Richard Branson sets kite-surfing record

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DYMCHURCH, England, July 2 (UPI) -- British billionaire Richard Branson, 61, says he has become the oldest person to kite-surf across the English Channel.

Branson said he set a Guinness World Record when he completed his trip from Dymchurch, England, to Wimereux, France, in 3 hours, 45 minutes, the BBC reported Monday.

The Virgin Group founder said he had to turn back from his first attempt Saturday because his kite was too small.

Branson said his aim was to break the time record for the feat, which was set by his son, Sam, in 1999, but he was unable to finish the trip in less than the 2 hours, 18 minutes his son spent on the traverse Saturday. The younger Branson broke a record from 1999 by about 12 minutes.

"The trip was far more challenging than I thought, with 40 mph winds in the middle of the channel and major waves," Richard Branson said after his Sunday kite-surfing trip. "I have to admit there were moments when I was tempted to abandon it. The wind direction was the opposite of what had been forecast. I expected to scream across but was greeted with a long, downstream kite that took considerably longer."