Windsurfing the 150 kilometers between Benidorm and Ibiza: the new challenge to support Anémona

Benidorm Nautical Club and the Self-Help Group for Women with Breast and Gynaecological Cancer, Anémona Marina Baixa, began the countdown this Wednesday for the next sporting challenge aimed at raising funds to support those affected by this disease. A challenge led by local windsurfer Darío Quesada, the event aims to cover the 150 kilometres (83 nautical miles) separating Benidorm from Ibiza on a windsurfing board without making any stops.

The Benidorm City Council's Councilors for Equality and Sports, Ángela Zaragozí and Javier Jordá, participated today in the presentation of the final details of this event, which will take place at 7:30 a.m. this Sunday, when this "Windsurfer against cancer" will depart from Benidorm, supported by two boats and a team of around fifteen people, who will accompany it until it arrives at the port of San Antonio de Portmany. Also participating in this presentation were Quesada, the presidents of Anémona and the Nautical Club, María Botella and Jaime Samper, and the event director, fellow club sailor Fernando Pardo.

Quesada explained that this is a challenge "that I've wanted to undertake for 40 years," but that he decided to do it now, given the opportunity to help Anémona," a group of women whom he acknowledged, admiring for their tenacity" in facing the disease and other challenges they face, especially through their rowing team. In fact, all proceeds will be used by the association to fight breast cancer, an initiative that has already received support from numerous sponsors and individuals. You can still contribute by contributing "to Anémona's bank account, via Bizum to the event's phone number, or at Anémona's headquarters, indicating in the account that it is for Darío Quesada's crossing," as María Botella pointed out.

The president of Anémona expressed her gratitude for the "always unconditional support of the City Council and the Yacht Club" in all the initiatives promoted by the association, as well as that of Darío Quesada and the rest of the participants in this challenge. This support "is twofold: financial, but above all, emotional, and which encourages us to continue working," Botella added.

Regarding the race itself, Darío Quesada and Fernando Pardo explained that the race's progress will be heavily influenced by the wind conditions next Sunday, but they estimate that it could last approximately 15 hours. At 7:30 a.m., they will depart from Benidorm for Calp, where a demarcation buoy will be positioned to head towards Ibiza, a voyage that could last well into the night.

To cover this route, Quesada will use a smaller-than-usual, windsurfer-class sail, "which is not for racing," although he will carry other sails "in case of a storm," as well as LED lights and other necessary equipment for sailing at night. He will also be accompanied by two boats, in which, in addition to the race director, he will also be accompanied by a medical and health team to ensure his safety, as well as members of Anémona and the Councillors for Equality and Sports.

Both Ángela Zaragozí and Javier Jordá wished them “good winds” and congratulated Anémona Marina Baixa on this new initiative: “It's an association that never stops and always has people willing to collaborate with them.”