Pic: Simon Crowther
The Corona Extra PWA World Cup ’07 –Event Preview
The all-time 2007 wave sailing season takes in yet another new tour stop in Scotland from 6th through 13th October. As the finale to the wave sailing series the battle is bound to be bloody as the championship crown is settled.
Scottish power
48 of the world’s premium wave riders will be hosted by the unique Hebridean Island community of Tiree as Corona Extra and Event Scotland celebrate The Highland Year of Culture.
Tiree’s hosted a British open contest for over 20 years, and now, proudly boasts full PWA World Cup Status and a prize purse of €30,000 to lure the sports elite.
The island enjoys a mild climate and claims the most sunshine hours in the entire British Isles, as well as the highest average wind speed.
Exposed to raw Atlantic swell, and violent winter storms, Tiree can switch from sunshine to showers in seconds.
The Islands breathtaking white sand beaches and variety of beaches offer this mobile event a vast combination of conditions to fully test the top names.
The current Top-10, past and present champions, fresh new talent and more have all registered for the journey north to ensure they’re involved in this exclusive experience.
Being the final event of the finest season the PWA’s enjoyed in many years, Tiree will have the privilege of seeing the men’s wave sailing title decided, and the cherished 2007 trophies handed-out.
The Stars · Brazil’s Kauli Seadi (Quatro / Naish), the current tour leader and 2005 world champ is guaranteed to go big on Tiree as the title race comes to its conclusion. With no result in Germany, and as winner of the last event at his home break in Ibiraquera he’s got to be the hottest favourite. · Spain’s Victor Fernandez (Fanatic / Simmer) arrives in Scotland ranked second overall and hungry to deny Seadi a second shot at the title. Fernandez has won two events already this year and is sure to go all-out to win his first wave sailing crown. In fact the title can only be won by Fernandez or Seadi meaning the pressure and expectation placed upon them is massive.
· Wave sailing legend Josh Angulo will make the pilgrimage to the North ranked third in the world and is determined to make this last chance event count. A wise and wave savvy competitor, Angulo can compete in all manner of conditions which makes him a significant threat to all. Hawaiian born and bred Angulo now represents his adopted nation of Cabo Verde and won the insane wave sailing event there back in February.
· 2006 Wave Champ Kevin Pritchard (Starboard / MauiSails) of Hawaii just always seems to be in contention for podium with his measured approach and tip-top tactics. A thoroughbred pedigree and loaded trophy cabinet are proof that this quiet character is a seriously aggressive force on the water.
Team GB
There is little doubt that the UK team will be a force to be reckoned with on such familiar territory. The British seafaring tradition is strong in the modern sport of windsurfing and the nations of this Island race are well represented on the world stage. Here’s an overview of some of the main players.
· International windsurfing star Nik Baker (Mistral / North), who won in Tiree back in 1990 and is currently ranked 4th overall needs little introduction. Baker is on form too right now with a 2nd place in Brazil and a taste for victory is certainly stimulating his competitive appetite right now.
· John Skye (F2 / Naish) was the 2005 Tiree open champ and is a seasoned PWA competitor who’s ranked 17th in the world. Based in the Canaries he loves nothing more than a domestic event to sharpen up his skills. Familiarity with Tiree and the wild conditions will give him a major advantage.
· Ben Proffitt (Fanatic / Simmer) also competes regularly on the PWA and UKWA circuits and has been triumphant in the waves in Tiree before.
· Ross Williams (Tabou / Gaastra) arrives in Tiree ranked 11th in the world in the wave sailing discipline. He’ll be shown all the respect he deserves on the water as a talented and genuine contender.
· Phil Horrocks (JP / NeilPryde) is fast climbing the world rankings and also boasts great experience of the venue. 25th in the world and a danger in strong wind he’ll be one to watch for a shock result.
· Robby Swift (JP / NeilPryde) is a world-class wave sailor with a current ranking of 13th to his name. Swift is recovering from serious injury and with growing confidence you can expect to see him upon PWA podiums again sooner or later.
More Names to beware of:
·Levi Siver (Starboard / NeilPryde) – Hawaiian style master and purist wave rider
·Jason Polakow (JP / NeilPryde) – Aussie legend and pioneer of the modern sport
·Vidar Jensen (North) – Norwegian looping legend and heavy weather expert
·Jonas Ceballos (Fanatic / Simmer) – Spanish jumping legend and veteran of one Tiree open already. He’ll love it the windier it gets.
·Julien Taboulet (F2 / Naish) – All-rounder who’s come into form late in 2007 and will love the variety of conditions.
You can find out more about the location at www.tireewaveclassic.com
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