Hayling Island: the skies were grey, but the Virgin Kitesurfing Armada broke the Guinness World Record

It's officially amazing. The Virgin Kitesurfing Armada has broken the Guinness World Record for the largest parade of kitesurfers.

Despite the rain and the grey skies, they did it. A total of 423 wind riders braved the choppy, cold waters of Hayling Island, completed the one-mile course needed to bring the record to Britain.

Kiteboarders launched their wings up in the air with winds blowing between 15 and 18 knots, and the challenge took three-and-a-half hours to complete.

"A huge thank you to everyone who has come down and supported the festival this weekend. It's been an amazing experience. 423 kitesurfers is a fantastic total, and everyone should be really proud. It's been an awesome weekend," noted Dan Charlish, director of the Virgin Kitesurfing Armada.

The previous record had been set by 415 kitesurfers at Dolphin Beach, in Cape Town, on January 30th, 2013.

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