Rotto to Leighton faster than ferry
The Rottnest Express takes approximately 25 minutes to get from the island to Fremantle, but today's competitors in the Red Bull Lighthouse to Leighton kite race are hoping to shave a few minutes off the journey.
The fifth edition of the southern hemisphere's largest kite boarding race will kick off at 2:30pm today, with 110 surfers navigating their way from Rottnest's Phillip Point to the mainland.
They will be greeted by spectators at Leighton Beach, with more than $13,000 on offer in cash and prizes for the top 10 men and women.
Reigning champion Marvin Baumeister will return to defend his title after completing the journey in a record 23min. 50 secs. Last year.
He will be joined by fellow world-ranked kiteboarders, UK mother and son duo Steph and Olly Bridge, as well as other local, national and international entrants.
Steph Bridge, the reigning women's world champion, returns to the race for the second time hoping to better her performance last year which she said reflected an ordinary preparation.
"Last year we were here. We were a disaster, mind you, because we flew in about four hours prior to the event," she said. "I think this year we should be more dialled in."
Bridge said it didn't take much to convince her to return to Perth.
"I was actually in Dubai for the (International Sailing Federation) world championship, when they said, 'come and sign up for the race'.
"I thought, 'well, Dubai is halfway there'.
"It was a no-brainer, any excuse to get back to Australia and Western Australia to support such a really great event."
Bridge said the conditions this year were expected to be better than the last edition.
She said this could lead to a much better result personally and faster times across the board.
"You're looking at sort of 18 knots (wind speed), whereas last year it was about 15, 14 knots and the sea state should be relatively flat," she said.
"My aim tomorrow is to win the girls and to be top-10 overall.
"It might be a bit ambitious but let's see ... realistically ambitious. I think the conditions will be favourable."
The first kiteboarders are expected to arrive at Leighton just before 3pm.
