Jim Brooks-Dowsett reports from the fifth day of the 25th Tiree Wave Classic…
I’m relieved to say that we managed a rest today after ‘Big Tuesday’ was back on the bill for this week. Colin who has established the rocking night will be with us on ‘Even Bigger Friday’ to play a set at the closing party but couldn’t make the midweek session … so with the support of Breaks Surf Shop the windsurf, surf and party playing legend Tommy Armstrong kindly stepped in to give us an awesome night of live music!
This was combined with the deadly combination of whisky tasting hosted by the Springbank Distillery who have made a 25th Anniversary labelled bottle especially for the event.
Tiree has always been known for some classic nights out, and this year has been one of the best already! So it’s quiz night with Carter and Timo tonight in anticipation of two more days of action…
Calm Before Next Storm At Tiree
This means three-time winner John Skye remains the leader of the pro event so far, with Ben Proffitt keen to get back at the top spot, and I’ve just spoken to Timo Mullen who is super-keen to get another shot at first place with the 3rd round pending.
A few heats of the Masters (amateurs aged 40+) were able to be completed on Tuesday morning, and the women’s event also got another round in. The full leaderboard and heats ahead can be seen on the BWA website.
Nigel Treacy, from the British Wavesailing Association, said, “I wouldn’t say these last couple of days has been frustrating, it’s just one of those things. The forecast looks better tomorrow (Thursday) and Friday and the scene’s set for a classic finish.”
Windsurfing associations across the world will be watching Tiree carefully, as for the first time a “Triple Elimination” stage is being introduced.
It means that all competitors will get another chance of rising up through the ranks – if conditions come in as predicted.
“The PWA (Professional Windsurfing Association) has been talking about doing a Triple Elimination for many years – so we’re going to try the format. We presented it to the riders and they’re very excited by it,” Nigel said.
Latest standings:
Professionals: 1st – John Skye 2nd – Ben Proffitt 3rd – Andy King
Amateurs: 1st – Aleksy Gayda 2nd – Lewis Merrony 3rd – Alfie Hart
Masters: 1st – Mark Lloyd 2nd – Keith Shorrocks 3rd – Dave White
Women’s: 1st – Debbie Kennedy =2nd – Sophia Joy Gilje =2nd Kariina Pirhonen
Keep an eye on www.boards.co.uk and www.boardseeker.com for updates and more as the week progresses.
Tiree Wave Classic 25th Anniversary is funded by EventScotland and Argyll & Bute Council. Hosted By Pura Vida Boardriders and the BWA with support from Wild Diamond, Oxbow, Caledonian MacBrayne, Springbank Whisky, Tiree Music Festival, Firefly Natural Energy, The Chocolate Brownie Company, Breaks Surf Shop and Beachbum Beanbags.
More at www.britishwavesailingassociation.com and www.tireewaveclassic.co.uk
