THE TIREE WAVE CLASSIC
in association with Corona Extra
Saturday 14 – Saturday 21 October 2006
http://www.tireewaveclassic.com

Media Release: 15/10/2006

First day of competition sees outsider Jamie Hancock riding high

With the sun beating down on Tiree the island ‘s beaches glistened
for the first day of competition. Sailors weren’t expecting t be
competing so early with the official start of the Wave Classic
scheduled for Sunday morning but as conditions were ideal for wave
riding organizers were keen to capitalize on this golden
opportunity. Following the judges scouting trip, the Maze was
selected for the Pro men’s competition.

The tail end of an Atlantic low was still making its presence felt
and South Westerly winds conditions were, according to head
competition judge, Duncan Coombs ‘Good Tiree’. The big move of the
day belonged to Phil Horrocks making a run off the beach whilst
free sailing launching in to an orbital ‘Air Flakka’ (up wind 360
jump completed in mid air). Variable wind strength combined with a
strong rip in the middle of the beach led to difficulties for
sailors in getting planing. The inconsistent conditions meant that
the judges decided to score only wave riding. A total of 17 heats
were run over the course of the afternoon culminating in a four man
final between Andy King, Phil Horrocks, Jamie Hancock and John
Hibbard. All of the competitors were in with a shout, but Jamie
Hancock pulled out an excellent last wave to snatch the final
round. The final results were:

1st Jamie Hancock
2nd Andy King
3rd Phil Horrocks
4th John Hibbard

There was also just enough time to run a single heat in the Women’s
Wave Sailing event before the wind died down. Ruth Elliott
triumphed over Louise Emery in a close competition due to her more
aggressive approach to the conditions.

1st Ruth Elliot
2nd Louise Emery

While the sailors nurse their injuries and reflect on the first day
of competition the wind has died a bit allowing them more time to
prepare before getting out for some afternoon events. As more
visitors arrive to the island people have started to sign up for
events such as Cliff jumping, Surfing and Blo karting while they
have a free morning before the sailors take to the waves in the
afternoon.