Date Set For 2006 Pusser's Painkiller Thriller In The BVI

Owen Waters, second-placer in last year's Pusser's Painkiller Thriller, practising for this year's event.

Eddie Brockbank enjoying the extreme conditions.

Twenty miles of "no pain, no gain" downwind sailing will take place on Saturday, April 29, in the 2006 Pusser's Painkiller Thriller. This windsurfing event in the British Virgin Islands was resurrected for 2005 and takes competitors on a 20-mile downwind ride from Pusser's Marina Cay to Peg Leg Restaurant at Nanny Cay Marina. This year kiteboarders will also be competing in the ultimate showdown between the two similar but rival disciplines. Start time is set for 11.00 a.m.

Last year Scotsman Ewan Anderson emerged victorious in what was described as a "brutal" race. Although obviously breezy at the skippers' briefing, it was not until the leading sailors reached Beef Island Bluff - with 4-6 foot standing waves and winds reaching thirty knots - that they realized the race was going to be one of endurance and survival. Race organiser Owen Waters of Island Surf And Sail described it as "twice as extreme as we'd anticipated" and estimated their average speed at 25-30 miles an hour.

Although no official times were recorded last year - the Pusser's Painkiller Thriller is more about finishing than the time it takes - Ewan finished in about an hour with Owen and Roy Keegan only minutes behind.

A kiteboard instructor will be on hand at Nanny Cay beach post-event for on-the-fly tips and demonstrations. Pusser's Painkillers will be provided to ease the pain at the end of the race and Peg Legs Restaurant will be providing a barbecue on the beach.

For more information on windsurfing in the British Virgin Islands and information on equipment rental for the Pusser's Painkiller Thriller, visit Island Surf And Sail online: http://www.surfandsailbvi.com