resort and Marina. These six successful kite-boarders, who formed the Enable Passion team that completed HTC Atlantic Kite Challenge, left November 20, 2013, from Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands and arrived in TCI 27 non-stop days and nights later.
“TCI was chosen as the kiteboard team’s end point due to its steady winds and idyllic location for kiting,” explains Adam Foster, general manager of the Blue Haven Marina, an Island Global Yachting (IGY) destination.
Kiteboarding is a popular sport on the island of Providenciales, where the Blue Haven Marina is located.
“The winds are constant 8 months of the year and this makes it a perfect place for kiting,” says Foster. “Kiting is possible right off the beach at the Blue Haven Resort or just around the corner on Long Bay where the shallow warm water is ideal for beginner and professional kiters alike.”
What makes TCI such a popular cruising destination is that it’s situated a little over half-way between Miami, Florida and St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. What’s more, this ‘gateway to the Caribbean’ location is surrounded by the third largest barrier reef in the world.
“The diving is amazing,” Foster tells.
The some 1,000 mile coral reef, the third largest barrier reef system in the world, offers incredible wall dives that start at 45-feet and plunge into a 7000-foot abyss. Sea turtles, eagle rays, huge sponges, schools of multicolored fish and historic wrecks are a few of the most fantastic sights. Snorkelers will find the reef an incredible adventure too. Tropical fish, coral and other undersea life make this a ‘must-do’.
In addition to kiting and diving, Foster says, “Fishing is great, there is stand-up paddle-boarding, kayaking and in general the island is an upmarket destination.”
Several sports fishing tournaments take place in TCI each year. The biggest is the Caicos Classic IGFA Billfish Release Tournament sponsored by the Blue Haven Resort and Marina that takes place each June. There are a number of nearby locales to visit by paddle-board or kayak including wondrous mangrove lagoons.
What’s more, adds Foster, “Marina guests have full access to all the amenities at the Blue Haven Resort, including the infinity pool, gym, business center, private beach, spa and three restaurants.
The 78-slip Blue Haven Marina can accommodate yachts up to 220-feet. Amenities include fuel, water and power, pump-out facility, laundry and on-site customs and immigration. There’s also concierge services that can direct guests to everything from the best places to shop and dine as well as golf, watersports activities and tours. For information, visit: www.bluehaventci.com
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