Tiree Wave Classic Report

Day One

Registration day at the Tiree Wave Classic sponosored by Event Scotland and we’ve had action from the start. It was howling as the sailors piled off the ferry and although it dropped off through the day it stayed windy enough to complete a full round of wave competition.
If I said the conditions were classic you probably wouldn’t believe me, but it wasn’t far off. Due to successful negotiations and an exchange of hard cash with a local farmer access to the Maze was secured, and those who made it through were greeted with 4.2 weather and head to logo high waves with the wind cross off from the left (port tack – which looked like it would favour the Rhosneigr locals Ben Proffitt and Phil Horrocks – as well as bonus Spaniard Jonas Cebellos.)
As the comp started the wind started to drop, which meant a frantic rush to get bigger kit ready, but the waves built steadily. With 8 minute heats and only waves being counted it was all about getting on a big wave and hoping it connected from right out the back right into the beach and it was clear from the start that the aforementioned port tack experts were finding this easier to do than all the rest, but other standouts were Paul Hunt with some very clean riding and big aerials, and Jamie Hancock.
After a slightly chaotic contest it was whittled down to just four, and by now the wind had almost disappeared, but there were still the occasional bombs coming through with Phil Horrocks, Ben Proffitt, Jonas, and John Skye pumping to get into them. Ben was ripping, and although the final was very fiercely contested, at times with two sailors at the same time on the two biggest waves of a set tearing them to pieces, the feeling on the beach was that he had to have won, and in one of their less controversial decisions the judges didn’t disagree, so first blood to Proffitt in the 2005 Tiree Wave Classic.

However, it’s early days and although the forecast for tomorrow isn’t as strong, there’s still a wave up here so with any luck the amateurs, youths and ladies should all get a look in.